This is the foremost function of a Sherpa, to accompany the client to the summit and make the ascent easier and safer. I, myself, have had the experience of summiting Kilimanjaro, thanks, mainly, to the Sherpa that took me there. Without him, I would not have arrived. His emotional contribution was determinant in my success. But in order to guide someone, you have to know the terrain perfectly. In the same way, a language Sherpa knows where to step because he or she has gone through the process of learning a foreign language but has also gained sufficient experience, knowledge and prestige to accompany others on their adventure. They offer suggestions, ideas, and provide the tools, skills, and resources necessary for the ascent. And, they are great connoisseurs and lovers of geography, history, culture and the food of Asturias.
Why our program Spanish Immersion Program? Because of Our Celtic Potion
Our language sherpas (our teachers)
Our language sherpas are the key factor
“There is a wide body of research that demonstrates the vital importance of teachers for success in learning. What they do, think, feel and believe is fundamental to what happens in classrooms and, ultimately, what happens to students. It is, therefore, perhaps surprising that the field of language learning psychology has so predominantly focused on student psychology and that, by comparison, there has been so little attention paid to teachers when they are absolutely key” (S. Mercer, Language Teaching, 2018). In learning a foreign language, the teacher is the deciding factor. That is why for us the selection of teachers is absolutely the key issue.
Teacher’s New Role in Language Learning and in Promoting Learner Autonomy – ScienceDirect
All of our teachers are university graduates with a specialization in the Teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language. We like to call them language Sherpas because their function is like that of a Sherpa in two ways: first, they are committed to you and to themselves to help you move forward, and secondly, they love sharing the experience of the journey with you. This is our commitment to you. They are all focused on making your Spanish Immersion as effective as it has to do.
2. The Sherpa is able to establish a relationship of empathy and close collaboration with the client.
As we said earlier, there is no meaningful learning without emotions. Emotions alone are just artifices, but they help a lot in learning. The Sherpa wants to establish that relationship, while maintaining the critical distance for you to learn.
3. The Sherpa is a planner and coordinator.
The Sherpa prepares the classes and schedules each activity, adapting the schedule to the needs of the group members so that everyone learns, both from the Sherpa and from each other. The Sherpa is as efficient as possible, dividing time fairly among all group members and is actively promoting learning.
4. The Sherpa wants to excel.
The Sherpa accompanies others who also want to improve themselves. He cannot detach himself from his curious nature or his instinct to explore, challenge limits and achieve goals. He is here for achieving goals and making progress, while joining others with similar ambitions.
5. The Sherpa is characterized by his or her sociability.
Did you know that personality traits such as sociability, emotional positivity and assertiveness are considered basic factors in NASA selections for astronauts (Musson, Sandal, Helmreich, 2004)? Similarly, a smile and good humor are part of the work of our Sherpas. They are extremely welcoming people, of sociable and hospitable character (something very Spanish), with an open mind because they have traveled the world. They have extreme professionalism and exceptional sensitivity to the world. This enables them to establish relationships with learners with ease. They are flexible, with a great devotion to service. They will do their best to create a stimulating atmosphere and provide motivation.
6. The Sherpa sets an example of social responsibility and sustainability.
The Sherpas have woven myths into their relations with the mountains. All actions that pollute the environment, whatever they may be, are an offense to nature. Sherpas will encourage respect for nature and refrain from any type of pollution.
7. The Sherpa is motivated.
Sherpas enjoy their work, both linguistically and culturally, because they love what they do. Learning a language (The Ascent) requires knowledge, skills, determination, which they will be happy to share with you.
8. The Sherpa does her job, not the clients' job.
The Sherpa will require you to do your daily tasks in order for you to move forward. She agrees to do hers.
9. The Sherpa never stops learning.
The Sherpa is a life-long learner who is engaged in continuous learning. It is both her nature and her passion.
10. The Sherpa listens and evaluates himself.
The Sherpa believes that one of the ways to continue improving is by having a thoughtful attitude about how you are doing things and learning from the mistakes that you make, just like everyone else. He is, therefore, open to actively listening to his students and what they have to say to help him improve.
