CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Guanajuato, Mexico

  Mexico

• Central Highlands: 
Guanajuato

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall- 18 weeks early August early December; Spring - 17 weeks: early February - late May; Academic Year - 46 weeks: early July-Late May

Description: The Liberal Arts program in Guanajuato gives serious students the opportunity to connect university-based learning with daily life in contemporary Mexico. The only way to learn a language deeply is to throw oneself into it with passion and to become increasingly aware of the political and cultural contexts in which it is embedded. The program offers an intense cultural learning experience that emphasizes art, literature, history, and key issues related to contemporary Mexico.

Academic Program
The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who have at least four semesters of college-level Spanish and are looking for a serious academic experience. CIEE participants study alongside local University students in both traditional liberal arts themes (Mexican literature, history, art) and more social and language-oriented themes (migration, Spanish language, revolution). An interest in reading and writing is essential for delving into these academic themes in a meaningful way.

Academic Culture
The program academic culture is defined by its affiliation with the prestigious Universidad de Guanajuato and by the programs own commitment to providing an intellectually and personally stimulating experience abroad. Mexican students choose career paths upon entry and must pass difficult entrance exams into the major of their choice. As a result, the curriculum is demanding, and an undergraduate degree often takes more than four years to complete. While professors are open and approachable, they expect a high degree of personal engagement and responsibility from students. CIEE students will not only be expected to think critically and work both individually and in groups, but they will also be expected to photocopy and share readings for class.(Required readings are generally not available for purchase, but put on reserve at the library.) Class size and teaching methods will vary, but in general, students take respon-sibility for much of the learning process. CIEE courses are for CIEE students only (25 maximum) and tend to look reasonably familiar in terms of methods and styles of learning. The two-week intensive course before the semester is small and dynamic, combining in-class and out-of-class work to prepare students for the challenges ahead. CIEE provides individual advising during course registration, orientation, and throughout the semester.

CIEE students attend courses in three locations. CIEE-designed courses are under the umbrella of the Departamento de Lenguas, which is conveniently located in the main downtown area. Direct enrollment courses are held in conjunction with the Departa- mento de Letras and the Departamento de Artes Visuales. The Departamento de Letras is located just outside the city and requires students to take a bus, and the Departa- mento de Artes Visuales, which is located in the main downtown area and also requires students to commute by bus.

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