Pueblo Hispano/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pueblo Hispano/Spanishtown?

Pueblo Hispano is a 5-day experience of complete immersion in the Spanish language.

Modeled after the internationally recognized Englishtown experience in Valdelavilla, Spain, Pueblo Hispano empowers church leaders – lay and clergy – to move toward fluency in 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. 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 is also 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 more clearly and more 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”

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 brief 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 will be received after January 1, 2010, for the next Spanishtown immersion week, scheduled for July 25-30, 2010.

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; assistant program director; clerical and web support; all materials) is $950 per person. (NOTE:  United Methodist clergy can request continuing education funds available from the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.)

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, or E-mail.