Snapshots
WU’s Summer Spanish and Latin American Studies Program in Puebla, Mexico
General Description
Washington University’s Latin American Studies Program is offering a six-week study abroad program from May 26 (or 27) through July 10, 2010 at the Universidad Iberoamericana, in Puebla, Mexico. This program combines courses, fieldtrips, and housing in homestays. The program offers 6-8 Washington University credits with course options at different levels depending on the student’s preparation in Spanish language. Field trips to Mexico City and to an additional location are included in the program price. Tuition will cover housing, some meals, courses, and field trips, and the Washington University on-site Director.
Areas of Study
Available areas of study depend upon the individual's
Spanish proficiency. Students may study Spanish at the intermediate and advanced levels. Content courses within a variety of disciplines are available to those with sufficient Spanish proficiency.
| Term | Dates | Application Deadline |
| Summer | late May - mid July | February 15 |
Eligibility
Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an interest in studying Spanish and/or Latin American culture are eligible to apply. Some Spanish background is required.
WU Credits
Students may study Spanish at intermediate and advanced levels, take a course on Public Health designed especially for WU, as well as taking courses alongside Mexican students through the Universidad Iberoamericana’s summer school. Intermediate Spanish students will enroll in intensive language and Mexican Civilization for a total of 6 credits. Those with more advanced Spanish language may enroll in 3 credits of Spanish language and a 3 credit content course in Spanish or two content courses. Students may earn a maximum of 8 WU credits from this program.
The advanced courses in language or cultural topics can earn up to 6 elective credits toward the Spanish major or minor. Alternatively, the coursework on Mexican cultural topics can fulfill 3 credits of advanced level coursework in IAS/LAS and the language class can be used to help complete the IAS language requirement. Upon return to Washington University, students will take a proficiency test to determine the appropriate level for further language study.
Location
Puebla, Mexico
The Universidad Iberoamericana is located in the city of Puebla about 60 miles southeast of Mexico City. Established by the Spanish in 1531, Puebla was the principal city of colonial Mexico. Puebla is well-known throughout Mexico for textiles, exquisitely decorated pottery and tiles, and the architectural beauty of its buildings. Its historic downtown remains a Spanish-colonial treasure filled with elegant 17th and 18th century European architecture and art. When you add a temperate climate year-around, friendly and courteous residents (called poblanos) and delicious regional cuisine, Puebla becomes the ideal place to learn Spanish.
Housing
Students live with Mexican host families selected by the
Universidad Iberoamericana.
Student Life
This program combines Spanish language study, cultural workshops, special lectures, fieldtrips, activities with Mexican students and two day trips to Mexico City and a weekend trip to another neighboring city. All students have the option of participating in community service.
On-Site Support
Professor Amanda Carey, the Washington University on-site Director, will be available to assist students on the program. Universidad Iberoamericana staff will also provide significant coordination and support.
Application Process
You must submit a completed WU Summer Ecuador/Mexico Study Abroad Application. If you wish to receive major or minor credit, please ensure that this program is approved by your department and you complete the Study Plan with your Study Abroad Advisor.
More about the application process can be found on the How to Apply webpage.
WU Program Price
The WU program price includes WU tuition plus WU student health insurance and any housing, food, airfare or other costs paid by WU on the student's behalf. Below are projected program pricing and estimated personal expenses for this program.
| Estimated Costs* | Spanish Immersion Program |
$4,250 |
*The fees, charges, and expenses shown are estimates based on current information only and are subject to change.
The program cost, including 6-8 Washington University credits, room and some meals, field trips and organized group activities will be $4,250. Students will be responsible for air travel to Mexico. Airfare from the US to Puebla is about $600. A deposit of $500 will be due in March once a student has been admitted into the program. A limited amount of scholarship funding is available, and students interested in aid will be asked to do a separate financial aid application.
| Faculty Liaison Amanda Carey Campus Box 1077 (314) 935-4197 Ridgley 313 acarey@wustl.edu |
Overseas Programs Coordinator Dr. Amy Suelzer Campus Box 1088 (314) 935-8372 McMillan 138 acsuelze@wustl.edu |
