Description

The Liberal Arts study abroad program in Guanajuato, Mexico is designed to provide students with an intellectually rigorous experience that offers both direct enrollment options alongside Mexican students and specially-designed CIEE courses, which lend themselves to a better understanding of the complexities of contemporary Mexican life.

Academic Program
The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who have at least four semesters of college-level Spanish and are looking for a serious academic experience. CIEE participants study alongside local University students in both traditional liberal arts themes (Mexican literature, history, art) and more social and language-oriented themes (migration, Spanish language, revolution). An interest in reading and writing is essential for delving into these academic themes in a meaningful way.

Academic Culture
The program's academic culture is defined by its affiliation with the prestigious Universidad de Guanajuato and by the program's own commitment to providing an intellectually and personally stimulating experience abroad. Mexican students choose career paths upon entry and must pass difficult entrance exams into the major of their choice. As a result, the curriculum is demanding and an undergraduate degree normally takes five years to complete. While professors are open and approachable, they expect a high degree of personal engagement and responsibility from students. CIEE students are expected to think critically, work both individually and in groups, and photocopy and share readings for class. (Required readings are generally not available for purchase, but put on reserve at the library.) Class size and teaching methods vary, but in general students take responsibility for much of the learning process. CIEE courses are for CIEE students only (25 maximum) and tend to look reasonably familiar to U.S. students in terms of methods and styles of learning. The three-week intensive course before the semester is small and dynamic, combining in-class and out-of-class work to prepare students for the challenges ahead. CIEE provides individual advising during course registration, orientation, and throughout the semester.

CIEE students attend courses in three locations. CIEE-designed courses are offered at the Departamento de Lenguas, which is conveniently located in the main downtown area. Direct enrollment courses are held in conjunction with the Departamento de Letras and the Departamento de Artes Visuales. The Departamento de Letras is located just outside the city and requires students to take a bus. The Departamento de Artes Visuales is located in the main downtown area.

Highlights

Cultural Activities
A three-day trip to Mexico City is included in the pre-session Spanish course. During the semester, students may take advantage of local holidays and three-day weekends to travel to nearby colonial cities, the beach, and elsewhere in Mexico.

CIEE students participate in a myriad of cultural activities during their time abroad. In the fall, Guanajuato hosts the internationally renowned Cervantino Festival for the Arts, and students also join in Independence Day, the Day of the Dead, and the pre-Christmas posadas. In the spring, festivities include Dia de la Candelaria, San Valentin (Feb. 14), and Dia de las Flores. During the two-week Holy Week break, students may participate in many local traditions within the community or travel. In between various holidays, students frequently take part in family occasions such as weddings, fifteenth-birthday celebrations, and baptisms.

Fall Cervantino Festival
For students in the fall program, the internationally renowned Cervantino Festival of the Arts takes place for three weeks each October. The Festival brings the best of international arts to Guanajuato and provides a burst of creative energy mid-semester. Different Mexican states and international countries are highlighted each year. Students can expect three weeks of incredible performances and expositions of international art, music, drama, and dance.

Spring Semana Santa
In the spring, students participate in Mexico's extended Easter holiday traditions and are afforded a two-week period mid-semester in which they can travel to other sites.

Museums and Galleries
For a small city, Guanajuato is home to quite a range of museums and galleries. CIEE students regularly link class study to museum visits and often attend gallery openings and events. The intimate and open atmosphere makes it possible to speak to local artists and to get to know the creative culture of the city.

Community Service
While no formal internship or credit-bearing service opportunities are offered, CIEE students are encouraged to take part in several jornadas de servicio each semester. Community service opportunities are modest, one-day service options organized to meet the demands and opportunities that arise each semester. They could include conducting an art workshop in a rural school, organizing an environmental education activity in town, attending a pet vaccination campaign, or painting a hospital lobby. Participation is open to all, and any necessary supplies, travel, and meals are provided by CIEE.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Art History
• History
• Languages / Linguistics
• Literature
• Spanish
• Studio Arts

Cost in US$:

Fall: USD 10,750

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes tuition, optional on-site airport meet and greet, housing, all meals, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, access to the university’s unique self-access language learning center, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Transcript
• Letters of Reference
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947