summer language + culture

Quick Info

By Term

• Summer 2014 Session I
• Summer 2014 Session II
• Summer 2014 Session I, II

Stay Connected

Program Overview

This summer, throw yourself into a language and culture learning experience that allows you to immerse yourself in Spanish while experiencing the charming World Heritage city of Guanajuato.

The Summer Language and Culture program is designed to help students expand their knowledge and understanding of Mexico and gain confidence in their Spanish language skills. By the end of the program, you’ll have acquired a passion for continued learning and for Mexico.

Study abroad in Guanajuato and you will:

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and colorful community of Guanajuato while living with a local family
• Explore the local community through visits to museums and nearby sites of historical and cultural interest
• Visit the urban and cultural capital of Mexico during an overnight study trip to Mexico City

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

Students may choose from Spanish language classes, as well as courses where you will learn about Mexico’s rich culture covering Mexican Cinema, Literature, Art, Politics, and History. The courses and language training provide a background for the day-to-day experience on excursions to museums, day trips to surrounding areas, and interactions with host families.

Excursions

Each session includes an overnight trip to Mexico City or other nearby city of cultural and historical relevance, as well as numerous local cultural activities such as a traditional temazcal steam bath experience, a day trip to Queretaro, and a city tour.

Homestay

Given the brevity of the summer program, homestays are essential to the learning process and integration into life in Guanajuato. The opportunity to live with a Mexican family not only allows you to deconstruct stereotypes and observe authentic family life, but creates opportunities to talk about issues discussed in your courses and practice you Spanish language skills.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Summer 2014 Session I

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Summer 2014 Session II

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Summer 2014 Session I, II

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 4 semesters college-level Spanish or equivalent

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Program Requirements

Students take one elective course per session.

About The City

The CIEE Study Center is located in the colonial city of Guanajuato, about four hours north of Mexico City. Nestled in a wrinkled valley, Guanajuato boasts a spectacularly colorful and gravity-defying architecture. With a population of 130,000, Guanajuato remains a conservative and provincial city; however, it is intellectually richer and more diverse than one might expect thanks in large part to the vibrant presence of the Universidad de Guanajuato.

Meet The Staff

Beth West

Resident Director

Beth completed her undergraduate education at Fordham University at the Rose Hill Campus in Bronx, New York, majoring in Political Science. She received her MA in International Education from the SIT Graduate Institute (formerly School for International Training) in Brattleboro, VT.

Beth brings significant and impressive experience with her, which includes work with the Fulbright program in Colombia, as Director of the Centro de Consejeria Educativa (EducationUSA Advising Center) in Colombia, and more recently as Director of Exchange Programs at the Prepa Ibero at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. She also brings with her diverse experience in non-profit humanitarian aid program management, and international education.

Originally from Connecticut, Beth has spent the past five years living in Mexico City and Bogota, Colombia. She is a devoted practitioner of Vinyasa yoga, an avid reader and traveler, a big Yankees fan, and a self-proclaimed foodie.

Read More

“”

Where You'll Study

CIEE Study Center in Guanajuato

The small and cozy CIEE study center is located in a historic building right in the heart of Guanajuato. The study center offers students a place to meet each other, consult with CIEE staff, attend classes and study. It is within a stone’s throw of Guanajuato’s famed plazas and gardens, countless restaurants, shops and cafes, and a very short walk to the central campus of the Universidad de Guanajuato.

Housing & Meals

All study abroad students live in a homestay, which CIEE believes is essential to the learning process and integration into life in Guanajuato. The opportunity to live with a Mexican family not only allows students to deconstruct stereotypes and observe real life in action, but it creates opportunities for students to talk about issues presented in their courses, as well as practice their Spanish language skills. Students are placed with middle class families, and each homestay houses one CIEE student per term. The program fee includes a homestay with a private room, three meals per day, and weekly laundry service.

Orientations

A brief, but intense, mandatory orientation will help you integrate into Mexican culture and make the most of your short time abroad. You will prepare for the move into your homestay, review academic, logistical, health, and safety information, and construct some basic cultural knowledge with which to begin the program. Ongoing support is provided by CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Also, work and printing can be done at local Internet cafés. You must type and print work for all courses and should expect to rely on the cafés for some or all of this access.

Academics

Students take one intensive, three-credit course for the duration of the summer study abroad program. Classes typically meet daily for three hours, and often include explorations into the community as well as visits and lectures from local experts.

Academic Culture

The program is designed for U.S. students and, for the most part, teaching and learning methods are familiar to them. While in-class teaching methods are fairly traditional, the secondary components of most courses also utilize reflection, critical thinking, and experiential learning. In most cases, course requirements include a mix of written assignments, oral presentations, field exercises, and exams, all conducted in Spanish.

Nature of Classes

Classes are held with CIEE study abroad students only and are quite small and dynamic, with a high student-to-staff ratio. Students are frequently asked to engage the local community or local cultural venues as part of their coursework.

CIEE Community Language Commitment

As students gain proficiency in Spanish, Resident Staff encourage them to use their language skills in everyday settings. This fosters a learning community that contributes to both Spanish language proficiency and understanding of Mexican society.

Grading System

The study abroad program is intellectually rigorous, and students should expect to be active participants in all courses. Assessment is based on both written and oral work and enthusiastic participation in the learning process.

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Faculty

Students are taught by local faculty and CIEE staff.

Course Description

Program Blog

Read More