Description

Spanish Language and Culture in Cuernavaca, Mexico

The School of World Studies and the Global Education Office at VCU are pleased to sponsor an intensive four-week Spanish language, culture, literature, topics and business program in Mexico in conjunction with the native Spanish instructors and associate professors at Universidad Internacional in the spectacular city of Cuernavaca, where the main square (zócalo) is surrounded by sidewalk cafes, restaurants, mariachis and bookstores.

Course and credit options: 4 to 6 VCU credits
Spanish courses that will be offered in Cuernavaca include:

* SPAN 101 or SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish (will not be taken with another course),
* SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish,
* SPAN 202 Intermediate Readings (may be taken with SPAN 201),
* SPAN 205 Intermediate Conversation (may be taken with SPAN 201),
* SPAN 300 Advanced Grammar and Writing,
* SPAN 301 Advanced Grammar and Writing,
* SPAN 305 Advanced Spanish Conversation (may be taken with SPAN 205 or 202),
* SPAN 321 Latin American Civilization I,
* SPAN 331 Survey of Latin American Literature,
* SPAN 414 Commercial Spanish,
* SPAN 421 Civilization of Latin America II,
* SPAN 430 Poetry & Translation,
* SPAN 491 Topics in Spanish Literature and Culture and
* SPAN 491 Topics in Spanish Literature and Culture

Please note: SPAN 101 and 102 are 4 credit courses, all other courses are 3 credits. The courses SPAN 414 and SPAN 430 can be taken for the Certificate in Translation and Interpreting  students are strongly encouraged to take these before other courses in translation and interpretation. Students can take two SPAN 491 courses in Mexico. SPAN 491, for majors and minors, may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits provided the course topics differ.

Course description

The Universidad Internacional has obtained Official Recognition for Higher Education Studies from the Mexican educational authorities. This recognition adds to the approval of more than 100 universities, colleges and governments throughout the world. At UNINTER students will find parties, social and cultural activities, recreation, dance, football and cooking classes. Students also have the advantage of the following services free of additional charges: Spanish tutoring, basic medical service with doctors, internet access, e-mail and daily round-trip transportation from the family home to the school.

The program is directed by Eugenia Muñoz, Ph.D., associate professor in the VCU School of World Studies. Dr. Muñoz is a native Spanish speaker and has had experience in leading programs to Spain, Guatemala and Mexico. This is her 11th consecutive year leading the program to Cuernavaca.

Highlights

While in Mexico

Participants will have the opportunity to visit many cultural and tourist locations such as Taxco, the Teotihuacán pyramids, the art museums of Diego Rivera and Frida Khalo, the Palacio de Cortes, the grutas de Cacahuamilpa, and an aquatic place.

Home stay with local families and three meals per day are arranged. These costs are included in the program fee.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Spanish
• Spanish Literature

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD1,800 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD1,700 - USD1,900 and includes:
* Accommodations and three meals a day while in Cuernavaca
* Study visits and tours
* Ground transportation on excursions
* VCU administrative fees
* On-site program director support
* Application fee and deposit
* Pre-departure orientation
* International Student Identification Card

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for the cost of:
* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at USD550)
* Books for the classes
* Taxis
* Some meals while on excursions
* 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 register. Registration will be accepted on a rolling basis. NOTE: Students who have failed one or more Spanish course at VCU will be ineligible to participate in this program.

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

1838