Medellin Reports

[QUOTE=KilledSoul;2329362]Can anyone suggest intensive language schools in Medellin. I just want to talk to my chicas between the leches. Jajaja.[/QUOTE]You don't need any stinkin languange schools. Just hop on ebay and buy some used Pimsleur CDs. The big set with the levels, not the tourist starter CD. Add a Barron's 501 Spanish Verbs to that as well and a large English/Spanish dictionary. Then hop on Amazon and buy a used 1st level Spanish textbook for the low low. Make sure you buy some index cards too so that you can make flash cards. Listen to Lesson 1 of Pimsleur for 2 days in a row and do the first lesson of the textbook making out flash cards. I think the Pimsleur lessons are like 28 minutes. So teaching yourself should take maybe 1h15 m out of your day. Chat to some broads online. You will have it in no time.

P. S. I was a high school French teacher and have taught myself 3 other languages this way.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2329988]You don't need any stinkin languange schools. Just hop on ebay and buy some used Pimsleur CDs. The big set with the levels, not the tourist starter CD. Add a Barron's 501 Spanish Verbs to that as well and a large English/Spanish dictionary. Then hop on Amazon and buy a used 1st level Spanish textbook for the low low. Make sure you buy some index cards too so that you can make flash cards. Listen to Lesson 1 of Pimsleur for 2 days in a row and do the first lesson of the textbook making out flash cards. I think the Pimsleur lessons are like 28 minutes. So teaching yourself should take maybe 1h15 m out of your day. Chat to some broads online. You will have it in no time.

P. S. I was a high school French teacher and have taught myself 3 other languages this way.[/QUOTE]Years ago I got a download of like 50 different pimsleur language courses online from bit-torrent. Doubt I'm ever going to use the Swahili. Languages come easier to some than others and I'm one of those who struggle with it. Years ago I in my Brazil days I used the Portuguese. Now Pimsleur has gotten me functional in Spanish. Google translate certainly is a life saver when I come up short. I'm thinking about starting the Indonesian as I spend a few months every year in Jakarta. My problem is my brain has two language compartments. One for English and one for all other languages. Whatever bits of other languages I have tend to combine. When I was in Chile, locals thought I was Brazilian as my Spanish (at that time) was infected with my Portuguese.

I agree Pimsleur Spanish and Portuguese are excellent!

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2329988]You don't need any stinkin languange schools. Just hop on ebay and buy some used Pimsleur CDs. The big set with the levels, not the tourist starter CD. Add a Barron's 501 Spanish Verbs to that as well and a large English/Spanish dictionary. Then hop on Amazon and buy a used 1st level Spanish textbook for the low low. Make sure you buy some index cards too so that you can make flash cards. Listen to Lesson 1 of Pimsleur for 2 days in a row and do the first lesson of the textbook making out flash cards. I think the Pimsleur lessons are like 28 minutes. So teaching yourself should take maybe 1h15 m out of your day. Chat to some broads online. You will have it in no time.

P. S. I was a high school French teacher and have taught myself 3 other languages this way.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2329988]You don't need any stinkin languange schools. Just hop on ebay and buy some used Pimsleur CDs. The big set with the levels, not the tourist starter CD. Add a Barron's 501 Spanish Verbs to that as well and a large English/Spanish dictionary. Then hop on Amazon and buy a used 1st level Spanish textbook for the low low. [/QUOTE]I agree. CDs with a good book will give you a jump start.
I highly recommend this book. Sells for $20 (new) on Amazon:

Ultimate Spanish (Beginner - Intermediate).
Living Language series.
[URL]https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Spanish-Beginner-Intermediate-Coursebook/dp/1400009618/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Ultimate[/URL]+Spanish&qid=1559490631&s=gateway&sr=8-1.

The print is easy on the eyes. It is well written and the answer key is available under each exercise.
This saves time. No hunting in the back of the book.

~BKKguru

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;2329988]You don't need any stinkin languange schools..[/QUOTE]For some people like myself I found attending a language school, EAFIT in Medellin to learn Spanish much better than trying to learn from Spanish programs, etc. I know this because I started to learn Spanish this way on a computer and it was hard for me to just memorize stuff and when I was in a classroom setting it was much easier for me to learn by association and interaction with others. It was also fun for me.

There are some people like you who don't need a language school because languages are very easy for you to learn. However, for others it is very challenging and a classroom setting will be better for them to learn in which was my case.

[QUOTE=Talon;2329983]Join some Medellin expat groups on Facebook--I see people offering tutor lessons on them all the time. Alternatively you can look here: [url]https://www.catalystweekly.com/category/language/private-spanish-tutor/[/url] A private tutor I tried a few times charged 35,000 an hour (minimum 2 hours). She was decent but her lessons seemed more geared towards if I was trying to pass a formal written exam when all I wanted was to get better at conversation. I was progressing better just talking regularly with chicas. You're paying them anyway--might as well get a Spanish lesson from them to boot![/QUOTE]First, I think anyone that says you don't need this or that is doing a disservice to mankind. Just because YOU are able to learn a language with a book or CD or whatever, doesn't mean that anyone can. As I originally said, everyone is different and learns differently, especially languages.

I think many schools rely on people that don't know any better, I. E. , that there are tutors available to teach for much less. Toucan was mentioned. It is considered the best or one of the best schools in Medellin. However, if I'm not mistaken, the cost is even more than Colombia Immersion Spanish School and seems about the same as far as what they offer. At Colombia Immersion, there are different programs. If one opts for "immersion," the cost is either 525.000 (I think) or 725.000 per week. Mucho dinero. The latter includes 10 hours of private classes, I. E. , tutoring plus 4 hours of coaching, I. E. , conversation and weekly field trips to different parts of the city where you mingle with paisas and get to learn about the city. The former includes group classes instead of private classes. I checked 2 other schools and the offerings and prices are similar. Some students live at the school or with a host family to get an even fuller immersion. However, there's a lot of bullshit that goes along with that, or so I was told.

The best way to find a tutor is from a personal recommendation. A number of people in my school jumped ship to tutors by getting a recommendation from fellow students. However, that's not an option if you don't know anyone, my situation when I arrived. A very active board is the private facebook group, medellin expats - [URL]https://www.facebook.com/groups/159461177529433/.[/URL] A post asking about tutors will bring numerous responses.

[QUOTE=Jooks;2330122]First, I think anyone that says you don't need this or that is doing a disservice to mankind. Just because YOU are able to learn a language with a book or CD or whatever, doesn't mean that anyone can. As I originally said, everyone is different and learns differently, especially languages.

I think many schools rely on people that don't know any better, I. E. , that there are tutors available to teach for much less. Toucan was mentioned. It is considered the best or one of the best schools in Medellin. However, if I'm not mistaken, the cost is even more than Colombia Immersion Spanish School and seems about the same as far as what they offer. At Colombia Immersion, there are different programs. If one opts for "immersion," the cost is either 525.000 (I think) or 725.000 per week. Mucho dinero. The latter includes 10 hours of private classes, I. E. , tutoring plus 4 hours of coaching, I. E. , conversation and weekly field trips to different parts of the city where you mingle with paisas and get to learn about the city. The former includes group classes instead of private classes. I checked 2 other schools and the offerings and prices are similar. Some students live at the school or with a host family to get an even fuller immersion. However, there's a lot of bullshit that goes along with that, or so I was told.

The best way to find a tutor is from a personal recommendation. A number of people in my school jumped ship to tutors by getting a recommendation from fellow students. However, that's not an option if you don't know anyone, my situation when I arrived. A very active board is the private facebook group, medellin expats - [URL]https://www.facebook.com/groups/159461177529433/.[/URL] A post asking about tutors will bring numerous responses.[/QUOTE]I forgot to add that I'll be paying 35.000 per hour for a tutor, a little over $10.

[QUOTE=Surfer500;2329892]I didn't personally find the cold there so bad, however the City is very congested and hard to get around anywhere because they don't have a Metro system which I use in MDE every day.

As far as Bogota's Santa Fe red light district I personally did not like it, not much of a street scene, just lots of bars and hotels with girls in front and there were no parks or other areas immediately nearby this area to go to.

I think for the typical board member they will find that in MDE there are venues relatively close and easy to get to versus in Bogota it's hard to travel around the City and time consuming, at least that was my experience there. I agree with you that the quantity of venues available and the variety is probably at least five fold as MDE.[/QUOTE]Although it's not as comfortable as the Medellin Metro, the Transmilenio in Bogota is a cheap and quick way to get around. It can be insanely crowded during rush hour, even worse than the Metro, but it'll take you right to the heart of Santa Fe.

[QUOTE=Jooks;2330124]I forgot to add that I'll be paying 35.000 per hour for a tutor, a little over $10.[/QUOTE]You're on the right track. I certainly agree that nobody can really tell him what he does or doesn't need. He's the only one who knows his own strengths and weaknesses.

Now, to your tutor. At 35 k per hour, for 40 hours of tutoring you're paying 10 k more than the cost of a single, 40 hour class at EAFIT. The classes have 2 options. There's 2 week classes, 4 hours per day, or 4 week classes, 2 hours per day.

The class at EAFIT includes a placement exam, complete access to the university, and, if you finish the full program, a certificate stating you've met all the requirements and know the language. Which will come in handy if you're hoping to find employment in any Spanish speaking country (or applying for a position requiring Spanish).

They have weekly free, coffee socials to practice conversation with Colombian students, a free weekly salsa class and frequent free local excursions. There is an extra charge for the textbook, I believe around 100 k. You're also eligible to use the gym at the university, although there's a charge for that.

There's a discount for paying for multiple classes up front. It also qualifies you for a student visa. Pay for 3 classes and get a 6 month visa. Pay for 6 classes and get a 1 year visa. To get the visa you'll need to travel to Bogota.

[QUOTE=Jooks;2330122]First, I think anyone that says you don't need this or that is doing a disservice to mankind. Just because YOU are able to learn a language with a book or CD or whatever, doesn't mean that anyone can. As I originally said, everyone is different and learns differently, especially languages.[/QUOTE]Sorry. Instead of saying you don't need, I should have said in my opinion as a linguist and educator you should try this option which will cost you less and you can learn at your own pace. No need to have to be at a certain place at a certain time.

Of course I am well aware that there are different ways to learn. That is why I added talk to chicks online! You can direct questions to them and the messages back and forth will help develop reading and writing and they can lead and instruct considering they have a good command of the language themselves. Comes in handy sometimes to meet educated women with normal jobs, and not only those that are hookers or party animals.

I used to sell Rosetta Stone and before selling it to a person I would always tell them that IMO it was an awful way to try to learn a language. So I am not saying to try to teach yourself any old way. The options that I laid out though will more than likely achieve the desired effect considering one is not lazy. I am merely giving the shortcut version of how and what it took me 4 years and $50,000 to learn.

[QUOTE=Talon;2329983]Join some Medellin expat groups on Facebook--I see people offering tutor lessons on them all the time. Alternatively you can look here: [url]https://www.catalystweekly.com/category/language/private-spanish-tutor/[/url] A private tutor I tried a few times charged 35,000 an hour (minimum 2 hours). She was decent but her lessons seemed more geared towards if I was trying to pass a formal written exam when all I wanted was to get better at conversation. I was progressing better just talking regularly with chicas. You're paying them anyway--might as well get a Spanish lesson from them to boot![/QUOTE]Yeah I enjoy practicing my Spanish with the girls, its a totally different vibe then having to always pull out the translator.

I started out using Duolingo and started making flash cards. But I think having a tutor and being able to converse back and forth is better then learning from a CD or book.

[QUOTE=JjBee62;2330175]You're on the right track. I certainly agree that nobody can really tell him what he does or doesn't need. He's the only one who knows his own strengths and weaknesses.

Now, to your tutor. At 35 k per hour, for 40 hours of tutoring you're paying 10 k more than the cost of a single, 40 hour class at EAFIT. The classes have 2 options. There's 2 week classes, 4 hours per day, or 4 week classes, 2 hours per day.

The class at EAFIT includes a placement exam, complete access to the university, and, if you finish the full program, a certificate stating you've met all the requirements and know the language. Which will come in handy if you're hoping to find employment in any Spanish speaking country (or applying for a position requiring Spanish).

They have weekly free, coffee socials to practice conversation with Colombian students, a free weekly salsa class and frequent free local excursions. There is an extra charge for the textbook, I believe around 100 k. You're also eligible to use the gym at the university, although there's a charge for that.

There's a discount for paying for multiple classes up front. It also qualifies you for a student visa. Pay for 3 classes and get a 6 month visa. Pay for 6 classes and get a 1 year visa. To get the visa you'll need to travel to Bogota.[/QUOTE]As Alumni of EAFIT a couple of other things for others to know, they have a BanColombia branch on campus and as a student you can open a bank account without a Cedula, just your Passport. They also have an on-site health club you can join for a small fee and an Olympic Pool free to use. But more importantly, you failed to mention all the beautiful Co-Eds on campus.

[QUOTE=JjBee62;2330161]Although it's not as comfortable as the Medellin Metro, the Transmilenio in Bogota is a cheap and quick way to get around. It can be insanely crowded during rush hour, even worse than the Metro, but it'll take you right to the heart of Santa Fe.[/QUOTE]This is good to know for those visiting and who like Bogota, but for me everything sucked about the place and I won't being going back.

Staying in el Centro area all this week. If any fellow members don't want to fly solo, PM me.

SS.

What am I doing wrong? I've been exchanging mensajes with half a dozen women from FB and col cupid. I've got commitments for dates on Thursday and Friday. I asked if they wanted to meet at a restaurant or my place. All said whichever you want. I said ok, we'll meet at my place. Let me know if you have any special expectations for our time together. None of them have thrown out a number? I'm a reasonably attractive guy but there's no way these hot young women are interested in seeing me (early 40's) and not being compensated is there? One of the obvious prepagos from FB said whatever "it's up to you".

I don't want to come right out and ask how much they want so I'm dancing around it because there are a couple of them that are so hot I would meet them just for conversation. Is it common for them to just trust you to give them money without talking about it? Or are they stringing me and I will I get a text a couple hours before the date spelling out the rates? I suspect there's a Playbook because I'm getting the same messages. It's coming across Kind of like the two call system in the states. I'm happy to play by the "semi-pro" rules but I want to know what they are.