Language Summer Abroad Program

 February 1, 2012

Greetings from the Modern Language Department!

After several very successful trips over the previous years, we want to make sure that you are aware of the study abroad opportunities we are currently offering in 2012. Our goal is to not only challenge our language students to achieve fluency while studying in their classrooms here on Maher Avenue, but to also encourage them to explore the great cities and the diverse cultures of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia each summer.

Studying abroad allows students a chance to fully immerse themselves in a completely different academic environment where achieving greater fluency is accomplished through "living the language." We have found that through travel, overseas stays, and hands-on academic exploration, students can make great strides in their fluency and overall academic and social confidence. Moreover, the personal growth that comes out from these experiences is often invaluable.

Our foreign language teachers are organizing and exploring different opportunities for our students to go abroad this summer. We hope that your son will consider participating. Several students have already signed up for the Service Learning in Paris (program supervised by Mr. Berrier) and the Instituto San Pedro program in Segovia, Spain (supervised by Mr. Ocaña). Ms. Wang will be collaborating with Shanghai Prep to send Wick students to China. Ms. Crawford will be working in conjunction with SPI to send a group of students to Siena, Italy. I have also added information on the Majorca's (Spain) ArchaeoSpain program - an archaeological program for high school students that I personally directed from 2003 to 2006, offering students interested in the classics and ancient history an unique opportunity to experience what a professional archaeological dig is really like.

Please see below for more information about our summer programs. Applications are distributed via class and available now by contacting the teacher in charge directly. 

Jaime González-Ocaña
Chair, Foreign Languages Dept.

 Brunswick Summer Abroad Programs for Summer 2012 

FRENCH
Where: Paris (France)
When: July 3 - 9
Program Overview: Brunswick School’s faculty member Mikel Berrier will be working this summer at the Service Learning in Paris Program, and he invites Wick students to join him there for a fantastic immersion opportunity. Students have classes in the morning (both language instruction, a cultural seminar, and art and architecture classes) and are offered many opportunities to experience the beautiful and vibrant city of Paris and surrounding sites. In addition, there is a substantial community service component to it, making this program a wonderful opportunity for those who not only would like to learn the language in a “hands-on” environment, but also want to make a difference in others’ communities. The program’s director is its founder, John Nissen. During the 1990's, John resided in Paris for seven years while he was the Dean of Students and a vice-president at the American University of Paris. 
More Info:  Study-Serve.org 

SPANISH
Where: Segovia (Spain) 
When: June 22 to July 21, 2012
Faculty contact: Mr. Ocaña
Program overview: Brunswick School, in conjunction with Señor José Martín and the Instituto San Pedro, will work this year again to provide students with a safe and fun immersion experience in Spain. The Instituto San Pedro is a summer language program located in the beautiful medieval city of Segovia. The program has been run by members of the Martín family for over 50 years and specializes in providing small groups of American students a unique study abroad experience. In the summer of 2009, ten Brunswick students successfully participated in the program; in the summer of 2010, another seven Wick students went to Segovia. From attending classes and living with a Spanish family to traveling to some of the most important cultural sites in the country, students will have a wonderful opportunity to experience Spain, its people, and its history. Mr. Ocaña will be traveling to Spain with the students and spent the first week participating in all aspects of the program. Check with Mr. Ocaña for other summer study’s opportunities (different dates and locations) in Spain.
More info: institutosanpedro.com

CHINESE
Where: Shanghai (China) 
When: July 3 - 27, 2012
Faculty Contact: Ms. Jing Wang
Program overview: Brunswick Chinese teacher Jing Wang recommends Shanghai Prep as an immersion program in China that will fit Wick students’ needs and language skills. Independent schools of our area, such as Hackley, send students every summer to the China Prep program. Chinese language instruction is incorporated into activities with a fun, hands-on approach. In addition, this program offers plenty of opportunities for traveling and experiencing Chinese culture. Students stay in hotel rooms. Ms. Wang is exploring other possibilities for Wick students to experience immersion programs in the Far East (different dates and locations). Please contact her about immersion programs in Beijing (in challenging academic institutions like the Beijing Foreign Studies University, Tsinghua University, Beijing Language and Culture University), Taiwan, and Hong-Kong.
More info: chinaprep.com/high-school-summer-abroad

ITALIAN
Where: Siena (Italy) 
When: June 29 - July 15, 2012
Faculty contact: Ms. Sarah Crawford
Trip Summary: Faculty member Sarah Crawford is working in conjunction with reputed international organization SPI to bring a group of Wick Italian students to Siena, Italy. Siena is a beautiful medieval town built upon three hills in the heart of scenic Tuscany. It is famous for its history, art, cuisine, museums, many medieval treasures, and the famous Palio horserace, that will take place July 2nd during the students’ stay there. Siena has maintained a unique character and beauty that will charm you. The program provides four hours of language instruction as well daily cultural immersion activities. The program includes trips and excursions to surrounding cities. Students will be staying with families. Ms. Crawford will be flying to Italy with our students and participate in the program during the first week. 
More info:  spiabroad.com/italy/siena/

Faculty Members

• Mikel Berrier
  
• Sarah Crawford
  
• Jaime Gonzalez-Ocana
  
• Jing Wang