Saturday, January 12, 2008

New Teen Study Abroad Programs in Spain (Summer Study Abroad Program)

New Teen Study Abroad Programs in Spain -Lights, Camera, Action and Viva España!

Students make movies during summer teen study abroad program in Spain. iD Tech Camps announce the Filmmaking and Cultural Immersion Study Abroad Program.

Campbell, CA (PRWEB) April 18, 2006 -- Instead of spending time this summer going to movies or watching television, students from across the country will be traveling to Southern Spain. But this is not your typical teen study abroad program. Through iD Tech Camps Filmmaking & Cultural Immersion course (http://spain.internaldrive.com), students experience Spanish culture through the eyes of a video camera. And when they’re not creating their own documentary film, they live with a host family, learn Spanish with hundreds of other students from all over the world, and tour Southern Spain gathering footage.

Shawn from Atlanta, Georgia, and Megan from San Jose, California, ventured on this journey. Not only did these teenagers leave with memories, photos, and a documentary movie, this trip made a lasting impact and opened up a world of possibilities for them.

Shawn has always been fascinated by the Spanish culture and language. But, after participating in the Filmmaking & Cultural Immersion study abroad program, he is now seriously pursuing a career in international business. “Filmmaking and the Spanish culture has opened up a whole new world to my son,” says Janet, Shawn’s mother. “It has expanded his view of what he can do and what he wants to do.”

By the end of the program, Shawn translated his love for Spain into a beautiful first person narrative digital documentary film. “Shawn’s creative use of voice-over underlined his views while the images he captured told a compelling story about Spanish culture,” says Kevin Painchaud, Director of the Spanish program for iD Tech Camps and owner of an award-winning Hollywood-based movie production company. His film incorporates attending a bullfight, learning to dance the Sevillañas, touring historical sites and cathedrals, and eating tapas in cafes.

Meanwhile on the West Coast, then-high school senior Megan, discovered a newfound interest in travel and world cultures. “I realized that there’s a whole world outside beyond the U.S. and I now want to study world culture and politics,” says Megan. As a result, she began applying to universities with strong international relations department.

While Megan incorporated her moving making and editing skills into her senior project, she also felt that she had been part of something bigger – a life changing and pure cultural experience. “During the morning language classes, my Spanish really improved, and during the afternoon I became a filmmaker,” said Megan. “My experience went beyond picking up cool new skills. I lived, ate and breathed Spain for 2 weeks. I also made good friends with other teens from Switzerland, Italy, and all over Europe.”

“Cádiz provides the perfect back drop for a unique experience. It is a dream come true to be a part of an exchange program that combines documentary filmmaking, travel, Spanish language, and the experience of living with a Spanish family. Plus, the natural lighting in Cádiz is phenomenal!” says Kevin.

These young students aren’t the only group to partake in the program. Major technology leaders such as Canon®, Adobe Systems® and Apple® are contributing to the program to make it a one-of-a-kind experience.

During the digital video lessons, students will use Canon® digital camcorders and learn to capture footage like the pros. They will learn storyboard conceptualizing, camera angles, lighting, stages of production, and the different roles needed for taking a concept from beginning to end. With Apple® Final Cut Pro® and Adobe® After Effects®, students will add high-end special effects, transitions, sound effects, music, titles, advanced compositing, and cinematography to their documentary movie.

About iD Tech Camps Filmmaking & Cultural Immersion Program in Spain
The 2 ½ week study abroad program costs $3,999. This includes accommodations, meals, excursions, and supervision, but excludes airfare. Participants will depart from New York on a group flight in one of two sessions in June and July. Each weekday morning students will attend Spanish language class. Then, in the afternoon, after eating lunch with their Spanish family and taking a traditional siesta or going to the local beach, students will learn to storyboard, film, and edit their own documentary film of their Spanish experience. All students will progress at their own editing pace and there will be a maximum of 10 students per instructor. Those without previous experience using editing software will quickly be brought up to speed. Living and learning the Spanish culture outside of Spanish and Filmmaking class is a key element of the program so there will be a series of planned cultural and social activities. To register for the teen study abroad program, please call 1-888-709-TECH (8324) or visit spain.internalDrive.com.


Media contact: Karen Thurm Safran, iD Tech Camps, 408-666-8353
You can download photos from www.internalDrive.com/press_photos.htm