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• Program Information
• Application Information
• Financial Information
• Contact Information

P r o g r a m   I n f o r m a t i o n

Study Site

Cuernavaca is known internationally as the "City of Eternal Spring" boasting a year round temperature of 75 to 80º F.  Located 50 miles south of Mexico City at a height of 4,626 feet, Cuernavaca has a friendly population of approximately 800,000 inhabitants.  With Mexico City only an hour away, students can take advantage of the many historical and cultural benefits of the capital without the inconveniences of the "big city."  You will study at the Universidad Internacional / The Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies.  Universidad Internacional is a closed campus ideally located in a residential area of Cuernavaca.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 12 weeks of intensive Spanish language study at all levels. Students are in class 6 hours per day. Courses offered include grammar, conversation and culture. Literature, history and civilization classes are offered to students with advanced language proficiency.

Credit

Completing one semester of college level Spanish (through 1010 level) or the equivalent before departure can help you complete the B.A. language requirement in Mexico. Advanced courses in Spanish may count toward major or minor requirements.  Courses may be taken for a grade, credit/no credit, or audit.  Specific credit is arranged with the program director before departure. Advanced (3000+) students must check with Professor Elias to determine possible credit before applying.

Program Director Professor Eduardo Elias, from the department of languages and literature will be accompanying the group to Cuernavaca, Mexico.  Professor Elias has led many study abroad programs in Mexico, France, Spain, Chile, and Italy to name a few. Accommodation Students will be housed with a Mexican family (double occupancy).  The host family will provide a room, all meals, and moderate use of laundry facilities.  Room and board is not included for the week of spring break.

Tentative Itinerary

Independent Travel A one-week "spring break" between sessions will give you time to visit local attractions.  Some students may be interested in going to Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Cancún, or exploring Mexico City. Students who travel outside the program will do so at their own risk and expense.  The program director will be available to advise students on independent travel arrangements and historic and cultural sites to visit.

Excursions & Activities

Included weekend excursions will take you to the pyramids in Teotihuacan, the National Museum of Anthropology, a historical tour of Mexico City and other sites of cultural or historical significance. Other visits are available with an additional cost.

A p p l  i c a t i o n   I n f o r m a t i o n

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
• Minimum age of 18.
• One semester of college level Spanish or equivalent is required.  Meet with the program director for details.

Application Deadline

Application deadline Friday, November 6th 2009.
Late applications will be accepted with an additional, non-refundable $50 fee through November 23, 2009 or until program is full.  The program has limited enrollment so you are encouraged to apply before the application deadline.  The selection committee will accept students based on the fulfillment of eligibility requirements and the order in which applications are received.

Application Process

• Students must submit a complete application, including a personal statement, letter of reference, and a photocopy of the identification page of their passport.
• The application and $500 initial program payment should be presented or mailed to the Cashier's Window, 165 Student Services Building.  (Please be sure to include your U of U ID number).  The cashier will issue a receipt and stamp your application "Paid."  Return the application materials to the Study Abroad Office.  All applications will be reviewed by the program director and Study Abroad Office staff to determine eligibility.  Applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance into the program.
• Additional materials, including a payment schedule and orientation information, will subsequently be emailed to all participants.
• If an applicant is determined ineligible for program participation the $500 payment will be refunded in full.
• U of U students, students at other colleges or universities, alumni and qualified members of our community are welcome to apply to participate in U of U study abroad programs.

F i n a n c i a l   I n f o r m a t i o n

Program Cost

To be determined. The program cost in 2008 was $5185.
Includes: Tuition, room and board, books, international health insurance, some weekend excursions, and airport transfers.

Does Not Include: Airfare, airport tax, passport, personal expenses, local transportation, independent travel, and room & board during spring break.
Although not anticipated, the program price may change due to fluctuation of currency exchange rates and contracted agencies, or number of participants.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Most financial aid (student loans, grants, etc.) can be applied to the program cost.  For U of U students, there are also Study Abroad Scholarships Available.  See the Study Abroad Office for more information.

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

$300 is non-refundable.  Refunds for withdrawal from the program will be determined by the Study Abroad Office according to recoverability of incurred costs.

Flight Arrangements

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Contact the international center for additional information.

D o w n l o a d   t h i s   i n f o r m a t i o n

Pre-Departure Handbook: The Study Abroad Office would like you to have a safe and healthy experience abroad.  Therefore, we are asking that you read carefully the Pre-Departure Handbook then sign and return the required documents (at the end of the handbook) to the Study Abroad Office:

200 S. Central Campus Drive
Union 159
Salt Lake City UT 84112
FAX: 801-581-5914

C o n t a c t   U s

Program Director
Professor Eduardo Elias
Department of Languages & Literature
1400 Languages & Communication Bldg.
801-583-5622
edward.elias@utah.edu