Putney’s Language Learning programs in France, Spain, Costa Rica, and Argentina emphasize having fun while speaking French or Spanish in natu­ral, everyday situations. Our 57 years of experience have taught us that communicating with local people, rather than sitting passively in a classroom with a group of other Americans, is what best promotes progress toward fluency. Friends and contacts developed by Putney over the past five decades, from farmers and bakers to journalists and government officials, help make our students aware that learning a language is the key to understanding and participating in another culture. Carefully planned itineraries in each country take students to the most famous sights as well as non-touristy areas where they have exceptional opportunities to immerse themselves in local life and culture. Our programs in France and Spain are travel-based, while Costa Rica is focused on community service, and Argentina combines community service and cultural exploration.

Putney’s approach to language learning is active and systematic. Beginning at the level where each student is, we encourage students to discard their inhibitions and fear of making mistakes. Our talented leaders direct conversational exercises to help students develop confidence with their speaking ability as they work toward fluency. The low student to leader ratio enables Putney leaders to give participants individual attention. Our method is active, fostering a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere in the group.

A short homestay is the most intensive component of the program. During their week in the homes of local families, students challenge their language skills as they exchange details of their lives and become immersed in the family routine. Our well-connected local homestay coordinator carefully selects each family from among his or her contacts and friends in the community. While this part of the program inevitably makes students nervous prior to arrival, in retrospect it is often the highlight, allowing students to “conquer” a bit of French, Spanish, Costa Rican, or Argentine culture on their own. 

Participants must sign a pledge to speak French or Spanish. Students agree to speak in the target language with the leaders, within the group, and with the many foreign friends they will encounter during the summer. This commitment, combined with an adventurous spirit, is the principal tool for making progress in a foreign language. On their return, many students happily report that they are not only speaking, but thinking, and even dreaming, in a foreign language.

France 10th-12th     Unit A: 6|30 - 8|07 $9490 8th-9th     Unit B: 7|03 - 8|04 $9290 10th-12th     Unit C: 7|07 - 8|14 $9490   Spain 10th-12th     Unit A: 6|24 - 7|27 $9090 10th-12th     Unit C: 7|03 - 8|05 $9090 8th-9th     Unit D: 7|03 - 8|05 $9090     Argentina 10th-12th               6|29 - 7|29 $6190   Costa Rica 10th-12th     Unit A: 6|23 - 7|23 $5990 10th-12th     Unit B: 7|01 - 7|31 $5990