Q and A
Studying in Latin America
Q.  I want to live in Central or South America for four months to improve my Spanish and learn more about the region's culture and politics. Which countries have language programs offered in a hospitable environment? -- Gloria Bowles, Berkeley, Calif.
A.  There are scores of language schools throughout Latin America that teach intensive Spanish and also give classes on the region's history and culture. The most established schools are in Cuernavaca, Mexico; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; San Jose, Costa Rica; Quito, Ecuador, and Antigua, Guatemala. (Before visiting Guatemala, check with the State Department; there have been some anti-American incidents there recently.) Most large cities in Latin America -- including Mexico City, Buenos Aires and Caracas -- also have language schools. Although the quality and curriculum of the programs vary, most admit students for periods that range from a week to several months.
The Wisconsin-based National Registration Center for Study Abroad is a private organization that certifies language programs throughout the world. It represents more than 30 programs in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Guatemala.
For instance, the Escuela de Idiomas D'Amore in Quepos, Costa Rica combines 20 hours a week of language classes with visits to Manuel Antonio National Park. Students live with a Costa Rican family where they are immersed in Spanish. The program costs between $685 and $795 a week, including board.
The Chile Homestudy program places its students in the houses of local teachers from the Santiago area. The program costs between $850 and $1,085 for two weeks, including room and board.
Mexico City's National Autonomous University has a special intensive language school for foreigners. The university charges $395 for an intensive six-week program in Spanish. The school does not provide housing or meals.
The South American Spanish Institute in Quito, Ecuador, offers one-on-one Spanish tutoring for 20 hours each week for $300 (including room and board with a local family). It schedules two field trips for students each week.
For more information on these and other language programs, contact the National Registration Center for Study Abroad, Post Office Box 1393, Milwaukee, Wis. 53201; (414) 278-0631, fax (414) 271-8884. Key West Lodgings
Q.  We have been considering an extended vacation in Key West. Can you tell me anything about accommodations available at monthly rates, especially ones that accept pets? -- C. Northen, Birmingham, Ala.
A.  According to rental agents in Key West, a two-bedroom, two-bath house in Key West's historic district averages about $2,500 to $3,000 a month during the summer and fall, and $4,500 to $5,500 during the peak season (from mid-December to late April). However, if you search hard enough, it is possible to find efficiency rentals for as little as $800 a month in the summer. But there is no getting around the 11 percent sales tax and, for pet owners, a $100 or $125 deposit, often nonrefundable.
A private house is probably the best bet, especially if you have a pet. (Most motels, large condominium developments and bed-and-breakfasts do not accept pets). Furthermore, there are few full-service establishments that give advantageous monthly rates; generally the best you can get is a weekly rate.
One exception is Travelers Palm Garden Cottages and Suites, 815 Catherine Street, Key West, Fla. 33040, (800) 294-9560, in the historic district. It has seven one- and two-bedroom cottages with central air conditioning and private gardens. Amenities include two pools and boat charters. Clyde and Brigid Hensley, the owners, said they offered four weeks for the price of three during the summer and fall, when weekly rates range from $650 to $1,250. During peak season, there are no price breaks for monthly stays; the weekly range then is $750 to $1,450. Unobtrusive pets -- a small dog, for instance -- are accepted. A $100 refundable deposit is required for a pet.
Among the agencies that list houses, condominiums and apartments for monthly vacation rentals are Bassett Real Estate and Rent Key West. Be sure to ask about any fees for cleaning and whether or not you must pay utilities. Such charges vary not only from company to company, but often from property to property.
Bassett Real Estate, 1218 Duval Street, Key West, Fla. 33040, (800) 780-1386, currently has properties with monthly costs starting at $1,800 off-season ($3,000 in season) for a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment above a Watson Street house with a pool, deck and Jacuzzi. A three-bedroom, two and a half bath house with a pool on Rose Street costs $3,500 a month in the summer. During the peak season, the same house costs $5,000. There is a $100 nonrefundable deposit for pets. To reserve the property, you must pay half the rate in advance; the other half, plus a $500 security deposit, is due on arrival.
Rent Key West Properties, 1107 Truman Avenue, Key West, Fla. 33040, (800) 833-7368, has listings ranging from a one-room efficiency on Ann Street, that rents for $800 for one summer month ($2,000 in season) to a seven-bedroom, waterfront estate with pool, gazebo and boat docks ($24,000 a month off-season, $30,000 in season). There is a $125 pet deposit, and to reserve the property, rent and a $500 deposit must be paid in advance.
The Key West Chamber of Commerce, 402 Wall Street, Key West, Fla. 33040, (800) 527-8539, will provide a free listing of accommodations and rental agencies. Among the categories used to describe each accommodation, is, conveniently, one that addresses the admissibility of pets.  Driving in Ireland
Q.  I have been informed that in Ireland a person 75 years or older cannot rent a car and that between the ages of 70 and 75 years special insurance is required in addition to all of the regular insurance. Is this true? -- C. O. Lamp, Danville, Calif.
A.  There are no government regulations that specify an upper age limit for those renting cars in Ireland. However, some companies have set their own limits. Citing high car insurance rates in Ireland, a Hertz spokesman said the company would not rent to drivers over the age of 75 in that country. Avis said the upper age limit for small to midsize cars was 70 years in Ireland; for large cars the cutoff was 65 years. Both companies said they did not require older renters to purchase special insurance. The companies set no upper age limits in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. SUZANNE MacNEILLE