Colombian Encounters (B2-C1)
What makes Colombia one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in Latin America? Through videos, literary texts, music, and other authentic materials, you'll explore Colombia’s regional diversity, indigenous and colonial heritage, political history, literature, gastronomy, and unique Spanish dialects. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary building and discussion, with students expected to engage in weekly presentations, debates, and free conversation about the country’s rich cultural landscape.
While grammar is not the primary focus, students should have a solid grasp of all indicative tenses and some knowledge of the subjunctive, as the course challenges them to apply advanced linguistic structures naturally.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
➡️ Understand and discuss key aspects of Colombian history, society, and culture
➡️ Engage in meaningful discussions about Colombian literature, art, music, and traditions
➡️ Analyze and interpret authentic Colombian texts, videos, and journalistic crónicas
➡️ Expand and apply advanced vocabulary related to travel, politics, and social issues
➡️ Recognize and understand regional variations of Colombian Spanish
➡️ Give short presentations and lead discussions on cultural topics
➡️ Talk confidently about Colombia’s complex history, from colonial times to the present
If you’re looking to connect language learning with culture, history, and identity, this course offers an immersive, thought-provoking experience that will take your Spanish to the next level.
-> $550 online or at WLS Falls Church, VA (7389 US-29, Falls Church, VA 22042)
While grammar is not the primary focus, students should have a solid grasp of all indicative tenses and some knowledge of the subjunctive, as the course challenges them to apply advanced linguistic structures naturally.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
➡️ Understand and discuss key aspects of Colombian history, society, and culture
➡️ Engage in meaningful discussions about Colombian literature, art, music, and traditions
➡️ Analyze and interpret authentic Colombian texts, videos, and journalistic crónicas
➡️ Expand and apply advanced vocabulary related to travel, politics, and social issues
➡️ Recognize and understand regional variations of Colombian Spanish
➡️ Give short presentations and lead discussions on cultural topics
➡️ Talk confidently about Colombia’s complex history, from colonial times to the present
If you’re looking to connect language learning with culture, history, and identity, this course offers an immersive, thought-provoking experience that will take your Spanish to the next level.
-> $550 online or at WLS Falls Church, VA (7389 US-29, Falls Church, VA 22042)
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Weekly Topics:
📌 Week 1: El territorio nacional colombiano – Explore Colombia’s diverse geography and regional identities
📌 Week 2: Sabores de Colombia – Discover the country’s rich gastronomy, from arepas to bandeja paisa
📌 Week 3: El español colombiano – Regional accents, slang, and what makes Colombian Spanish unique
📌 Week 4: Bogotá, Medellín y Cali – Colombia’s major cities and their distinct cultural influences
📌 Week 5: Colombia prehispánica y colonial – Indigenous civilizations, Spanish conquest, and their lasting impact
📌 Week 6: García Márquez y el realismo mágico – The world of Cien años de soledad and magical realism
📌 Week 7: Cumbia, vallenato y reguetón – The rhythms and influence of Colombian music worldwide
📌 Week 8: Coca, conflicto y paz – Colombia’s political history, drug trade, and ongoing peace process
📌 Week 9: La Virgen y los mitos populares – Religion, folklore, and supernatural beliefs in Colombia
📌 Week 10: Final Review & Discussion – Reflecting on key themes and student presentations
📌 Week 2: Sabores de Colombia – Discover the country’s rich gastronomy, from arepas to bandeja paisa
📌 Week 3: El español colombiano – Regional accents, slang, and what makes Colombian Spanish unique
📌 Week 4: Bogotá, Medellín y Cali – Colombia’s major cities and their distinct cultural influences
📌 Week 5: Colombia prehispánica y colonial – Indigenous civilizations, Spanish conquest, and their lasting impact
📌 Week 6: García Márquez y el realismo mágico – The world of Cien años de soledad and magical realism
📌 Week 7: Cumbia, vallenato y reguetón – The rhythms and influence of Colombian music worldwide
📌 Week 8: Coca, conflicto y paz – Colombia’s political history, drug trade, and ongoing peace process
📌 Week 9: La Virgen y los mitos populares – Religion, folklore, and supernatural beliefs in Colombia
📌 Week 10: Final Review & Discussion – Reflecting on key themes and student presentations
What if I Miss a Class?
We understand that life gets busy, but we’ve got you covered!
✔ Follow the Materials – From day one, you’ll receive all course materials and the syllabus, making it easy to prepare for lessons and follow along if you miss a session.
✔ Watch the Recordings – You’ll have access to class recordings, so you can review missed lessons at your own pace.
✔ Make Up the Lesson – Need extra support or more conversation practice? Schedule an optional one-on-one makeup session with your instructor to reinforce what you missed.
✔ Follow the Materials – From day one, you’ll receive all course materials and the syllabus, making it easy to prepare for lessons and follow along if you miss a session.
✔ Watch the Recordings – You’ll have access to class recordings, so you can review missed lessons at your own pace.
✔ Make Up the Lesson – Need extra support or more conversation practice? Schedule an optional one-on-one makeup session with your instructor to reinforce what you missed.
Take Your Learning Further with the Annual Roadmap!
Don’t stop with just one course or wait until the last minute to sign up for your next! Plan ahead and unlock huge benefits by enrolling in our Annual Roadmap Program. By joining this optional program, you’ll gain:
✅ Enrollment into four consecutive semesters of courses
✅ Exclusive access to extra practice materials and guided learning plans
✅ A structured sequence of level exit exams to track and monitor your progress
✅ A structured learning path that ensures steady progress and prevents plateaus
✅ $105 in free monthly credits for 12 months, valid for private tutoring, club events, and makeup sessions
Stay on track, gain exclusive benefits, and reach fluency faster with the Annual Roadmap!
✅ Enrollment into four consecutive semesters of courses
✅ Exclusive access to extra practice materials and guided learning plans
✅ A structured sequence of level exit exams to track and monitor your progress
✅ A structured learning path that ensures steady progress and prevents plateaus
✅ $105 in free monthly credits for 12 months, valid for private tutoring, club events, and makeup sessions
Stay on track, gain exclusive benefits, and reach fluency faster with the Annual Roadmap!
Terms & Enrollment Policies
Course Duration & Hours
Adult group courses consist of 10 class sessions. The total course hours may vary depending on enrollment:
Withdrawals & Course Credit
Students may withdraw from a course and receive a course credit for the full amount paid if the withdrawal request is made at least 7 days before the course start date. Course credits are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. Work-Life Spanish does not offer refunds for student withdrawals.
Transfers
Once a course has started, same-level transfers, course credits, or refunds are not permitted. The only exception is if a student has enrolled in the incorrect level. In that case, the student may be transferred to a course at the appropriate level if space is available.
Attendance & Course Completion
Successful completion of a course requires attendance of at least 8 out of the 10 sessions. Students who miss a class are encouraged to schedule a makeup session with their instructor to review the missed material. When a makeup session is completed, the missed class will be counted as an attended session for the purpose of course completion.
Students with more than two absences that are not completed through makeup sessions will not be considered to have successfully completed the course and may be required to retake the course.
Unused Enrollment
Students who enroll in a WLS offering or purchase package credits but do not attend sessions or use their credits within the designated timeframe remain responsible for the enrollment. Failure to attend classes does not qualify for refunds, credits, or transfers outside the policies listed above.
Level Progression
Each level at Work-Life Spanish includes multiple courses that build upon one another. Students must successfully complete all courses within a level before taking the Level Exit Exam. Students must pass the Level Exit Exam before enrolling in the next level.
Adult group courses consist of 10 class sessions. The total course hours may vary depending on enrollment:
- 1 student: 10 total hours (60 minutes per session)
- 2–3 students: 15 total hours (90 minutes per session)
- 4 or more students: 20 total hours (120 minutes per session)
Withdrawals & Course Credit
Students may withdraw from a course and receive a course credit for the full amount paid if the withdrawal request is made at least 7 days before the course start date. Course credits are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. Work-Life Spanish does not offer refunds for student withdrawals.
Transfers
Once a course has started, same-level transfers, course credits, or refunds are not permitted. The only exception is if a student has enrolled in the incorrect level. In that case, the student may be transferred to a course at the appropriate level if space is available.
Attendance & Course Completion
Successful completion of a course requires attendance of at least 8 out of the 10 sessions. Students who miss a class are encouraged to schedule a makeup session with their instructor to review the missed material. When a makeup session is completed, the missed class will be counted as an attended session for the purpose of course completion.
Students with more than two absences that are not completed through makeup sessions will not be considered to have successfully completed the course and may be required to retake the course.
Unused Enrollment
Students who enroll in a WLS offering or purchase package credits but do not attend sessions or use their credits within the designated timeframe remain responsible for the enrollment. Failure to attend classes does not qualify for refunds, credits, or transfers outside the policies listed above.
Level Progression
Each level at Work-Life Spanish includes multiple courses that build upon one another. Students must successfully complete all courses within a level before taking the Level Exit Exam. Students must pass the Level Exit Exam before enrolling in the next level.
Move Beyond the Classroom with our Immersion Trips!
What if you had a real-world reason to learn Spanish—an adventure to work toward? Our Immersion Trips give you a clear goal for your studies and an opportunity to experience Spanish in action. We focus on community, wellness, and full language immersion, making your journey both meaningful and transformative.
🌍 Travel with familiar faces – Our immersion trips are made up of Work-Life Spanish students, so you’ll know your fellow travelers before departure. We meet multiple times before leaving and continue connecting through post-trip activities. Many students leave with lifelong friendships and memories.
🌍 Wellness & nature-based experiences – Enjoy yoga practices, nutritious local foods, and outdoor adventures on our eco-friendly trips.
🌍 True Spanish immersion – From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in the language through daily language classes, Spanish-language guided excursions, and cultural activities with the locals.
Give your learning a purpose! Sign up for an Immersion Trip and put your hard work into action in the field!
🌍 Travel with familiar faces – Our immersion trips are made up of Work-Life Spanish students, so you’ll know your fellow travelers before departure. We meet multiple times before leaving and continue connecting through post-trip activities. Many students leave with lifelong friendships and memories.
🌍 Wellness & nature-based experiences – Enjoy yoga practices, nutritious local foods, and outdoor adventures on our eco-friendly trips.
🌍 True Spanish immersion – From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in the language through daily language classes, Spanish-language guided excursions, and cultural activities with the locals.
Give your learning a purpose! Sign up for an Immersion Trip and put your hard work into action in the field!
Get started now!
Review our schedule and click on the SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT button to register for your chosen course!
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Add the optional roadmap to your enrollment by checking the +3 Roadmap box!
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Start your beginner course and enjoy your journey to Spanish language fluency!
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