VCU Education Abroad Faculty-led Summer Program in Guatemala (Language & Culture)

  Guatemala

Antigua

Term: Summer 
Dates: May 30 - June 27

Description: The VCU School of World Studies and the Office of International Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, in conjunction with the Fundación Proyecto Linguístico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua, are pleased to present a four-week immersion opportunity for participants interested in Spanish language and Guatemalan culture. Taught in a 1-2 students to teacher ratio, this program is ideal for students at the beginning and intermediate levels of Spanish.

Course and credit options: 6 to 7 VCU credits
Students may choose two of the following courses: SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish (4 credits), SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish, SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish Reading, SPAN 205 Intermediate Spanish Conversation, SPAN 305 Advanced Spanish Conversation, SPAN 492 Independent Study, FRLG 490 Internship, INTL 391 Guatemala- Introduction to Mayan Culture. Please note that SPAN 102 can only be taken in conjunction with INTL 391.

Course description: In addition to language instruction, students will participate in weekly field trips to learn about local history, culture and language. The surrounding countryside is perennially green and filled with flowers, volcanoes, lakes and Mayan villages. Guatemala is an ethnic kaleidoscope. The dominant culture speaks Spanish, proudly tracing its roots to the Colonial period. Over half the inhabitants are Mayan Indians who preserve the ancient traditions of their languages, weaving and arts.

Highlights: Students spend mornings with native-speaking Spanish instructors. Afternoon activities include a weekly meeting to discuss the cross-cultural experience. This information is then brought to life during several outings each week to local villages, museums and guest lectures. Participants will visit macadamia and coffee plantations, attend a guest lecture by renowned poet Gaspar Pedro, tour the ruins of Tikál, spend a day at the beach, enjoy museums and the Antigua market, view a demonstration of a Mayan ceremony, visit the Mayan weavers in Aguas Calientes, spend a weekend at lake Atitlán and visit the colorful market of Chichicastenango, Volcano Pacaya hike, and weekend at Livingston.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 2,125

*Accommodations
*Most meals
*Study visits and tours
*Excursions
*On-site Program Director support
*Application fee and deposit
*Pre-departure orientation
*VCU administrative fees
*International Student Identification Card

The following are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:

*Airfare
*VCU tuition and fees
*Some meals
*Passport application fee
*Personal expenses during the program
*Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Experience Required: yes

Student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in this program.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home