July 2-25, 2009 dates are tentative
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| Universidad Internacional |
![]() | when more info. is available |
| "Beautiful location. Good instruction! Can't wait to continue to study, learn and speak more Spanish. What better way to learn than to live it. I almost feel that this type of experience should be mandatory for MSW students." |
| 2004 Participant |
Program Information
Study Site
Universidad Internacional is located in Cuernavaca, the capital of the State of Morelos, about 80 miles from Mexico City. Because of its mild climate year-round, it is known as “The City of Eternal Spring.” Within close reach of the city are important archaeological zones of the great Mesoamerican cultures and architecture of the Colonial period. Cuernavaca’s proximity to Mexico City and Acapulco affords you the opportunity to take full advantage of the capital and several resort areas. You may visit Mexico City’s museums, prehispanic ruins and colonial buildings, theatres, markets, nightlife, and the renowned beaches of Mexico.
Course Goals
We will begin with on-campus orientation, followed by a three-week program in Cuernavaca, Mexico. You will engage in intensive Spanish language study; practice conversational skills as well as culturally appropriate client engagement and assessment strategies. The core course is based on community service projects which will be completed in collaboration with local Mexican communities and will help prepare students to work on collaborative projects in local communities. Related to the service projects, students will learn about social issues such as poverty, employment, family structure, as well as about culture, history, and politics.
Credit
Undergraduate students may earn up to 4 hours of undergraduate elective credit (choose either SW 3804, FCS 5590 OR ETHNC 5590). Graduate students may earn up to 3 hours of graduate elective credit (SW 6900 and SW 6940). Social work practitioners may earn 36 hours of NASW approved continuing education credit. This course may be taken for a grade or credit/no credit. Credit will be transcripted as University of Utah credit.
Faculty
Christina Gringeri, MSW, PhD, Associate Professor in the College of Social Work, has taught high school in Mexico and participated in study abroad programs in Guadalajara.
Armando Solorzano, PhD, Associate Professor of Family and Consumer Studies and Ethnic Studies, is a native of Jalisco, Mexico and has extensive experience teaching students in the United States and Mexico. Dr. Gringeri and Dr. Solorzano will be the Program Directors for the Summer 2007 program. The core course will be co-taught by the Program Directors and a colleague from Universidad Internacional.
Housing
Students will be housed with a Mexican family. The host family will provide a room and all meals for the dates of the study abroad program. Low cost laundry facilities are available nearby.
Tentative Itinerary
| Thurs. July 2, 2009 | Arrive in Cuernavaca. Meet host family. |
| Fri. July 3 | Morning Orientation at Universidad Internacional |
| Mon. July 6 | Classes begin |
| Fri., July 24 | Last day of classes |
| Sat. July 25 | Depart for U.S. |
Application Information
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- Minimum age of 18.
- Individuals with beginning to advanced Spanish proficiency are invited to apply.
- Students enrolled in Social Work, Family and Consumer Studies, Ethnic Studies, students in related disciplines, social work professionals, professionals in allied disciplines, or by approval of the Program Directors.
Application Deadline
March 20, 2009. The program is limited to 25 participants. Late applications will be accepted with an additional nonrefundable $50 fee for 30 days after the initial deadline, or until program is full.
Application Process
- Applications are available in the International Center and online.
- The application and $500 initial program payment should be presented to the Cashier's Window, 165 Student Services Building. The cashier will issue a receipt and stamp your application "Paid." Return the application materials to the International Center.
- All applications will be reviewed by the program director and International Center staff to determine eligibility. Applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance into the program.
- Additional pre-departure materials will be emailed to all accepted participants.
- If an applicant is determined ineligible for program participation the $500 payment will be refunded in full.
- Non U of U students should submit their initial program payment directly to the International Center.
- 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.
- Questions about the application process? Contact the International Center.
Pre-departure Seminar
Participants must attend a pre-departure seminar held to provide academic, program, and cultural information. Participants will be contacted when this is arranged.
Financial Information
Program Cost
To be determined. The program cost in 2008 was $1955.
Includes: Tuition, room and board, and international health insurance.
Does Not Include: Airfare, airport tax, passport, personal expenses, books, local transportation, independent travel.
Although not anticipated, the program price may change due to fluctuation of currency exchange rates and contracted agencies, or number of participants.
Refund Policy
$200 plus any unrecoverable costs to the International Center at the time of withdrawal are non-refundable. To withdraw, the applicant must formally file a Withdrawal Form with the International Center. If an applicant is determined ineligible to participate, the $500 deposit will be refunded in full.
Scholarships
For U of U students, there are also Study Abroad Scholarships available. Download the applications on-line or visit the International Center for more information.
Download this information
Pre-Departure Handbook: The International Center 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 International Center:
200 S. Central Campus Drive
Union 159
Salt Lake City UT 84112
FAX: 801-581-5914
This information is available for printout in a brochure form. If you would like to download (pdf/Adobe Acrobat) a copy, please click here.
Contact Us
|
Program Director Dr. Armando Solorzano |
Study Abroad Advisor |

