Spanish in Mexico

Dates
May 17 - June 21, 2008

The Program
The Spanish in Mexico Program provides a unique Spanish language immersion opportunity in an exclusive university setting. Students will study Mexico from the inside out with Mexican professors while they polish their listening, writing and speaking skills. Monday through Friday mornings will be spent in the classroom, and afternoons will consist of workshops and cultural activities for a "hands-on" educational experience. A variety of weekend fieldtrips are available.

The Location
Situated in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, the Universidad de las Americas hosts our six week summer immersion program. The UDLA is a private, SACS-accredited institution with an approximate enrollment of 8,500 students. Located on the outskirts of Puebla, the metropolitan capital of the state Puebla, and 70 miles from Mexico City, the UDLA campus features a comprehensive research library, auditoriums, a social center, computer labs, and multiple recreational centers. From campus you can see volcanoes, ancient pyramids, colonial churches, and one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America.

Accomodation
The Spanish in Mexico Program is housed on the UDLA campus in residential suites. Each suite is made up of four bedrooms to be shared by local and international students. Residential suites include a common dining room, kitchen, phone, washing machine, dryer, and bathrooms, with all services.

Academic Credit
The program awards 6 semester hours of credit in Spanish to students who complete six weeks of course work with passing grades. These hours may be taken at any level, from beginning Spanish through graduate-level work. The level of credit depends on the individual's academic background in Spanish, as determined by his or her transcript.

Eligibility
Minimum program eligibility requirements include the completion of at least 28 hours at the undergraduate level with a minimum 2.0 GPA or graduate student status with a 3.0 GPA. This program is recommended for student with some prior study in Spanish and at least a 2.5 GPA in Spanish course work. The director of the program, in consultation with the Foreign Langauges department chair and the Director of International Education are responsible for final enrollment decisions.

Cost
$3,699 for undergraduate credit; $3,899 for graduate credit
Cost includes tuition and fees; transportation associated with the academic program; round-trip airfare from New Orleans; breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday; and accommodation.

Financial Aid
The Spanish in Mexico Program qualifies for financial aid in the form of guaranteed student loans, summer Pell Grants or applicable graduate assistantships. If you are interested in receiving financial aid, contact Frances Sudduth in the International Programs office before requesting a 2008 study abroad financial aid application from the university's Financial Aid office (or the financial aid office at your home institution).

Application Deadline
Completed applications and a $200 deposit will be accepted until March 25, 2008, space permitting. Southern Miss will acknowledge receipt of applications and students will be informed of their registration status. The balance of fees will be due no later that April 1, 2008. Acceptance for qualified applicants is made on a first-come, first-served basis. Rigid maximum quotes stand for all aspects of the program. Students may apply at any time prior to the deadline and are urged to apply early.

Assistance and Information
The University of Southern Mississippi
International Programs
118 College Drive #10047
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Phone: 601.266.4344
Fax: 601.266.5699
E-mail: studyabroad@usm.edu

Dr. Jeanne Gillespie
College of Arts and Letters
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #5038
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Phone: 601.266.4315
Fax: 601.266.6541
E-mail: jeanne.gillespie@usm.edu

click here for Spanish in Mexico application