Study Abroad

Spanish Language and Culture in Mexico

CLOSED

January 2 - 23, 2009

This intensive three-week program offers students the opportunity to advance their Spanish language skills in a total-immersion environment. The program is based in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Cuernavaca enjoys year-round semi-tropical weather and is about a one-hour drive south of Mexico City. As the former ancient Aztec town of Cuauhnahuac, Cuernavaca is rich in history and has a population of over 500,000.

Participants take classes at the Spanish Language Institute (SLI) and are taught by SLI staff members. Courses are available at all levels (beginner to advanced) including grammar, conversation, literature, and culture and civilization. Students will be in class six hours a day, five days a week. Three hours of each day are spent in a class with no more than five students to a teacher.

The program includes excursions to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, Mexico City, and Xochicalco archaeological site. Optional day trips and weekend excursions are available for an additional fee.

Instructor: Prof. Leticia Romo, Towson University Foreign Languages Dept.

Course: SPAN and/or Foreign Language electives (6 credits). Students will consult with the Program Director prior to departure to determine the combination of classes to be taken at the Spanish Language Institute. The following courses are available:

SPAN 101: Spanish Elements I 3 credits
Principles of Spanish grammar; drills in pronounciations; elementary conversation; composition; readings. TU GenEd II.C.1. Students taking SPAN 101 will take FORL Lower Division Elective as their second class on the program.

SPAN 102: Spanish Elements II 3 credits
Review and further study of grammar principles; pronounciation; coversation; composition; readings. Prerequisite: SPAN 101. TU GenEd II.C.1. Students taking SPAN 102 will take FORL Lower Division Elective credit as their second class on the program.

SPAN 201: Spanish Intermediate I 3 credits
Review of grammar and pronounciation; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exeercises. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or equivalent. TU GenEd II.C.3. Students taking SPAN 201 will take FORL Lower Division Elective credit as their second class on the program.

SPAN 202: Spanish Intermediate II 3 credits
Advanced grammar structures; coversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent. Students taking SPAN 202 will take FORL Lower Division Elective credit as their second class on the program.

SPAN 305: Readings in Spanish 3 credits
Improves reading and comprehension skills in Spanish, while exposing studsents to introductory Spanish literature. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

SPAN 370: Special Topics in Spanish - Pronounciation and Oral Expression 3 credits
Specialized topics in language and culture. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent.

SPAN 371: Special Topics in Spanish - Culture of Mexico 3 credits
Specialized topics in language and culture. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent.

SPAN 391: Advanced Spanish Grammar 3 credits
Spanish syntax, idiomatic construction, word formation, original composition. Conversation and oral drill. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.

SPAN 407: Advanced Spanish Composition 3 credits
Development of composition skills through writing. Prerequisites: SPAN 301 and 302 or equivalent.

SPAN 408: Advanced Conversation 3 credits
Development of advanced skills to participate in both formal and informal conversation, social and abstract topics. Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.

SPAN 470: Special Topics in Spanish - literature 3 credits
Discussion of a special topic with changing emphasis form year to year. May be repeated for credit provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 or SPAN 322 or equivalent.

Students may also receive upper or lower division Foreign Languages (FORL) elective credit (3 credits).

TU students may receive Honors credit for their study abroad experience - click here for more information.

Cost:* $3,200 includes tuition (6 credits), health insurance, roundtrip airfare, airport transfers to Cuernavaca, housing with a local Mexican family, 3 meals a day, and three one-day excursions. Additional costs include $150 study abroad fee, personal expenses.

*The Towson University Study Abroad Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.

Click here for information about scholarships.

Housing: Participants will live with a local Mexican family. The host family provides 3 meals a day and accommodation in a shared double room. Single-occupancy rooms are available for an additional fee.

Application Deadline: OCTOBER 15, 2008. Admission is on a rolling basis and early application is advised as space is limited.

Application Process: Students must hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Fill out the application (PDF) and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. $250 deposit required at time of application. Non-TU students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application (PDF).

For further information: Contact Dr. Leticia Romo , Dept. of Foreign Languages, 410-704-5369 or TU Study Abroad Office.

Study Abroad Office
Administration Building, 2nd Floor
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-2451

Fax: 410-704-4703
Email: studyabroad@towson.edu