Spanish Language & Culture in Guanajuato, Mexico
Guanajuato, Mexico with excursions throughout the region
May 24 - Jun 27, 2009 (Summer I)
Jul 05 - Aug 08, 2009 (Summer II)
Semester, Year and other short-term options available
SPAN 110, 203, 207, 312, 313, 308, 365 or SPAN elective
Faculty-led: Dr. Rocío Cortés; (920) 424-7293; 321 Radford Hall
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Join other students from UW Oshkosh and around the world for language
and culture courses taught through UW Oshkosh partner "International Studies Abroad'" at the Universidad de Guanajuato!
| Universidad de Guanajuato (UG) | |
| Courses are taught in the main building on the UG campus in space shared with UG's Foreign Language department and visiting international students (like you). | |
| Our partner - International Studies Abroad (ISA) | |
| ISA develops and supports intensive language schools in Guanajuato and around the world and is responsible for making all arrangements in Mexico from airport pickup to airport drop off. The UW Oshkosh Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures has partnered with ISA because of this organization's commitment to high quality education abroad opportunities and to student support. Full-time ISA staff are available in the U.S. and abroad to assist students and family members throughout the study abroad process. The ISA office is in the heart of the city four minutes walking distance from the University of Guanajuato. This office offers: | |
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| UW Oshkosh Faculty Leader (group summer program only) | |
| A UW Oshkosh faculty member accompanies our student group either from UW Oshkosh or from the airport in Leon and remains in Guanajuato for the duration of the summer group program. | |
Attention Graduating Seniors: UG requires a minimum of 2 months to process transcripts for this program. Therefore, you should NOT choose this program if you plan to graduate at the end of your experience abroad. You may choose from other study abroad options in Spanish or in any other academic field.
Passport: You must have a valid passport for travel to/from Mexico as of December 31, 2006. You may no longer travel on a birth certificate.
All of the information included here is subject to change. Modifications may be required depending on the exigencies of the situation.
Course(s)
| Beginning Level - class sizes from 6-11 students | |
| Spanish Grammar (75 hours) and Conversation and Mexican Culture (45 hours) | |
| Enroll under SPAN 110 Introduction to Spanish I (4 cr; HU) | |
| Intermediate Level - class sizes from 16-26 students | |
| Spanish Grammar (45 hours) and Conversation and Mexican Culture (45 hours) | |
| Enroll under SPAN 203 Intermediate Structure and Expression (3 cr; HU) and SPAN 207 Intermediate Conversation I (2 cr; HU) |
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| Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or Placement Test. | |
| Strongly recommended: Spanish 203 (concurrent enrollment) | |
| Advanced Level - choose two courses; class sizes from 16-26 students | |
| Spanish Grammar (45 hours) | |
| Enroll under SPAN 312 Advanced Spanish Grammar(3 cr; prerequisites: Spanish 204, or 248) or SPAN 313 Gramática Avanzada II (3 cr; prerequisite: Spanish 312) or SPAN 001/004U (upper level elective for students who have taken all Spanish courses) |
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| Business Spanish (45 hours) | |
| Enroll under SPAN 308 Business Spanish (3 cr; prerequisite: 1 300 level SPAN class) | |
| Latin American History and Literature (45 hours) | |
| Enroll under SPAN 365 Special Topics in Latin American Civilization (3 cr) | |
| Prerequisite: Spanish 332, 334 or 335 | |
Optional Course
International Studies 333 1 unit (cr.)
Study Tour
Prerequisites: none; syllabus
If you request enrollment in this course on the study abroad application, you will be automatically enrolled and will not be contacted about the coursework involved. Assignments for this course must be done independently. Contact the Office of International Education with questions.
Accommodation & Meals
Host Families
You will live with a Mexican family approximately 10-45 minutes from the university (buses can be used for longer distances), sharing a room with one other student. Your family will provide three meals per day and laundry service once per week.
Most family members do not speak English; those who do are asked to speak only in Spanish to ISA participants. Homestay placements will be made available by ISA 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
On Excursion
During overnight excursions you will share a hotel room with one or two other participants.
Michoacán Hotel (summer group program)
finalized hotel information will be shared by ISA with students in Mexico
Schedule
This 2008 ISA itinerary is available for your information. The 2009 itinerary will be posted when it becomes available.
| May 25 | Depart Oshkosh and arrive in León. Director will meet you at airport. Meet host family. |
| May 26 | Classes begin at the university; orientation |
| May 26 – 30 | Classes at the university |
| May 31 | Excursion to Teotihuacán |
| June 2 - 6 | Regular classes are scheduled |
| June 7 | Day excursion to the Museo de las Momias and Valenciana |
| June 9 - 13 | Regular classes are scheduled |
| June 14 | Day trip to San Miguel de Allende. Optional overnight (participants are responsible for covering extra costs) |
| June 15 | Day excursion to La Bufa |
| June 16 - 19 | Regular classes are scheduled |
| June 19 | Cristo Rey |
| June 20-22 | Excursion to Michoacán |
| June 23-25 | Regular class is scheduled |
| June 26 | Final exams |
| June 28 | Return to States from León |
Cristo Rey: Located on a nearly 3,000-foot mountain called Cerro del Cubilete, this magnificent statue of Jesus is one of the largest in the world. It is one of Mexico's most important sanctuaries as well as the geographical center-point of the country. The giant statue was created by Nicolás Mariscal in 1944. Inside the church, which serves as a base for the statue, students will find a huge metallic crown of thorns which emphasizes the interior circular vault. Mexican tradition says Cristo Rey exerts his majesty over the country with open arms. At his feet, two angels offer Him the crown of thorns and the royal crown. This mountaintop sanctuary provides a wonderful view of Guanajuato.
La Bufa: La Bufa is an impressive rock formation overlooking the city and it is a great day hike. The views of Guanajuato and the surrounding countryside are spectacular.
Museo de las Momias: Located next to the city cemetery, this museum displays more than 100 mummified corpses that have been naturally preserved by the mineral-rich soil in Guanajuato. This tour will provide historical insight into one of Guanajuato's oldest mysteries and most significant sites.
Valenciana Mine: The 16th-century Valenciana mine is one of the oldest and richest silver mines in Guanajuato. A tour of the mine will take students down the original mine shaft and provide a glimpse into the historical significance of the mining culture in Guanajuato and Mexico as well as early and modern mining methods.
Michoacán: This excursion to the State of Michoacán includes visiting the indigenous town of Angahuan, the closest populated area to the Parícutin volcano. We will ride horses to the foot of the volcano with the help of indigenous guides whose first language is not Spanish but Purépecha. We will also hike through a national park to encounter the beautiful Tzaráracua waterfalls. On the way back, we will visit the ancient ruins of Tzintzuntzán.
San Miguel de Allende: An enchanting cosmopolitan and colonial town, San Miguel de Allende is sure to charm its visitors. This city glows with beautiful mansions and churches. San Miguel is frequented by artists and writers because of its cultural ambiance. The city boasts many market areas featuring the works of local "artesanos" or craftsmen. Mexican natives and visitors alike also enjoy relaxing in the nearby thermal springs, El Escondido. Students will visit El Escondido on the way to or from the San Miguel de Allende excursion. There are indoor and outdoor thermal springs, as well as normal swimming pools and walking paths surrounded by beautiful flowers and nature in general.
Teotihuacán: This excursion is a truly overwhelming day of pyramid climbing in the Pre-Columbian city of Teotihuacán. Students will see the pyramids of the Sun and Moon as well as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. One of the most impressive cities of the ancient world, Teotihuacán offers visitors a glimpse into the Pre-Columbian history of Mexico.
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh reserves the right to make changes to itineraries, travel arrangements, hotels, excursions, activities or other arrangements made necessary by factors beyond its control. On certain dates when some attractions or activities may not be available, UW Oshkosh reserves the right to substitute alternate attractions or activities.
Flight
Luggage Limits
Restrictions on carry-on baggage (t.b.d.).
Restrictions on checked and excess baggage (t.b.d.).
Depart UW Oshkosh
Long-term parking is allowed on campus in parking lot 6 with a valid UW Oshkosh parking permit. Participants may park on campus for the duration of their study abroad experience, except for semester-long programs.
Meeting Date & Time: t.b.d.
Departure Time:t.b.d.
Departure Location: Parking Lot 6
Flight
Arrive Chicago O'Hare for check-in
Depart on flight t.b.d.
Arrive Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Depart Houston on flight t.b.d.
Arrive Leon Airport
Arrival Abroad
If arriving abroad with a UW Oshkosh group, ISA will pick up group members and transport them to the ISA office where they will meet their host families. If arriving on your own, be sure to share your flight information with ISA using the appropriate ISA form. All pickups will be arranged between 11am and 7pm (but double check these hours before purchasing an airline ticket. Arrivals outside of these hours are possible, but you will need to travel by taxi directly to your homestay.
All students must be prepared to travel with their luggage by public transportation from the ISA office to their homestay. Not all families will pick up by car.
Flight
Arrive Leon Airport for check-in
Depart on flight t.b.d.
Arrive Arrive Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Depart Houston on flight t.b.d.
Arrive Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Return to UW Oshkosh
Estimated date & time: t.b.d.
Return Location: Parking Lot 6
Fees
The more who sign up for this program, the lower the cost per participant will be. You can help lower your cost to study abroad by recruiting friends and classmates to join you in this experience!
| Summer Group Program Fee Estimate *estimates for other program dates available upon request |
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$3,680 - $3,920 based on 2008 program fees. This estimate will be revised. |
| Expenses in U.S. Dollars | |
$100 |
Application Fee ($200 for late and out-of-state applicants) |
$100 |
Passport & Pictures |
$t.b.d. |
Airfare |
$t.b.d. |
Optional Volunteer work (contact the OIE for details) |
varies |
Immunizations |
-$50 |
Refund to eligible participants |
$ |
Total Pre-travel Expense Estimate (plus immunizations) |
| Expenses in Foreign Currency (Mexican Peso = MXN) | |
MXN 875 |
Meals (on excursions; add more for eating out in Guanajuato) |
MXN 700 |
Local Transportation (travel between homestay and university; add MXN 370 - MXN 525 EACH WAY if taking a taxi between airport/homestay) |
MXN 275 |
Airport Exit Fee (tentative & approximate) |
MXN 3000 |
Personal Spending Money (MXN 3000 - MXN 6000) |
MXN 4,850 |
Total Expense Estimate while Abroad |
$445 |
Total in U.S. Dollars as of 1/08 (today's rate of exchange) |
$t.b.d. |
Total Estimated Expenses |
°Indicates the expense will appear on your UW Oshkosh student account.
Program fees cover course-related expenses (no tuition is assessed); airfare from Chicago O'Hare; transportation between Oshkosh and Chicago's O'Hare airport by school bus; homestay with 3 meals per day (except during excursions or otherwise away from the host family's home); tours/visits (including transportation and accommodation) as listed on the finalized ISA itinerary; pre-travel orientation; and international health insurance. The program itinerary may be tentative and will not be finalized until approximately two weeks before departure.
Program fees do not cover items not specifically mentioned above such as trip cancellation and baggage insurance; passports; immunizations; meals while on field trips or otherwise away from the host family's home; all other food and beverages; local transportation within the host city (depending on the location of your homestay, you may need to cover bus transportation); and all expenses of a purely personal nature. Estimates for some of these expenses have been included. Fees for a single room are available upon request.
Estimates found here are based on the group rate for services and travel dates as well as current exchange rates, where applicable. Changes to this plan or a large exchange rate fluctuation may cause adjustments to the final cost.
Apply
Do the following NOW!
Call your healthcare provider to make an appointment to discuss the ISA-required Medical History and Health Clearance forms. Your appointment MUST occur BEFORE the deadline for turning in these forms.
Apply Early!
ISA will accept a maximum of 25 UW Oshkosh students on the summer group program.
| ADDITIONAL documents required for this program. Due by the application deadline: |
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| ISA packet A | |
| ISA Student Information Form | |
| ISA Pre-registration Form (course enrollment) | |
| ISA Housing Contract | |
| ISA Code of Conduct & Guidelines | |
| Transcript & Grade Contestation Form | |
| Due by the Friday following the application deadline: All students prefer to have homestay details as early as possible. ISA cannot assign host families until all participants' application materials are submitted. Be sure to submit all of your forms on time so that YOU are not the participant holding up everyone's homestay placement! |
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| ISA Packet B | |
| Housing Questionnaire | |
| Medical History Form | |
| Health Clearance Form | |
| 4 - 1.5" x 1.5" color photos | |
| Due by the 1st Friday in April: | |
| Travel Responsibility & Release Form (flight recommendations) (if flying apart from the group) | |
Resources
Office of International Education Orientation Materials
Health & Safety
Recommended/Required Immunizations (Center for Disease Control)
The Stresses of Study Abroad (from ISA)
Medical Insurance (through UW System)
Medical Insurance (through ISA)
Preparing for Your Trip Abroad
International Studies Abroad - spend some time browsing the ISA site or go directly to...
- A World Awaits & site-specific handbook (to be provided by ISA)
- Culture Corner
- ISA Office & Staff
Distant Neighbors: A Portrait of the Mexicans by Alan Riding
Emergency Contact (during program dates)
In a life and death emergency ABROAD
U.S. Department of State Citizen Emergency Center: 1 (202) 647-5225
The Department of State will relay messages to the Embassy in the country in which program participants are traveling. Embassy personnel will try to locate your student, pass on urgent messages and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back.
To reach your student directly
Use the phone/fax information given to you by your student or, if your student is staying in a hotel, use the hotel contact information listed on the web page for your student's program.
The Office of International Education cannot give out homestay phone numbers unless authorized in advance by the student, but we would be happy to try to contact your student for you in an emergency.
To reach someone at UW Oshkosh during office hours (7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F)
- Office of International Education Phone: 1 (920) 424-0775
- Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor Phone: 1 (920) 424-1410
- Office of the Provost & Vice Chancellor Phone: 1 (920) 424-0300
- Office of International Education Fax: 1 (920) 424-0185
- Dr. William Baurecht: Coordinator, National Student Exchange - baurecht@uwosh.edu
- Jenna Graff: Director, Office of International Education - graff@uwosh.edu
- Becky Triatik : Front Line Advisor - triatikr@uwosh.edu
- Brian Mylrea: International Student Advisor - mylreab@uwosh.edu
- Karlin Stukenberg: Program Manager - stukenbk@uwosh.edu
To reach someone at UW Oshkosh outside of normal office hours
University Police: 1 (920) 424-1216
To reach local contacts associated with our program ABROAD
International Studies Abroad (ISA) U.S. Contact: April Wareham; Tel: 800-580-8826 (this is also the number to call in an emergency); Email: awareham@studiesabroad.com. During non-office hours the message for this number gives the on-call number.
International Studies Abroad (ISA) Guanajuato Contact: Alma Montes Hernandez, Resident Director; Phone: 011-52-473-732-8894; Office hours: typically 9-2:30 and 5-8 Monday through Thursday and 9-2:30 on Fridays.
Dr. Rocio Cortes, faculty leader for our program (first four weeks only), can be reached by phone: 011-52-4737-32-8904 or by cell: 011-52-0454-7373-82434.
Time Zone Differences
This page was last updated on: July 29, 2008