Study Language in Bolivia

Instituto de Lenguas y Cultura Andean (The Institute of Andean Language and Culture), located in Cochabamba,Bolivia, offers flexible, private, individualized classes in Spanish (Castellano), Quechua and Aymara. Oral communication and grammar are emphasized.

In 1995 Daniel Cotari, Gladys Espinoza, and Alejandro Velasquez started ILCA to teach languages to those who wished to work directly with the people of Bolivia. Their first students were Lutheran missionaries from Norway. Little by little, students from other organizations such New Tribes, SIM, Mission Suisse and others learned about the school and numbers grew. The school remains small enough to provide individualized attention to each student.

ILCA prides itself in its experienced staff. The staff members understand other languages, although they may not be able to communicate in them. English is the primary second language. Other languages include Norwegian, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

Daniel Cotari, an expert in Andean language and culture, taught languages at Mary Knoll for 15 years and in Mision Luterana for 6 years. Daniel has written curriculum materials in Aymara and Quechua that are used in many schools, including ILCA, and also writes material for Quechua radio programs. He is a member of Academia de Quechua. Daniel teaches Spanish, Quechua and Aymara and is listed in “Lonely Planet” as a recommended teacher.

Gladys Espinoza, the school’s administrator, taught languages at Mary Knoll for 4 years and in Mision Luterana for 6 years. She presently teaches history and literature at the high school (colegio) level. A teacher of Spanish and Quechua, she is also listed in “Lonely Planet” as a recommended teacher. Gladys also is active in her community and administrates an orphanage.

Alejandro Velasquez also taught language at Mary Knoll for 15 years and in Mision Luterana. His vast experience makes him an very knowledgeable in politics and culture. Ali enjoys guiding tourist groups to Cusco and Tunari. He teaches Spanish, Quecha and Aymara.

In addition to the core staff, there are several capable teachers that teach part time.

José Claros, another veteran teacher, taught 15 years at Mary Knoll as a language teacher. He also taught teachers who worked in the schools in the rural regions outside Cochabamba. He presently teaches primary school and teaches Spanish and Quechua at ILCA.

Nora , another 20 year veteran of Mary Knoll, teaches Spanish and Aymara. She also performs in Aymara radio dramas

All the instruction is given in a private, one-on-one setting. Each student progresses at his/her own speed. Each period the teachers rotate so you experience a variety of teaching styles.

Spanish
Different material is used depending on the length of stay and the depth of language learning required. Many students take the 3 to 5 month course which enables them to have a working knowledge of the language.

For a ‘speed course’ that can be completed 1 to 2 months other material is used. Emphasis is on grammar and oral communication.

Refresher courses to improve Spanish are also offered. These courses emphasize literature and culture. Courses can be created around your interests, for example, telling Bible stories or teaching a healthy lifestyle. These, too, will emphasize the local culture.

Quechua

Learning Quechua requires 6-8 months. Based on the Quechua textbook written by Daniel Cotari, this course also used additional materials in culture and literature. Oral communication is emphasized.

Aymara

Learning Aymara also requires 6-8 months. Based on the Aymara textbook written by Daniel Cotari, this course also used additional materials in culture and literature. Oral communication is emphasized.

Many of our students work directly with the people of Bolivia and wish to communicate with them. Missionaries and development workers come to Cochabamba for approximately 4-8 months to learn the basics of a language. Later many return for a refresher course to improve their communication skills.

Some are visitors to our country who simply wish to improve their Spanish.

Others are students from other countries who are enrolled in credit Spanish courses and use our services to improve the oral aspects of the language. ILCA also prepares them for examinations in their own countries

We recommend that students attend an average of 15-20 classes per week with a minimum of 6 classes. Fees are $6.00 per period. (Language school periods are 45 minutes.)

Many of our students have families and arrange their own housing. There are furnished apartments available for $200 per month in the same building as the school.

Arrangements can be made for you to live with a Bolivian family. Cost for a single person with a family would be about $200 per month, including food and accommodation. We can also arrange accommodation for families. Cost for a family is available upon request.

The school is located a twenty minute walk to the centre of Cochabamba and an equal distance to fine restaurants and night life. It is convenient to many bus routes that will take you to the sights around the city. A bus ride costs about 25 cents US! The area contains many internet and telephone kiosks as well as a market.

Cochabamba, located in the heart of Bolivia in the Tunari mountains is known as the City of Eternal Spring. Although the temperate climate averages 20-25°C. year round, there are few biting insects.

The city and surrounding area is known for its markets. La Cancha, the largest, is the place where everything from fruit to blue jeans can be found at very reasonable prices. Markets are held throughout the city during the week and many products can be purchased from local street vendors.

Its rich history can be found in the museums and picturesque villages surrounding the city. The local bus or a walk will take you to many of the sites including the Cristo, the Museo Archeólogico and the Palacio de Los Portales. A bus or taxi will take you to the surrounding villages, to the hot springs at Liniuni or to Inca ruins.

Cochabamba claims some of the best restaurants in Bolivia. Menus range from the salténas to upscale restaurants.

The staff at ILCA are well qualified to advise you of the tourist opportunities in Cochabamba.

ILCA
c/oGladys Espinoza
Av. Peru 0414
Cochabamba, Bolivia

Phone: 70 74 77 28 cellular
42 89 927 evenings
42 82 414 daytime

Email: ilcacoch@yahoo.com
hannegla@supernet.com.bo