CII
International Exchange Programme
Study, work and live in Argentina &
Chile
An invitation to take part in a unique experience
of cultural exchange, in which exchange students and graduates
share their language and culture with Argentine and Chilean
students of English in their role of Culture & Language
Facilitators at schools or language schools, become involved
in a Spanish-speaking community while staying with a family,
and learn the language in an intensive Spanish Immersion Programme
(optional) and through further Spanish Coaching.
• Colonias de Inmersión al Idioma
is responsible for all the stages of the programme: We recruit
the candidates, assist them online throughout the process,
host them when they arrive in South America, provide orientation,
TEFL training, Spanish Immersion Programme, placement and
coordination throughout. We provide all services directly,
through no intermediary.
• CII International Exchange Programmme offers a self-contained
placement. You get all you need at just one go!
• Valuable TEFL training and experience both in formal
and non-formal settings.
• Spanish Immersion Programme + Spanish Coaching throughout
+ Homestays to enhance your command of Spanish.
• Opportunities to travel around the country.
• CII has 19 years of experience in the design of exchange
programmes. Over 350 students and graduates from English-speaking
countries have joined our programme in Argentina and Chile.
Open to:
- University students or graduates from English-speaking countries.
- Ages: 20 to 26 years old.
- Have English as their mother tongue, be raised in an English-speaking
country, communicative, imaginative, fit, team-minded and
highly aware of their own culture.
Due to the nature of the programme, only students complying
with all the requirements stated above are encouraged to apply.
Exceptions to the requirements -especially with the age limit-
can be made in some cases for certain placements. Before you
apply, please contact us explaining your case.
Programme Duration: 3 to
12 months (adjustments can be made according to the academic
calendar of the candidate's country of origin).
Start Dates:
- In Argentina and Chile, 10 March and 25 July.
The Programme Includes:
• Orientation upon Arrival
• Online TEFL Course and 3-day TEFL Workshop (mandatory
for all applicants and optional for those with TEFL Certification)
and TEFL assistance throughout. Additional fee applies.
• Supervision by CII during all the programme
• 1-Week Spanish Immersion Programme (optional). Additional
fee applies.
• Spanish Coaching
• Work Placements at schools and language schools.
• Home-stays with full board
• Monthly Stipend
Jennie Konsella-Roth.
My experience here so far has been absolutely amazing! I got
really lucky and am living with a wonderful family! I am not
sure if I get to stay with them the entire time but it has
been an experience I will cherish forever. My placement in
the school has also been great and I don’t think I could
be happier. I am also thoroughly enjoying exploring the city
of Buenos Aires and I look forward to traveling around the
country more. So far, no complaints! Thank you for a wonderful
experience!
Jennie Konsella-Roth, Exchange Student from the United
States, University of California @ Davis. Doing her placement
at a primary school in the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires.
Debbie Hurley.
Just a quick mail to say all's well here
in General Villegas. Although settling in last week was quite
tough, this week has been great. Work is going fine, the children
in Argentina are crazy!!! but they're very obliging, and would
do anything for you. Carla and the other teachers have been
great, helping me to prepare the first few lessons, etc.,
so i think this week I'm finally getting organised work-wise.
My house is wonderful. Beba, my 'lady friend', has a heart
of gold. it's taking a lot of patience for her to put up with
my pigeon Spanish, but she never complains. she cooks like
a demon, the food is gorgeous. My Spanish lessons started
last week. my teacher is brilliant, and takes her time with
me, which is what I need. We are reading a novel, but mostly
conversing. i think the reason why I'm so bad at castellano
is because in university we did too much writing and not enough
talking, so i think it's better for me to concentrate on oral
work in my lessons here. I went out over the weekend, and
was left with no other choice but to speak castellano both
nights. I really think I've improved a little already. I would
be very interested in being a camp counsellor at the immersion
courses in October. I have a few ideas for themes for the
programmes. Well, that's all for now. Glad to report I'm still
alive and kicking.
Debbie Hurley, Exchange Student from Ireland, University
of Limerick. Doing her placement at an English school in General
Villegas, Province of Buenos Aires.
Tobin Sykes.
Only have a minute because I have another class soon so for
the sake of time I will write in English. Hopefully it will
be the last time. Though I have only been here for 4 days
and I don't want to speak prematurely, I want you to know
that my situation here, meaning city, family, placement, etc...,
is far beyond anything I could have expected. The family welcomed
me in with open arms and nothing has changed to date. They
are more than I ever could have asked for.
Tuky is amazing as well. She is my Spanish coach and has an
determined interest in providing the best experience possible.
This is only my second day at the school but once again, everything
seems perfect.
Tobin Sykes. Exchange student from the United States, University
of Texas. Doing his placement at a school in Rafaela, Province
of Santa Fe.
Megan Armstrong.
When I got on the plane in July to come to Argentina with
a couple gigantic suitcases and the hope that this program
was going to be at least half of what I thought it was from
reading about it on the internet, there was so much that I
didn't know (i.e. the language of the country, or that I would
need about one tenth of the amount of stuff I brought...hahah).
But out of that very ignorance grew an experience that is
changing me. It's challenging me to trust, to do things that
I wouldn't have before I came, to take chances, and to embrace
the unique culture of a foreign people. I am learning most
of all, that each day I am surprised, whether its by the patience
of a store clerk with my stumbling and awkward Spanish, the
picturesque landscape this country holds, or the capability
of my students to surpass my expectations. In every day there
is surprise, and thus... purpose and joy.
Megan Armstrong, University of North Carolina, United
States.
William Rice.
I can safely say that my time spent working for Colonias de
Inmersion al Idioma in Argentina was the most interesting,
and rewarding six months of my life. Not only did I develop
a whole variety of skills, abilities and talents from my work,
I experienced a lifestyle that very few people have had the
opportunity to undertake. I became very close friend with
a host people from very different nationalities and backgrounds,
and became more knowledgeable, well rounded person in the
process.
If I had the opportunity to do so, I would return to Argentina
in a heartbeat, as it truly has become one of my favourite
places on earth, and I can honestly say that throughout the
time I spent there, I did not have one unhappy moment, or
bad experience (save a bout of food poisoning, but even that
wasn’t too bad). My Spanish has improved greatly, and
I have developed a huge interest in the Spanish language and
Latin American culture, and find myself enjoying my Spanish
classes more and more.
Argentina truly was the experience of a lifetime, and one
that I would recommend to anyone considering undergoing the
“Colonias experience”. My only regret regarding
my coop placement was that it ended all too soon.
William Rice, University of Limerick, Ireland
Rebecca Spencer.
I am loving my experience in Chile. It has really been wonderful.
The Chilean culture is very rich and distinct from the other
cultures of South America. The people here are so friendly.
I am really enjoying getting to know the people and culture
and getting to travel and see Chile. It´s an amazing
country!
Rebecca Spencer, University of South Carolina, United
States.
Chad Johnson.
My experience in Reconquista and Argentina in general will
be one that I will never forget, at least for the memories
I remember. This experience is one that has been so incredible,
from wonderful families, good friends, and great bosses (of
course). Argentina is a place I'm going to miss dearly, but
the good meat, Quilmes, la bebida de la vida(mate), and the
sweetness of the milk will have to wait till I come back.
I think it's a little cliché, but I really believe
I had one of those years where I grew a lot and learned a
lot about myself, while learning so much about others. I will
never forget the time I had in the Tina.....
Chad Johnson, University of Colorado – Boulder,
United States.
Christopher Comiskey.
It has been thoroughly enjoyable. Not only have I had a very
unique opportunity to improve my Spanish, and visit another
country, I have also made friends, and developed as a person.
The most difficult aspect of my trip has probably been leaving
my family and friends for such a long period of time but I
think I have adjusted and am making the most of my time while
I´m here. I would really recommend this programme to
friends as a great way to see the world.
Christopher Comiskey, University of Limerick, Ireland.
Jane Mc Crory.
Totally different to anything I have experienced, but I`m
really glad I am in a smaller town. Every so often I have
a reality check and think `I`m actually in Argentina!` The
people in Catriel are really friendly, and I am having a great
time with my family. I am loving that I am learning more Spanish.
I want to travel to more places before the end, but time is
going so fast here!
Jane Mc Crory, University of Queensland, Australia.
Sara Kersbergen.
Todo està muy bien. Me encanta el lugar, los trabajos,
la familia y mi vida. Mi vida està sonriendo a mi.
Recomiendo Rafaela a cualquier persona que quiere hacer un
intercambio. T iene gente de mi edad para ser amigos, son
trabajos buenos con oport unidades de usar sus ideas y tener
una variedad de clases, lugares de ir de compras y salir,
y un ambiente co mo un pueblo chico en que podès conocer
mucha gente. Estoy muy contenta con mi placement aca. Gracias!!!
Sara Kersbergen, Saint Benedict University, United States.
Ultan Quin.
I'm sitting here late in Lime House on my last night, in a
city that truly never sleeps, feeling kinda melancholic as
I reflect on what has been such an amazing experience, personally,
culturally, educationally and in every other way possible.
It feels odd to think that I won't be returning here in the
near future as it has been the axis of my time in the Sud
Americas and a place where I've met some of the coolest people.
It was definitely an experience that I learned a lot from,
in every way, and shall always remember. I'll definitely be
returning to Sud America as there's lots that I didn't manage
to see and do in the time that I had there. I'd just like
to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work
and effort in making my time in Argentina a success. I appreciate
it greatly and I do hope that you realise how much we all
value everything that CII did for us!
Ultan Quin, University of Limerick, Ireland.
Stephen Buggy.
The school in Rancagua, Chile, is an experience not to be
missed. The people and the buenas ondas are incredible. My
only wish is that I could stay for longer. I have made some
great friends, not just passing friends but friends that I
will keep until I am buried. I have every intention of coming
back. Unfortunately I must return to Ireland for a little
while but only to complete my studies there. Then I will be
coming back. I was given the opportunity to experience new
culture, and at the risk of sounding "corny" I have
started a new life.
Stephen Buggy, University of Limerick, Ireland.
For further information: Exchange@ecolonias.com
Click here for Application Set &
Additional Information
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