Danny Kim has left 5 comments

Danny Kim comments on PRIVATE SPANISH CLASS in La Candelaria, Bogota

span_colombia/ Sounds like you want to compare our teachers with Antigua's. Oh man... Let me explain you something. The two teachers who work with us have only 1 semester left to graduate(in total 5 years for graduation). In 6 months, they will have the bachelor's degree. They are actually lecturing in Los Andes University in this year, for practice. In general, only few institutes in Colombia ask special certification to hire teachers. Therefore, it's enough to say that they are professional teachers. Los Andes is the most expensive University in Colombia. (If you live here, ask local people what kind of university it is.) The school expenses of Los Andes are at least COP$9,000,000(approx. 4,000USD) for each semester. (GDP (PPP) per capita of Colombia was 8,215USD in year 2008.) The teachers' major is exactly called, "Pedagogia con enfasis en la enseñanza de ingles y español" -> Can be translated as "Pedagogy with emphasis on the teaching of English and Spanish". (You can check more details on the website of Los Andes: http://www.uniandes.edu.co) Can you still think that your teachers in Antigua are comparable with the teachers working with us? Again for Guatemala. As I mentioned, if the tuition is less than 100USD per week, then it's very difficult to find good teachers there. (span_colombia you have paid 160USD per week, it's more than 100USD excluding food and accommodation.) The main reason why people visit Guatemala is learning Spanish by cheap tuition. However, in my opinion, I would like to recommend that people need to think carefully to add Antigua on their route, as it's not really cheap if you consider the level of teaching. Moreover, the place itself is very tiny so travelers can be bored easily while spending weeks there.

Danny Kim comments on PRIVATE SPANISH CLASS in La Candelaria, Bogota

Perhaps bjorn had a great opportunity in Antigua, with luck. In fact, it's almost impossible to find a good teacher there if you pay less than 100USD per week. Many locals in Antigua pretend that they are Spanish teachers, but most of them are actually working as a baker, cleaner, car driver, etc. They don't even speak English, are not educated. (I'M NOT KIDDING. This is the reality what is happening in Antigua, Guatemala.) Colombia is worthy to have praises in many respects, but sometimes it's very uncomfortable to face a situation if local people treat us as just a walking-money. Even though it's said that Colombian Spanish is the best, there are not reasonable option to learn Spanish for backpackers. (Maybe the competition can change the situation. However we need your support to continue our Spanish Class!) gamm2/ You should visit us and directly talk to the teachers. We charge COP$50,000 more for outside students, as they may use the facilities of the hostel. Teachers are busy during the weekdays. I think weekend is better for you, and us. Anyway we can arrange the class depending on teacher's schedule. Elmin/ We have been working with 8 teachers in total, since late 2007 when I started to interview teachers. At the moment only 2 teachers(Nathalia Jaramillo, Jenny Sanabria) are active, as they always have good reputations from clients. If can, I will ask some students to write some reviews.

Danny Kim comments on PRIVATE SPANISH CLASS in La Candelaria, Bogota

Thank you guys for the comment. Yes, definitely we are going to continue the Spanish class as it's also a service for our clients. As I was a backpacker, It was a pity that there was no chance to learn Spanish in Colombia, not like other places in Latin America. Therefore we have interviewed professional teachers from Los Andes, they have been working with us more than 1 year already. We don't earn money directly from the class, so the tuition is confirmed for budget travelers. If our Spanish class can help you guys, it will be very appreciated. (Check a few photos here: http://afterdan.blogspot.com/2009/04/private-spanish-class-in-la-candelaria.html)

Danny Kim comments on Another new hostel is just opened in Bogota - Posada del SOL

C5vzla/ We have a lot of space. Your motocycle can be stored inside the hostel! Terry/ Actually we have opened the first hostel in Chapinero, in early 2008. The number of hostel in Bogota has been double in past few years. It's difficult situation for us, as well. (:

Danny Kim comments on Another new hostel is just opened in Bogota - Posada del SOL

What a pity! I didn't suppose to write the rates, as people can think it's too commercial. Anyway our rates are like below: Dorm beds: COP$15,000 per person Single room(w/o bath): COP$30,000 for 1 person (plus $5,000 w/ bath) Twin/Double room(w/o bath): COP$40,000 for 2 persons (plus $5,000 w/ bath) We don't have rooms with bath at the time of writing, but soon or later. Private Spanish Class 15 hours(3 hrs a day)/1 week: COP$200,000 30 hours(3 hrs a day)/2 weeks: COP$350,000 45 hours(3 hrs a day)/3 weeks: COP$475,000 60 hours(3 hrs a day)/4 weeks: COP$575,000 (Outside students from the hostel will be charged COP$50,000 more for class.) The website will be totally changed soon. Thank you guys for interests. Feel free to contact me if you have any question, or need some advise to travel Colombia. (I'm a PADI Divemaster so any question related with diving will be welcomed!) posadadelsol dot bogota at gmail dot com