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Center for U.S.-Mexico Studies THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

SPANISH SUMMER PROGRAM SESSION
JUNE 6- JULY 1, 2005

The University of Guanajuato, located in central Mexico, offers an intensive Summer Spanish Program for UTD undergraduate and graduate students. This program offers a unique opportunity for students to improve their Spanish language skills and acquire the knowledge of the Mexican culture while earning credit hours at UTD.

 

THE LANGUAGE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GUANAJUATO
The Language Center has provided academic services to students from all over the world since 1976. Foreign students have the opportunity to learn Spanish and acquire knowledge of the Mexican and Latin American cultures through effective teaching and the newest methodologies, thus, offering a completely integrated program of instruction. The Spanish courses are complemented with workshops of arts and crafts from the area of Guanajuato, folk dance from the various regions of Mexico and Latin America, authentic Mexican cooking class, and seminars on topics regarding different aspects of Mexican life and politics. Weekend excursions are also offered, which enrich the student's knowledge of Mexico's culture and history.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM AND COURSE DESCRIPTION
There are three different levels: beginning, intermediate and advanced.

All courses are taught in Spanish by the faculty of the University of Guanajuato.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Complementing the classroom experience, the Language School provides students with identification cards, which allow them to enter most cultural activities free of charge or at a very low cost. Lectures, musical presentations and local cultural and social events enrich the program. Weekend excursions are also offered, enhancing the student's knowledge of Mexico's culture and history.

These short trips include: · A hike to the Volcano Paricutín in Michoacán, where studentshave a unique opportunity to see an active volcano and be close to some of the oldest pre-Hispanic civilizations. A trip to the Teotihuacán ruins, the sacred shrine of the Teotihuacano Indians in el Estado de México. These tours are optional and have an additional cost.

A trip to the Teotihuacán ruins, the sacred shrine of the Teotihuacano Indians in el Estado de México. These tours are optional and have an additional cost.

HOUSING THROUGH FULL IMMERSION HOMESTAYS
The University of Guanajuato does not have dormitories; however, housing is readily available in Mexican homes. Students are encouraged to live with Mexican families since this living arrangement provides students with a unique opportunity to obtain an inside view of Mexican life. Homestays have also proven to be an excellent way to give students more exposure to the Spanish language. The University provides assistance regarding housing arrangements. Most living arrangements include a double-occupancy lodging and three meals a day in a warm family atmosphere. The daily cost is $18.00 (US). Single rooms are available upon request but have an extra cost.

MIGRATION DOCUMENTS
American and European students may enter Mexico with a tourist visa, which is issued at the immigration counter in the Mexican airport and is good for about 30 to 90 days.

• US citizens need either a valid passport or a certified birth certificate and two other forms of identification.
  
• US residents need their green cards and a valid passport or a certified birth certificate and two other forms of identification.
  
• Foreign students need to contact the Mexican consulate to see if they need further documentation.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The University of Guanajuato provides basic medical consultation free of charge and a limited insurance policy, which only covers accidents on the University's premises. Students may obtain more extensive travel insurance through private insurance companies in the US but beware that many doctors and medical facilities do not accept any kind of insurance.

CREDITS
-Undergraduate students will obtain six credits for participating in this program.
-BEGINNING LEVEL students will receive six lower division credits for the academic  courses previously mentioned.
-INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVEL students will receive three upper and three  lower division for the academic courses previously mentioned.

• The grades obtained by participating in this Program are not averaged in the students GPA. Students only obtain the credits at UTD of their work in UGTO.
  
• Students can do an independent study in order to receive an additional three credits.

-Graduates:
-Students can obtain between three to six credits for participating in language program.
-Students can do an independent study in order to receive additional credits
-Students need to talk to their advisors before enrolling in the Program.

COST

• The total cost of tuition, class material, and program coordination is $900.00 (US). This fee covers the full academic program in the Language School at the University of Guanajuato. There is an additional application fee of $20.00 (US) to be paid at the moment of registration.
  
• If students want to sign up for an independent study, they need to register and pay for the course(s) at UTD.

Lodging and food:

Homestays-double occupancy cost $18 US dollars per day, which is approximately $550.00 (US) for the month.Hotels range from $20.00-$150.00 (US) a day, food not included. Transportation: Airfare ranges between $450.00-$700.00 (US) dollars round trip since it is the high travel season. American Airlines and Continental fly to the León/Bajío Airport. AA flies directly from DFW to Guanajuato. The flight time is about 2 hours. Land transportation is not recommended unless students have traveled in Mexico previously and have a good command of Spanish language.

Spending Money:
Depends on the individual. We suggest you to bring between 350-450 US dollars for travelling and shopping. In Guanajuato you will find beautiful arts and crafts, silver and very inexpensive leather.

Total Cost:
Approximately between $2,000.00 and $2,500.00 (US).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Program Dates: June 6- July 1, 2005.
  Applications are available at the Center for U.S.-Mexico Studies in Jonsson 5.504. Students participating in this program should plan to arrive in Guanajuato on Saturday, June 4, 2005 in order to attend the walking orientation on Sunday, June 5, 2005 at noon.
• Registration Deadline: Friday, April 29, 2005.
• In order for an application to be completed, you need to turn in the following documents to the Center for U.S.-Mexico Studies:
  
  • Application form.
    
  • $20.00 (US) non-reimbursable application fee
    
  • 4 passport size photographs

Informational Sessions:
These sessions are open to all students. A video of the City and University of Guanajuato will be shown and students who participated in this program in previous years will be there to answer questions.

-Session 1 : November 3, 2004, 12:00 hrs.
-Session 2 : TBA

Orientation Sessions:
These sessions are obligatory for students participating in the program. There will be two orientations sessions, one on Tuesday, May 31, 2005, prior to leaving for Mexico at UTD and the other upon arrival on Sunday, June 5, 2005 at noon.

SCHOLARSHIPS Students can apply for competitive scholarships under the UTD Travel Abroad Program. Forms are available at The UTD Office of International Education (OIE) or you may print out the form from http://www.utdallas.edu/utdgeneral/provost/oie/information/scholarships.htm. Please return your application to the OIE in the McDermott Library, MC 1.206. Please note that completed forms and supporting letters of recommendation must be submitted no later than March 8, 2005 for consideration for 2005 summer scholarships. No late submissions will be considered -- so APPLY EARLY. IMPORTANT NOTE: Dates and prices may change. If you have further questions, please e-mail the Program Coordinator Dr. Maria Demello, at demello@utdallas.edu or call to The Center for US-Mexico Studies at (972) 883-6401.