Pueblo Hispano/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pueblo Hispano/Spanishtown?

Pueblo Hispano is a 7-day experience of complete immersion in the Spanish language:
            6 days at Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford, Illinois
            1 day with Hispanic/Latino families in Northern Illinois

Modeled after the internationally recognized Englishtown experience in Valdelavilla, Spain, Pueblo Hispano empowers non-native church leaders – lay and clergy – to move toward fluencyin Spanish.  Participants who have struggled with psychological barriers (“do I sound foolish?” “what if I can’t understand anything they’re saying?”) will be able to communicate in Spanish with a new sense of freedom and confidence.

How is Pueblo Hispano different from other language programs?

Pueblo Hispano provides an experience of complete immersion:  14 hours a day of speaking and hearing Spanish.  No English is spoken for seven days.  Participants experience one-on-one conversations, group projects, worship, skits, games, and music -- all in Spanish -- from 7:30 am to late evening.

Traditional language schools in Spanish-speaking countries provide classroom instruction and homestays with native speakers.  But classroom instruction has obvious limitations, and homestays do not typically provide the intense experiences of communication that are needed, if an intermediate speaker desires to become fluent.

Pueblo Hispano brings native Spanish speakers to work full-time with an equal number of non-native speakers.  The native speakers receive room and board and other amenities in return for their volunteer service.

Participants will have at least 5 hours each day of one-on-one conversation with 5 different Spanish-speaking mentors.  There will also be a full schedule of group activities – all Spanish all the time, even during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

             
How is Pueblo Hispano related to the ministry of Christ’s church?

Pueblo Hispano was founded by Dr. Kirk Reed, a United Methodist pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference.  As chair of the Committee to Implement the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, Reed became convinced that to minister effectively in Latino communities, church leaders must be able to communicate clearly and confidently in Spanish. In the words of United Methodist Bishop Hee Soo Jung:  “It will soon be imperative for all clergy to speak more than one language” (Presentation to Elgin District United Methodist clergy on October 7, 2004).

Pueblo Hispano/Spanishtown’s mission is to prepare leaders for effective cross-cultural ministry in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ.

Who may attend?

Pueblo Hispano/Spanishtown is open to United Methodist leaders and also to clergy and laity from other faith traditions. The application process involves:

            1.   Completing the application form, available from www.spanishtown.info
            2.  Scheduling a telephone interview to be conducted in Spanish

Applicants must be proficient in Spanish at a low intermediate level or higher -– the equivalent of at least two years of high school Spanish.

When is the next Spanishtown?

Applications are now being received for Spanishtown 2007, scheduled for August 5-12, 2007 in Rockford, Illinois.

How much will Pueblo Hispano cost?

Every effort has been made to keep costs to a minimum without sacrificing quality.  The total price (room and board for participant and for Spanish-speaking mentor; transportation between Chicago and Rockford; program director; clerical and web support; all materials) is $975 per person.  If payment is made by June 30, 2007, the price will be reduced to $950  (NOTE:  United Methodist clergy can request continuing education funds available from the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.) Also, we are able to offer 1/3 off the cost for members of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church -- lay and clergy -- thanks to scholarship funds made available to us. Again, payment of $650 needs to be received by June 30.

How can I learn more?

Please contact Dr. Kirk Reed, Trinity United Methodist Church, 1024 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.  Phone:  847-251-7333, Fax: 847- 251-7354, E-mail:  wkirkreed@gmail.com.