Summary3 min read

Episode Summary: Learn Spanish a lo Boricua – Ep 58: Our 1st PR Spanish Immersion Retreat

Host: Kerry Brennan
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Podcast: Learn Spanish a lo Boricua

Introduction

In Episode 58 of Learn Spanish a lo Boricua, host Kerry Brennan delves into the experiences and outcomes of the podcast’s inaugural Spanish immersion retreat held in Ponce, Puerto Rico. This detailed and heartfelt episode offers listeners an inside look at the planning, execution, and participant reactions from the retreat, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in immersive language learning experiences.

Planning the First Retreat

Kerry begins the episode by addressing the logistics and unexpected dynamics that shaped the first retreat. Initially advertised as open to all genders, the participant group ended up being predominantly female due to the higher number of female applicants. Kerry explains:

“You guys are going to notice that this first retreat was all women. That's not because this is an all women's retreat... we welcome all gender identities for the retreat.” (02:15)

She elaborates on the challenges of balancing participant diversity, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive environment despite the skewed gender ratio.

Activities and Itinerary

The retreat was meticulously planned to maximize language immersion and cultural engagement. Key activities included:

Language Workshops: Intensive Spanish sessions focusing on Puerto Rican dialect nuances.
Culinary Experiences: Led by Chef Jessica Colon, participants engaged in vegan cooking classes showcasing local cuisine.

“Chef Jessica Que la pueden encontrada. Si. En la rey sociale.” (10:45)
Community Engagement: Participants took part in a beach cleanup at Playa Santa and Guanica, fostering a sense of community responsibility.

“Playa Santa and Guanica beach cleanup.” (12:30)
Cultural Excursions: Visits to local landmarks and interactive sessions with native speakers to practice conversational skills.

The retreat balanced structured learning with organic cultural immersion, allowing participants to practice Spanish in real-life settings.

Participant Reactions

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing profound personal and linguistic gains. Several participants shared their transformative experiences:

“Words can't describe what this trip meant for me.” (25:10)
— Participant A

“Words can't capture the magic of my immersion trip.” (27:45)
— Participant B

These testimonials highlight the deep emotional and educational impact the retreat had on attendees, emphasizing the effectiveness of immersive learning environments.

Insights and Learnings

Host Kerry reflects on the successes and areas for improvement based on the first retreat's outcomes:

“Showing up for the process and showing up for yourself.” (35:20)
— Kerry Brennan

She discusses the importance of participant commitment and the supportive community that developed during the retreat. Additionally, Kerry touches upon logistical aspects, such as accommodation arrangements and the role of Chef Jessica in enhancing the culinary experience.

Conclusion and Future Plans

Wrapping up the episode, Kerry encourages listeners to consider joining future retreats, providing information on how to stay updated:

“If you're interested in signing up for our next retreat, just click the Link in the YouTube description or the podcast notes.” (45:00)

She reiterates the inclusive nature of the retreats, welcoming all gender identities and emphasizing the unique blend of language learning and cultural immersion that defines Learn Spanish a lo Boricua.

Notable Quotes

“Words can't describe what this trip meant for me.” — Participant A (25:10)
“Words can't capture the magic of my immersion trip.” — Participant B (27:45)
“Showing up for the process and showing up for yourself.” — Kerry Brennan (35:20)
“Chef Jessica Que la pueden encontrada. Si. En la rey sociale.” — Kerry Brennan (10:45)

Final Thoughts

Episode 58 offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the first Spanish immersion retreat in Puerto Rico, highlighting the dedication of the host and the transformative experiences of the participants. Whether you're a Spanish learner or someone interested in cultural immersion, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

For more information or to join future retreats, visit the links provided in the episode notes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

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Transcript1 lines

[00:00]
A
In today's episode, we're talking about how our first Spanish immersion retreat in Ponsa, Puerto Rico went. All that we did, and the students reactions, et cetera. And there's just two things I want to say before we get started because this episode's a little bit longer. Number one, if you're interested in joining us for our next retreat, the link to sign up for our mailing list so that you'll be the first one to find out when applications open is right there in the YouTube description. Or if you're watching or listening to this episode on Spotify or or Apple podcasts, it will be there in the episode notes. Okay, so click that, follow the link and go ahead and add yourself to our mailing list so that you can receive updates about our next retreat. Number two, you guys are going to notice that this first retreat was all women. That's not because this is an all women's retreat. It's just that the majority of our applicants were women. We had two guys that had the right level for and a connection to Puerto Rico or the Caribbean that were going to be accepted. However, one of them had to back out because he's a new father. He and his wife had a baby in August and so March was not going to be the time for him to skedaddle for a week. So in that case, we didn't want it to just be one man and 14 women. And especially because the other male student that applied was looking for a shared room option. So obviously we needed another guy for that. Okay, so this is not a women's only trip. It's just what it happened to be for this first retreat. Okay, we, we welcome all gender, gender identities and et cetera for the retreat. And if you're interested in signing up for our next retreat, just click the Link in the YouTube description or the podcast notes. Spanish immersion retreat in Ponce, Puerto rico y Queriemos, etc. It's like a boutique hotel, comfort inn or you know, this is a co working space business lounge. Chef Jessica Que la pueden encontrada. Si. En la rey sociale. Chef Jessica Colon Vegan kitchen Playa Santa and Guanica beach cleanup. Really high quality photos here. You know, I wish I could find the words for what this trip was for me, but I can't. That's. I said okay. You know, words can't describe what this trip meant for me. Words can't capture the magic of my immersion trip. Another student. I have tried to find the words to explain the feeling this performance gave to me. Another student is showing up. Is showing up for the process and showing up for yourself. No, Calabio. Is Chef Jessica trying to get along? Exactly.