Study Abroad
Spanish Language and Culture in Mexico
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 30, 2009.
January 2 - 23, 2010
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 and a weekend to Acapulco. Optional day trips and activities are available for an additional fee.
Faculty Director: Dr. Leticia Romo, Towson University Foreign Languages Dept.
Course: Students will take one of the classes listed below and earn an additional 3 credits of SPAN lower division elective. Participants will consult with the Program Director prior to departure and take a placement test upon arrival in Mexico to determine the class level 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 pronunciations; elementary conversation; composition; readings. TU GenEd II.C.1.
SPAN 102: Spanish Elements II (3 credits)
Review and further study of grammar principles; pronunciation; conversation; composition; readings. Prerequisite: SPAN 101. TU GenEd II.C.1.
SPAN 201: Spanish Intermediate I (3 credits)
Review of grammar and pronunciation; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or equivalent. TU GenEd II.C.3.
SPAN 202: Spanish Intermediate II (3 credits)
Advanced grammar structures; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent.
SPAN 305: Readings in Spanish (3 credits)
Improves reading and comprehension skills in Spanish, while exposing students to introductory Spanish literature. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
SPAN 370: Special Topics in Spanish - Pronunciation 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.
TU students may receive Honors credit for their study abroad experience - click here for more information.
Cost:* $3,100 includes academic credit, health insurance, roundtrip airfare, housing with a local Mexican family, three meals per day, three one-day excursions, and a weekend to Acapulco (accommodation, transportation, and two excursions). Additional costs include $150 study abroad fee and 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.
Housing: Participants will live with a local 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: EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 30, 2009. Admission is on a rolling basis and early application is advised as space is limited.
Application Process: Students must hold a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and have a high school diploma or equivalent experience. 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, 410-704-2651 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
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