Description

Spanish Language and Guatemalan Culture

The VCU School of World Studies and the Global Education Office at VCU, in conjunction with the Fundacion Proyecto Lingüuistico Francisco Marroquin in Antigua, are pleased to present a four-week immersion opportunity for participants interested in Spanish language and Guatemalan culture. Taught in a 1-2 students-to-teacher ratio, this program is ideal for students at the beginning and intermediate levels of Spanish.

Course and credit options: 6 to 7 VCU credits

Students may choose one of the following Spanish courses:
* SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish (4 credits)
* SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish
* SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish Reading
* SPAN 300 Advanced Grammar and Writing
* SPAN 301 Advanced Spanish and Writing
* SPAN 305 Advanced Spanish Conversation

Additionally, WRLD 391 Guatemala- Introduction to Mayan Culture will be taken by the program participants. Please not the WRLD 391 must be taken in conjunction with any Spanish course dictated above.

Course description

Students will attend language courses at the Fundacion Proyecto Lingüistico Francisco Marroquin Monday through Friday each week. Students will also be required to enroll in WRLD 391 Introduction to Mayan Culture. This course will be integrated into the study abroad program to enhance language and cultural skills learned during the program.

In addition to language and cultural instruction, students will participate in weekly field trips to learn about local history, culture and language. The surrounding countryside is perennially green and filled with flowers, volcanoes, lakes and Mayan villages. Guatemala is an ethnic kaleidoscope. The dominant culture speaks Spanish, proudly tracing its roots to the Colonial period. Over half the inhabitants are Mayan Indians who preserve the ancient traditions of their languages, weaving and arts.

The program will be led by Prof. Marta Nunn, a professor of Spanish in the School of World Studies at VCU. Originally from Guatemala, Prof. Nunn fills her Spanish classes on campus with stories and experiences that she shares with her students to help them deepen their understanding of Spanish language and Guatemalan culture. She is excited to offer this summer program at VCU and hopes that she can help students create memorable experiences that teach them firsthand about Guatemalan life.

Highlights

While in Guatemala:
Students will participate in weekly field trips to learn about local history, culture, tradition and language. Planned field trips include: touring the Antiguan ruins, visiting museums, attending local social events, traveling to coffee plantations, traveling to the ruins of Tikal, viewing Mayan ceremonies, visiting Mayan weavers in Aguas Calientes and spending a weekend at Lake Atitlán where students will visit the colorful market of Chichicastenango and hike up Volcano Pacaya.

Housing:
Participants will be housed with a host family while in Guatemala. Students wishing to use the Internet during the program will be responsible for finding their own means of connectivity.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD1,800 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD1,700- USD1,900 and includes the following:
* Accommodations
* Most meals
* Study visits and tours
* Excursions
* On-site Program Director support
* Application fee and deposit
* Pre-departure orientation
* VCU administrative fees
* International Student Identification Card

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Some meals
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (Estimated at USD500- USD700)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Program directors will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 15.

Experience Required

yes

Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA to participate in this program and must fulfill all necessary prerequisite Spanish language courses. In addition, all applicants will be required to meet with the program director for an interview. For Spanish language courses, students will need to have all pre-requisite coursework completed prior to the program start date. An academic letter of reference is required. Please submit this with your application materials after submitting the online form.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Home-stays
• Other

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Letters of Reference

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

1838