Online Language & Culture Program
Learn Spanish in Ecuador through a combination of language classes, cultural workshops, and local buddy chats. In this 8-week or 13-week program you will have 2 hours of one-on-one language classes each week (for the 8-week summer program) or every other week (for the 13-week Fall and Spring program) with an experienced teacher who lives in the host country and is a native speaker. In addition, you will have access to weekly Cultural Workshops to dive deeper into traditional and modern culture with our engaging Country Director. Plus, you will be matched with a Local Buddy to chat with informally for language and cultural exchange!
Whether you are a high school or university student with academic goals or a life-long learner of any age pursuing your interests in language and culture, you will gain new skills, connections, and cultural understanding.
ECUADOR ONLINE LANGUAGE & CULTURE PROGRAM
What does a Kaya Online Language & Culture Program include?
- Advising support from Kaya every step of the way from the application process throughout your program
- 2 hours/week of one-on-one language classes over the course of 8 weeks during Summer sessions, and every other week over the course of 13 weeks during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
- Cultural Workshops with your Country Director to attend live or watch the recording when it is convenient for you (1-2 hours/workshop)
- Local buddy chats for weekly language and culture exchange with prompts to facilitate discussion
- Discussion forum to connect you with other students in the program
- Certificate of completion
- Support pursuing home university credit, where available
- Invitation to Kaya LinkedIn Alumni Group
- Reentry toolkit to market your experience for your future career!
- Scholarship of $200 to visit your host country in the future
Details
Spring 2023 Session Date
Start date: February 3, 2023
End date: May 5, 2023
Application deadline: January 20, 2023
Fall 2023 Session Date
Start date: September 1, 2023
End date: December 1, 2023
Application deadline: August 18, 2023
Consider combining with a Remote Internship
Program Fees: US $1285 (UK £1090)
Add-On toolkit to understand your work style $50
Learn a Language
Learn the language – or master one you’ve been working at – with native-speakers.
Build a Global Network
Gain instant personal and professional connections with locals from your host country.
Cross-Cultural Communications
Stand out in our virtual world with remote experience communicating across cultures and in a foreign language.
Cultural Connections
Experience the culture with local people through workshops and informal chats with local buddies eager to share their culture with you.
Country directors
DIANA BALAREZO | Ecuador Country Director
Diana Balarezo holds an MA in social and environmental studies and a bachelor of science degree in tourism development and hospitality with a minor in fine arts. Born in Ecuador, Diana lived in the United States as a student during her junior year of college, and after college, as a restaurant manager at a ski resort in Idaho. She also participated in a six-month internship in Valencia, Spain, and has traveled to 21 countries so far.
ALI BENSEBAA | Morocco Country Director
Ali Bensebba is the program founder director. Ali has lived all of his life in Rabat and did his studies in Morocco as well as the US as a Fulbright Scholar. He speaks five languages and holds a Phd in Business Communication from Moulay Ismail University in Meknes. He is extremely open to different cultures and spends most of his time introducing students, interns, and volunteers to Morocco’s vibrant cultures.
FAQ’s
Do I have to be a student to sign up for the Online Language and Culture Program?
No. We welcome and encourage life-long learners of any age! This program is an excellent choice for people taking a break from school or careers, professionals looking to gain an edge, retirees, or anyone simply wishing to expand their horizons and learn something new.
What language levels are offered?
From beginner to advanced, we’ve got you covered! If you have specific goals such as learning language for a medical profession or mastering a challenging tense, our experienced and patient language instructors will help you work towards your goals.
Can I add more hours of language classes?
Definitely! We understand that you have a passion for learning, personal goals, and maybe even academic requirements you are trying to meet. Our Placement Advisors would be happy to discuss the options with you.
Do you have alternative start dates?
Can’t make our first summer session dates? Contact our Placement Advisors who can discuss your options and make sure you are the first to know about our next session dates.
How can I get international experience without traveling to another country?
You will learn the language from native speakers and get instant connections to local people who are eager to share their culture and welcome you into their lives. With these virtual cultural connections, you are invited behind closed doors and into the day to day lives of the local people. You’ll not only learn about the cuisine, music, and cultural traditions, you’ll also get to know the culture on a deeper level – understanding both personal and professional relationships in the context of your host country.
How will I benefit from Kaya’s Online Language and Culture Program?
Completing a remote language and culture program will set you apart from the crowd because not only will you enhance your language skills, you will also be gaining valuable cross-cultural communication skills and a global network. We live in a virtual world where more and more companies and employees collaborate and work together from their offices and homes around the world. (The Kaya Team included!) You’ll bring something different to the table with your experience communicating across cultures and in a foreign language in a remote setting.
Can I earn credit for Kaya’s Online Language and Culture Program?
Your Placement Advisor will support you to pursue credit at your home institution, where available. If you have specific requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you!
Can learning a language and culture online replace the real thing?
Nothing can replace the in-person experience of travel and we do hope you make it to your host country one day soon to experience your host country first hand. We mean it! Your program comes with a $200 scholarship for future travel with Kaya to your host country. You will arrive prepared, confident, and with lifelong friends! In the meantime you can still develop some of the important cross-cultural skills that can help you with your career, studies, and enrich your life.
Do you have a payment plan?
Speak with a Placement Advisor if you have concerns about the payment schedule, and they can discuss with you what kind of flexibility we are able to offer for your specific situation.
Application Process and Payment Schedule
CONTACT US
Speak to a Kaya placement advisor for more information on available placements in your subject area, and the type of work you are interested in. Click here to email us.
APPLY
Complete an Application and submit your resume/CV with a $45/ £40 deposit. Deposits are deducted from the total tuition fee.
CONFIRM YOUR SPACE
Confirm your space in the program with a Kaya advisor, then pay your balance to accept and book your placement.
What are the requirements to do an Online Language and Culture Program?
Our program is open to all. You do not need any previous language experience. We can cater to all levels of language learners. All you will need is access to a laptop, internet connection for video calls and an interest in cultural learning.
Learn a language, connect with locals, and fall in love with your host country from wherever you are in the world! Start the conversation today! Other online programs available below.
REMOTE
INTERNSHIPS
Also known as virtual internships or online internships, our placements in Ecuador, Morocco, South Africa and Vietnam are combined with cultural workshops and local buddy connections so you can learn the culture from those who know best – the locals.
ONLINE AMAZON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSES
Participate in an online Amazon Wildlife Conversation Course taught by an Ecuadorian conservationist and gain some valuable knowledge on wildlife management and rehabilitation.
ONLINE CULTURAL PROGRAM
Explore the cultures of Morocco, South Africa, Vietnam, or Ecuador with interactive Cultural Workshops and engaging Local Buddy Chats