CIEE January Spanish Program in Guanajuato, Mexico

  Mexico

• Central Highlands: 
Guanajuato

Term: Winter 
Dates: Winter 3 weeks: early January- mid/late January

Description:
The Spanish Language program aims to maximize students learning in the short time available, create critical dialogues across language and culture, and widen students ideas about the themes at hand. The goal is to help students feel confident about their new knowledge, humble about how much more there is still to learn, and passionate about finding ways to continue this learning long after the program ends and they leave Guanajuato.

Academic Program
Students take one intensive, three-credit course for the duration of the program. Community-Based Spanish, offered at an intermediate or advanced level, emphasizes language learning through a critical and constant engagement with local community members. Class meets daily for five hours, including grammar and conversation classes and daily explorations into the community.

Academic Culture
The course is designed for U.S. students, and for the most part, teaching and learning methods are familiar to them. While in-class methods are fairly traditional, the secondary components of the course utilize reflection, critical thinking, and experiential learning. Between the two components, the course includes a mix of written assignments, oral presentations, field exercises, creative projects, and formal in-class examinations. Each class has no more than 12 students.

Highlights:

• Jump into an intense language experience
  
• Become immersed in the vibrant and colorful community of Guanajuato and stay with a local family
  
• Explore the local community during class time, including visits to museums and nearby sites of historical and cultural interest
  
• Change pace with an overnight study trip to Mexico City
  
• Participate in Jornada de servicio (service days) in the community

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The program includes one overnight excursion, usually to Mexico City, where they visit the pyramids and world-famous art museums, among other sites. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a service project (locales vary from year to year) during the program.

Immersion
CIEE students are invited to take part in several jornadas de servicio. These are generally modest, afternoon service options that have included such activities as giving an art workshop in a rural school, organizing an environmental education activity in town, or painting a hospital lobby. Participation is open to all, and any necessary supplies, travel, and meals are provided by CIEE.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes