Washington and Lee University
LACS oversees information and advising regarding two types of experiential learning opportunities.
Mar de Plata, Argentina: Students work for 8 weeks as a teacher's assistant for grades K-12 in a English speaking school. Positions are competitive and are usually limited to 2 to 3 interns each summer. Priority is given to students with LACS, Spanish, Education, and/or ESOL experience. Interns receive limited compensation in the form of room and board. This particular internship is best suited for those interested in pursuing a career in Education. Although much of the daily work may be conducted in English, successful interns should be proficient in Spanish and have completed some 200 level course work.
Nicoya, Costa Rica: For the first 4 weeks, students spend four hours a day in intensive language instruction, often with only 2 or 3 students per instructor. For the second half of the day students participate in volunteer experiences designed to contextualize language learning. In past summers, students have worked at the courthouse, assisted teachers, worked as a waiter and store clerk, and many other experiences intended to contextualize your Spanish. During the second 4 weeks students may repeat the same format or choose to focus all of their time on the volunteer experience. Students live with families and pay an all-inclusive fee for program, room, and board. This experience is best suited for advanced students wishing to improve oral proficiency in a real-life situation but beginners may also be accommodated.