Spanish Immersion Course to Be Offered

College of the Canyons is offering a weeklong Spanish Institute that features language immersion and a variety of activities to help students absorb the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

Besides studying the language, students also will attend lectures on Latin American history, practice flamenco dancing and study the art of Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo. They will learn to make tortillas, watch a Spanish-language film and enjoy a Mexican-style breakfast of coffee and pastries.

“The immersion is not simply that we’re all going to be speaking Spanish, but we’re going to be doing things that are usually done in the Spanish world,” said instructor Claudia Acosta, chair of the college’s Spanish department.

“We wanted to put together something refreshing and fun but that would teach the students what they needed,” Acosta said. “We want to have a big fiesta.”

The program is unrivaled in convenience and affordability, said Sue Bozman, the college’s director of public information.

‘Usually, the only way you can get an experience in immersion like this is to have an opportunity to go live in a Spanish-speaking country,” Bozman said. “If you don’t have the time or money to go to a Spanish-speaking country, you can go to College of the Canyons for that week.”

The program runs Aug. 7-11, with language and culture classes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There also are specialized courses for teachers and medical professionals each day from 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

College students may earn up to 3.25 units of college credit; courses are $11 per unit. High school students may attend free of charge.

Registration continues through Aug. 7. College of the Canyons is located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Valencia. For information on the program, call (661) 259-7800 Ext. 3530.