ki4jgt:I personally would love to attend a three week NASK. Any city is great for me. But personally, I can't afford it. I've attempted college three times already and each time, I was denied, not on the grounds that I wasn't accepted, but on the grounds that, I couldn't afford it. I finally gave up on it. Since then, I haven't tried to persue anything education wise, because (I know it takes money to fund these things) but that is money I don't have.

Sad to hear that, why not consider Esperanto university distance course San Marino University

He would have to learn Esperanto to do the AIS courses, and somehow I don't think it would end up being easier or cheaper than studying at a local community college.

Regarding NASK, if you would like to attend but you can't afford it, please, please, please apply for a scholarship. There is money available for people who can't afford to attend.

Write to [url=eddyellen@aol.com]Ellen Eddy[/url] to apply.

And for everyone's information, in case you haven't heard, NASK is much shorter (and therefore much cheaper) this year. It's running from July 2nd through 10th in San Diego. Since it includes the Fourth of July 3-day weekend, if you work, you will probably only have to take four days off.

More information at NASK's website

Saluton,

I'm seriously considering attending the 2012 NASK in Texas. Anyone else here on Lernu thinking about going?

I'll be driving from N.C. (Raleigh) if I go so, if anyone wants to share a ride, I'd be open to that.

I'll make a final decision in the next few days but I'm pretty sure I'll be going (time to progress beyond a mere komencanto ).

Gxis,
Kelly

Of course it's entirely up to the residents of the US how they wish to organize their affairs, but I have to say that for someone of my generation the whole idea of formal instruction and sitting in a classroom to learn Esperanto seems, well I don't know what word to use exactly, but definitely odd.

John Wells (my generation and President of the Akademio and dictionary author) probably, like myself, has never attended an Esperanto class in his life (as a student) - nor I expect did Zamenhof, Kabe, Schwartz, Rossetti, Kalocsay, Waringhien etc.

My generation of English Esperantists had copies of Teach Yourself Esperanto, which we read, and we used the language at international events.

Course book and active use was how it was done for decades.

This whole idea of exams and formal courses seems a modern excess.

Learn 'until-your-brain-bleeds' - OMG!

sudanglo:Of course it's entirely up to the residents of the US how they wish to organize their affairs, but I have to say that for someone of my generation the whole idea of formal instruction and sitting in a classroom to learn Esperanto seems, well I don't know what word to use exactly, but definitely odd.

I get your point and I also learned through doing a basic course, then simply using the language and looking up grammar in grammar guides. But I think some Esperanto learners do well with very little formal structure, and some need more structure. Surely you have met people who spoken Esperanto for years and who seem totally unaware about the multitude of basic grammatical errors they've been making for all this time. It's clear that the 100% self study approach doesn't work for everyone, some people need more guidance.

NASK is useful both for those who need some structure and also for independent learners who want to perfect their skills and get a relatively long experience with Esperanto immersion (not easy to come by in the US). There aren't many situations where you can spend a week perfecting your grammar with guidance of the writer of a major Esperanto grammar guide. A week of personalized attention from experienced teachers who can help you identify your weaknesses and help you improve those elements of your grammar - it's hard to substitute for that.

NASK is a lot more than simply sitting in an Esperanto class until your brain bleeds. It's a week of full immersion, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's some classroom time but most of your time isn't spent in a classroom. You attend some classes in small groups, but you also you go on excursions and speak Esperanto while doing touristy stuff.

A lot of beginners may feel shy or lost at their first Esperanto event. But at NASK, you are supported the whole way through. The students and teachers form a rapid and close bond, and I think it's a really special experience for everyone who attends.

The SES course in Slovakia has morning classes and afternoon tourist excursions, concerts, and many of the other kinds of activities that you associate with youth conventions; it's almost like a small IJK, with an instructional component. SES is a lot of fun but as a student, you get out what you put in. SES is much bigger than NASK, so students can fade into the background more easily, and if you don't put in the work to improve, no one will be there to nudge you along. There is much less personalized attention from the teachers. Some people attend SES who are interested in the other activities, but not very interested in learning, so the overall atmosphere is not quite so focused on language study.

At any rate, a residential Esperanto course is a far cry from a high school or university language class.

36lima:I'm seriously considering attending the 2012 NASK in Texas. Anyone else here on Lernu thinking about going?

I really hope you will go to NASK.

I have a student who might attend the Landa Kongreso, held just before NASK. Are you planning to attend that as well?

For those of you who live in the East or the Midwest, I really hope you will try to attend NASK. This is the first time it has been held in the center of the country, as far as I'm aware.

erinja:
I really hope you will go to NASK.

I have a student who might attend the Landa Kongreso, held just before NASK. Are you planning to attend that as well?

For those of you who live in the East or the Midwest, I really hope you will try to attend NASK. This is the first time it has been held in the center of the country, as far as I'm aware.

I've been considering attending the Landa Kongreso too. I haven't quite decided yet but I have that time off from my work just in case. I'll make a decision prior to the price going up. At the moment, I'm leaning towards doing both.

As for the structured learning vs. learn on your own approach that sudanglo brings up, I already work at learning on my own. However, I think it would be fun (and might accelerate my learning) to attend the NASK. Call it a modern excess if you want to but to me, using all the tools at your disposal is just smart.

Also, I have a very busy schedule and about 50 different projects going on at work at any one time. A week dedicated to learning Esperanto - where I can focus on just improving my abilities with the language and meeting others with the same interest - is something I'm really looking forward to. In a way, it will be a vacation for me.

erinja:
I really hope you will go to NASK.

I have a student who might attend the Landa Kongreso, held just before NASK. Are you planning to attend that as well?

I've decided to just attend NASK (just paid esperanto-usa.org). If your student decides to go and is interested in a ride, I might still head down to Dallas before NASK. I have family in the area and friends and I'll probably head down early to visit the week of the Kongreso.

Kelly

Given my current language level, NASK isn't an option; however, I would not pay those prices nor would I have the time for it.

I imagine my wife would have serious issues with any class costing that amount given that we have children, a mortgage, etc.

I just can't get that kind of time off work either.

A weekend convention (Thursday or Friday through Sunday or Monday) in my regional area (western US) might be doable.

ludomastro:Given my current language level, NASK isn't an option; however, I would not pay those prices nor would I have the time for it.

I imagine my wife would have serious issues with any class costing that amount given that we have children, a mortgage, etc.

I suppose it's all a matter of perspective. I have a mortgage, children, etc and I think that the class, lodging, and food for the price is pretty reasonable.

As for level of proficiency, I'm a beginner by anyone's standards. I'm hoping this will give me the focus and time I need to escape the Eterna Komencanto loop I am currently stuck in.

Regardless, I hope to have a great time, mingle with other beginners (and beyond), and enjoy myself while learning. Maybe at some point in the future the price and timing will be right for you.

Bondeziras,
Kelly