CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Managua, Nicaragua

  Nicaragua

Managua

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 21 weeks: mid July-mid December; Spring 21 weeks: mid February-mid July; Academic Year 52 weeks: mid July-mid July

Description: While broad in its academic scope, the Liberal Arts program is particularly appropriate for students with an interest in social sciences, social justice, and development studies. The program enables participants to refine their Spanish language skills through an intensive Spanish language course; to enhance their understanding of contemporary Nicaraguan society through the CIEE core course; and to take courses in a wide variety of academic interests through direct matriculation at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua-Managua.

Academic Program
The Liberal Arts program at the CIEE Study Center in Managua, Nicaragua provides a supportive environment for students who have at least 5 semesters of college-level Spanish to continue language study and enroll directly in a Nicaraguan university. While broad in its academic scope, the program allows students to approach academic interests, such as social justice and development, through a variety of academic disciplines in the social sciences and humanities.

Academic Culture
At Nicaraguan universities, students begin their academic studies taking courses related to their major from the very beginning. They continue to enroll in more focused concentration courses as they make progress in their academic career. Courses outside of the general education requirements are equivalent to upper-level courses in the United States.

CIEE students should be prepared for a style of teaching that relies primarily on lectures and student presentations, often encouraging academic debate among students. Class size ranges from 20 - 55 with an average class size between 20 to 30 students.

The first semester of the academic year in Managua begins in March and ends in mid-July, and the second semester begins in early August and ends in mid-December. An academic year program of study in Managua can begin either during the North American fall or spring semester. Academic year students who begin their study during the North American fall semester have a two and a half-month break between semesters. There is a break of about two weeks between the spring and fall semesters.

Highlights:

• Intensive, two-week Spanish language course
  
• Specially-designed CIEE course focusing on the political history of Nicaragua
  
• CIEE facilitated visits to community organizations working on issues of health, education, and sustainable development
  
• Ideal location to study social justice and development through a wide range of social science offerings at a prestigious Nicaraguan university
  
• Nicaraguan homestay, city-based cultural activities, and a weekend excursion to the Caribbean Coast

In addition, there are CIEE-organized cultural activities linked to learning about issues of social justice and development, including a series of guest lectures and facilitated discussions with people involved in grassroots organizations and visits to community centers and organizations in Managua.

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

Experience Required: yes