Cuernavaca, México Summer Abroad | Study Abroad | Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures

México Summer Program in Cuernavaca

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

The specific objective of the program is to provide students and teachers of Spanish a most conducive environment for the intensive study of the language.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

In order to broaden students' linguistic competence, enhance their understanding of the cultural dimensions of language, and expose them to Mexican culture, participants will be placed in a total immersion program according to their previous study of Spanish. Since the primary objective of the program is full cultural immersion, each participant is expected to communicate in Spanish at all times. Grammar/conversation classes will be taught in groups of no more than 5 students per instructor in order to insure individual development of strong language skills.

The academic program will be conducted at the Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Studies of Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca , México. Upon arrival, students will be given an academic and cultural orientation before classes begin. Regular classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also take advantage of the optional programs (from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) offered by the Centro. These optional programs vary in content from individual instruction in grammar or conversation, round table discussions on the economy, politics and social issues in México, literature courses and Mexican folklore. Cooking, horseback riding and Mexican folk dancing classes are also available for an additional cost. Classes will be taught by the Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Studies faculty members.

PROGRAM OF STUDY: INTENSIVE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

The student may earn up to 8 AU semester hours of undergraduate credits in Spanish language, civilization, literature and Business Spanish. Placement and previous course work will determine the level and number of credits which the student may receive. Classes meet 6 hours daily. Students must attend 90% of the classes in order to receive credit.

EXCURSIONS/ACTIVITIES

Three excursions are included in the price of the program. These are to the pyramids of Teotihuacán, the National Museum of Anthropology/Centro Histórico of Mexico City, and Taxco. Additionally, a wide variety of day and weekend trips are available to students on an optional (added cost) basis including such destinations as the cities of Acapulco, Puebla, Oaxaca, and archeological sights.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS/HOUSING

Students will live with Mexican families chosen carefully by the host institute and the AU Program Director, two Auburn University students per host family. Some of the host families live in downtown apartments; others in single family homes in the suburbs. All of the host families are willing to welcome you into their homes and share with you the warmth of Mexican life.