Newspaper clip!

We made it to the news! The Clitheroe Advertiser and Times recently published the following article about our visit. It may be a local newspaper, but they were kind enough to take some time to tell our story and celebrate our visit, and we are most thankful for it! Additionally, I'd like to thank Andrea, who send this text and picture to the paper, and Judith, who posted it to me.

The pleasant ways of our English friends will never cease to surprise me!
Cheers, everyone!

Inglaterra 2012

¡Increíble! Llegó la hora de empezar a hablar de una nueva experiencia, cuando esta todavía no termina de celebrarse.

Pero sabemos que son muchas las personas interesadas, y que la decisión de participar de un viaje como éste puede requerir, para muchos, tiempo suficiente para organizarse.

Por eso, el propósito de este post es responder las preguntas y aclarar las dudas que muchos tienen, y decirles qué tienen que hacer si quieren acompañarnos el año que viene.

¿De qué se trata este viaje?

La idea es invitar a un grupo de jóvenes a participar de una experiencia cultural y educativa única, que enseñe valiosas lecciones de vida, fomente la apertura y la tolerancia, e inicie el camino para convertirse en un “ciudadano del mundo”.

¿En qué consiste?

Llevamos a un grupo de chicos a un viaje que combina tiempo en escuelas inglesas, alojándose con las familias de los alumnos de la misma, o de sus profesores, con tiempo para turismo más tradicional, visitando algunos de los sitios que más llamen la atención de todos. Para prepararse para el mismo, los viajeros se reúnen semanalmente desde varios meses antes, para conocerse y formar un grupo unido, para moldear el viaje a sus preferencias, y comenzar a vivir la experiencia de compartir, aprender y crecer juntos.

¿Quién organiza este viaje?

Este proyecto es el resultado de mucho tiempo y esfuerzo invertido por viajeros de alma, Jerónimo González y Patty Getzrow, sin involucrar a institución alguna, publica o privada.

¿Quiénes pueden viajar?

Ojalá pudiéramos decir TODOS los que quieran, pero nuestros amigos ingleses hacen muchos esfuerzos y realizan muchos gastos para recibirnos y darnos una gran experiencia mientras los visitamos, así que no podemos abusarnos de su hospitalidad con grupos muy numerosos. En segundo lugar, como se dijo antes, la idea es formar un grupo unido, en el que todos se conocen y respetan, y esto tampoco sería posible con multitudes. Y por últimos, por restricciones prácticas y legales, no podemos llevar menores de 16, ni un grupo mayor a 14 alumnos (más dos adultos). 

¿Cuánto cuesta? ¿A quién se le paga?

Una vez formado el grupo, entre todos se empiezan a delimitar ciertas actividades a incluir, lugares a visitar, etcétera, y por lo tanto el costo va a quedar determinado por esas decisiones. En la organización del mismo NO EXISTE ÁNIMO DE LUCRO ALGUNO, nadie espera ganar nada con esto. Sin embargo, consideramos justo que el grupo contribuya con algunos de los gastos de los adultos acompañantes, por su esfuerzo en coordinar y organizar el viaje. 

¿Qué se espera de las familias y de los chicos invitados a participar?

Esta experiencia se ajusta a la intención de ciertas familias de brindar a sus hijos una experiencia educativa y cultural diferente, y que confían en que sus hijos son personas maduras y responsables, capaces de cuidarse a sí mismos y resolver sus propias cuestiones. Aunque los adultos acompañantes van a hacer todo lo posible por ayudarlos a aprovechar esta oportunidad al máximo, compartiendo con cada uno su experiencia y apoyándolos a cada paso, NO son niñeras NI coordinadores de viajes estudiantiles. Como se va a trabajar mucho en las reuniones previas, en este viaje “everyone must learn to carry their own weight”.

¿Cuál es la exigencia en cuanto al inglés?

Indiscutiblemente, para poder participar deberían tener un manejo mínimo del idioma, que les permita expresarse y comunicarse efectivamente. No hace falta dominar la gramática o el vocabulario, pero sí poder comunicarse.

SO! Let’s get to it… what should you do if want to be a part of this unforgettable experience?

Please tell us, as honestly and clearly as possible (in English, of course):

• Why do you want to be part of this experience?
• What do you expect to get out of it?
• What do you hope to contribute with?

Send it by email to jeronimogz@hotmail.com

Deadline: September 10^th, 2011

If your words convince us you are the type of candidate we are looking for, we will contact you for an interview.

Algunas fotos

Telefono en Inglaterra

Buenas a todos!
Por lo que se, todos sus hijos estan en contacto con ustedes, pero cumplo con lo prometido y les informo sobre el numero de telefono del celular que compre, en el que pueden ubicarnos en cualquier momento:
44 79 56 78 16 20
Estamos todos muy bien, ya de visita en la primera escuela, y pasandola increible.
Abrazo a todos,

Jeronimo

Andrea's visit

In April we received the visit of Andrea Yates, assistant headteacher at Bowland High School, in Clitheroe, UK, one of the schools we will be visiting in July. We tried to show her around and let her know about our city, our food and traditions, so in a short week she had an intense school-visiting, motorboat-riding, asado-eating, horseback-riding (and more and more food and drink tasting) experience!
We all enjoyed enormously Andrea's visit, and hope to have you all visit us some day!!
Here are some pics:

Patty Getzrow

Hi! I am Patty Getzrow and I will be one of the teachers taking on this exciting journey with a great group of kids.

First let me tell you a bit about myself. I have been working at the Yapeyu school for the last fifteen years as general coordinator of English studies – that is English as a second language, so you can say that I have known most of the students on this trip since they were around three years old – This makes the trip extra special , what a way to say good-bye to them that are in their last year of school. I work all morning at school supervising English clases in the whole school and in the afternoons I manage my own English languaqge center. Although teaching is my passion I rarely give classes anymore but I work with teacher staff on class and curriculum development and teacher training.

I am quite out-going and seem to stand out , so the kids say, because of my friendly attitude towards people and ability to smile in most situations.

I love the idea of visiting England once more, last time I was only sixteen, and I am looking forward to visiting schools and seeing the North of the country.

I plan to try everything , taste everything and get to know all that I can. I hope to also bring ideas and concepts to share with students and colleagues alike for cultural and educational growth that can be of mutual benefit to us all.

Thank you so much for all that is being done to make our trip a great one and I am anxious to see you soon.

Patty Getzrow

¡Asado!

Hi friends,
this post is to show you the sacrifices we make to bring you our culture! Last wednesday  we got together to have our national meal: lots of grilled meat called "asado". This time we invited former Solihull student Oliver...
Here are some pics!

Joaquin Sanchez

Hi, I'm Joaquin, from Corrientes, Argentina. I'm 18 years old and this is my last year in high school. When I finish I want to study Licence in Business Administration.

I like to go out with my friends. Every weekend we go out and have a great time.
I also like to do sports, my favorite one is basketball, I don't play in any club, but I like to play with some friends. I also like to go to the gym.





In my free time I like to listen to music, spend some time in the computer or going to the riverside and drinking terere and mate (Argentinian drinks that we're gonna show you when we are in your country) with my friends.

I like electronic and house music like David Guetta.

I also like to travel, get to know new people and new cultures.

Well friends, I don't know what else I can tell you. I hope to see you soon.

If you want to, you can add me as a Facebook Friend.
Greetings

Julieta Del Piano

Hi! I am Julieta Del Piano from Corrientes (Argentina). I am 17 years old and I’m looking forward to traveling to England. It has always been one of my dreams to be there for a while.

I would like to share with you a couple of things about myself.

I am an only child who enjoys hanging out with friends, especially at weekends because during the week I am really busy. Due to the fact, I attend English lessons two times and I am starting gym in one week. Also, I do my homework in the afternoon.

I love traveling, discovering new places and learning about new cultures. Whatever, I really enjoy learning a lot of things.

I like doing outdoor activities such as riding horses or wandering around the riverside. Since I was a little child my mother spark my interest in animals (I have two dogs that are considered as a part of my family).

In my spare time I like reading about different topics, either philosophy or psychology. I enjoy watching television and, sometimes, being alone to spend time with myself.

As regards musical preferences, my favorite band is “The Beatles”. I also like “Aerosmith”, “Queen”, some songs of “Coldplay”, among others.

At the moment I am looking for a career to study, I haven't decided yet, although I am really interested in economies.

This is a brief description of myself. If you want, you can add me to Facebook.

See you in July!

Astrid Diez

Hi! I'm Astrid from Corrientes, I'm 17 years old. This is my last year at school and I want to be an accountant.

In my family we are 6, my 3 sisters, my parents and me.
In my free times I usually go to the gym or I go out with my friends, i am not a very outgoing person but i like to be with them whenever i can. I don't watch a lot of TV, and when I do it normally I watch music programmes, i dont listen just one kind of music, a little of everything. I also like to spend the time on the computer.
I consider myself shy but I really like to travel and I'm very excited to go there not only to know it but because I think that is going to open my mind.

This year I want to take the FCE and this trip will help me a lot.

Elina M. Fernandez Avancini

Hi! Im Elina from Corrientes. Im 16 years old and this year Im finishing high school but I don’t know what Im going to study yet.

I live with my parents, my 3 older brothers and my nephew and we are all really close.

I usually spend my free time with my friends and family. I love reading novels and watching series and sitcoms online -when I start watching one I can’t stop till I finish the complete season-.

Im not a fan of sports but I love going to the gym, taking dance classes and doing yoga. About music, I like almost everything but my favourites are the old bands and artists such as Paul McCartney (with The Wings and The Beatles) Queen and Air Supply. I also like Aerosmith,Norah Jones and Mika. Concerning argentinian music, the ones that I love most are Las Pastillas del Abuelo, Fito Paez and Fabiana Cantillo.

Im interested in learning about your culture especially about music and art -I cant wait to visit Liverpool-.

I love travelling and Im very excited about this trip.

If you want to know more about me you cand add me to facebook. Im looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Bruno Luciano Liva

Hi there! I'm Bruno from Corrientes I'm 17 years old! I'm in my last year at high school.. I'm planning to go for an exchange next year.. And then get in the Bussiness School in Buenos Aires.

In my free time I like watching series, playing tenniss, cycling across the riverside and ofcourse hanging out with my friends. About music I love coldplay I'm a big fan..

Well mates I do not know what to say anymore.. If you want to get in touch you can add me on facebook.

María Agostina Laprovitta

Hi! i’m Agostina from Corrientes, I’m 17 years old and this is my last year at school. I’m looking for a career, because I don’t know what to do when the year ends. 

 In my free time I like to sing, listen to music, I’m studying how to play the guitar, go to the gym and I take up my classes of English because it’s not my best talent. I love go out with friends and spend a lot of time with them and my family. I have a brother who is 25 years old, other who is 9 years old and a sister who is 12 years old.

I’m very excited about going to England and meet you! I’m very outgoing.

Martin Gutnisky

Hi There, I'm Martin from Corrientes, born and raised. I'm 17 years old currently in my last year at high school and planning to enter Business School in Buenos Aires.

In my spare time I stay at home in my computer or, mostly on weekends, I hang out with my friends.

I'm planning to retake my german lessons I quit last year due to school tasks. Although I'm not a sports person I enjoy going to the gym.

I don't watch tv very often, however I really enjoy watching series and sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory, Family Guy (I must say I love this). Concerning music, I like rock among others genres. One of my favorites bands is Linkin Park and I also like Coldplay.

I really like travelling and i always wanted to visit UK midland. I'm very looking foward this trip and to meet you guys.

You can get in touch with me on Facebook

Agustina Gomez Chapo

Hi! My name is Agustina Gomez Chapo, I'm from Corrientes, Argentina. I'm 16 years old. I turn 17 this August.

My main hobby is acting, I go to drama classes twice a week and at the end of last year I got the chance to perform in front of a crowd for the first time.

In my free time I like being with my friends and just take a walk or talk about anything. Most of them have been in school with me since first grade so we know each other very well.

Another thing I really like is music. I'm interesting in all genres and I love finding new artists to listen to.

As it is my senior year in Highschool I have already started to study in order to enter into Medical School.

My family is compose by my father, my mother and my older brother. We are very close and I love spending time with them.

I think sometimes I can be a little shy but I like meeting new people and making friends.

In England, I would really like to visit old buildings and get to know their stories. I also want to know more about your culture and how is your day life.

Leandro Pujol

Hi, I’m from Corrientes Argentina. My name is Leandro Pujol and I’m 18 years old.

I started my studies of business at college this year, but I would leave them for a while, in order to go and visit you. I used to play basketball every day, but since a year because of my studies I can’t practice it and I just go to the gym 3 times a week.

During my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading books or listening to music. I love reading Action and Adventure novels. My favorite writer is Wilbur Smith. My favorite international bands are “The Rolling Stones”, “The Beatles”, “Radiohead”, ”Bob Marley”, ‘Los Rodriguez”, “Ismael Serrano”, “Joaquin Sabina” and my favorite national bands are “Los Cafres”, “Charly Garcia”, “Soda Stereo”, “Estelares”.

I’m a very quiet when I’m at home, sometimes my family forget I’m there! I just stay in my room listening to music, chatting with friends or reading.

I really like knowing new places and new people so I’m waiting for this travel with enthusiasm.

Nahiara Tosi

Hi! I’m Nahiara Tosi, from Corrientes-Argentina, I’m 15 years old and soon, in April, I’ll be 16. I’m younger than the others members of the group. This isn’t my last year in school, but the next one will be. In my family we are six, my parents, my two brothers, my sister and me, and there I’m the youngest too. I love them, they are very important for me!

When I have free times I really like to be with my friends, listen to music and go to Pilates, It relaxes me. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I enjoy seeing ‘Cold Case’ and ‘Friends’ when I arrive from the school. I like reading too, especially books of murders and detectives who solve cases. I like a lot of different music, but my favourite bands are ‘The Beatles’ and ‘Sui Generis’.

I’d like to study design when I finish school. I’m planning to study in Buenos Aires and go to live there with my sister. I would like to improve my English too.

I like to know new people and, at first I’m a little shy, but then I can be very sociable and I like to talk a lot.

You can send me a friend request on facebook if you want to visit my profile: Nahia Tosi Aromí