Expat Community > Haiti

BeccaK1970
Joined 2012
Posts: 2

Summer Creole Language Institute

12 years ago

Thought this might be of interest to some people.

Summer Creole Language Institute

Are you interested in learning Haitian Creole or in improving your Creole language skills? Enstiti pou Travay Sosyal ak Syans Sosyal, a newly formed undergraduate School of Social Work located in Port-au-Prince is organizing a summer language program for international students, researchers and practitioners. Geared towards those who plan to use Haitian Creole as a primary method of communication, this intensive program prepares students of all levels to work and live in Creole-speaking communities.

This full-time program operates in three week blocks beginning June 4 through August. Students attend language classes and individual or small group tutoring sessions 4-5 hours per day. Classes are taught workshop-style and breakout sessions are organized for those learning specialized vocabulary (e.g., educators, medical professionals, etc.). Participants are grouped by level (from absolute beginner to advanced collegiate levels); those with no Haitian Creole language background are assigned a personal tutor for their first session.

Cultural excursions and field trips are also included. Accommodations include a mix of university dorms (with hot water, internet and meals included) and home-stays with local families. Participants are welcome to audit or take classes in social work, research methods, or social science for undergraduate university credit at the Enstiti pou Travay Sosyal ak Syans Sosyal. For those who have not yet mastered enough Creole to understand a university-level course, a select number of classes will be offered in English or with English translation.

Session 1 (June 4-June 22) Focus programs: Haitian Culture, Community Organizing

Session 2 (June 25-July 13) Focus programs: Social Welfare Policy, Anthropological Methods

Session 3 (July 16-August 3) Focus programs: Children & Youth, Promoting Healthy Sexuality

Session 4 (August 6-August 24) Focus programs: Public Health, Women’s Studies

Who can participate? Although geared towards graduate students and professionals, everyone is welcome to attend. Participants will have the best time if they are flexible, willing to learn, and open to new experiences.

Will I get university credit? You’ll receive undergraduate credit (2.5 credit hours per session) but not all universities will accept transfer credits. You may need to arrange for independent study credit prior to coming to Haiti (please feel free to ask us for assistance with this; visiting professors from several US and Canadian institutions will be teaching this summer and may be able to oversee graduate/undergraduate independent study courses). University students in the province of Ontario or the states of Michigan or California should contact us for special college credit arrangements.

What does it cost? $480 per session includes classes, workshops, tutoring, field trips and university credit. Housing is $250 per week and includes most meals. Participants should bring spending money for snacks, personal expenses, some lunches, extra outings on the weekends or evenings, and local transportation.

How do I find out more? Contact Athena Kolbe, [email protected], 509-3-170-9889, skype: AthenaKolbe, or visit us at www.travaysosyal.com.

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