About the Mexico Summer at Universidad Internacional

The Spanish language is spoken by almost 400 million people worldwide and is one of the fastest growing languages in the world. About half the population in the Western Hemisphere speaks Spanish, and almost all countries in Central and South America speak Spanish as a primary language. Here in the US, Spanish is the second most widely spoken language.

Because of this, every day in the U.S. and the rest of the world, there are more opportunities for those who are fluent in English and Spanish. The ability to speak both Spanish and English will continue to become more and more valuable to employers and graduate school admissions counselors. Whether you're looking to gain an edge in the workplace, in academia, or if you simply have an interest in communicating more globally, it is clear that developing a fluency in Spanish will help you in innumerable ways.

Choosing to learn Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico is a very exciting decision for many reasons. Cuernavaca is known internationally as the "City of Eternal Spring" because of its nearly perfect climate- the city boasts year round temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees. Cuernavaca is ideally located in central Mexico within easy reach of Mexico City, Teotihuacan, Acapulco, Puebla, Taxco, and many other fascinating places.

Visit the city website here: http://www.knowmexico.com

Students on The College at Brockport's program will study at Universidad Internacional (UNINTER). Students choosing to enroll in the Spanish Language Immersion program through Brockport will study at UNINTER's Center for Linguistic & Multicultural Studies (CLMS), which was founded in 1980 with a mission to teach the Spanish language and Mexican culture exclusively to foreign students. In 1997, UNINTER expanded and opened its doors to Mexican students seeking their undergraduate and graduate degrees. This created the opportunity for international students to complete work toward their undergraduate studies in Mexico outside the Spanish Language. Students on Brockport's prorgam can also chose an Internship option.

Visit the University's website at: http://www.uninter.edu.mx

Safety and Security:

Universidad Internacional has a security system in place.

Cuernavaca is safer than most North American cities in its size and it has none of the major problems associated with Mexico City. One can take taxis with complete security and not a single taxi robbery has been reported. At the largest language school with thousands of students per year, not one single incidence of violence has been reported in the last decade. Most crime is petty theft and pick-pocketing in crowded places like tourist markets and buses. Of course one needs to take precautions typical of any large city like not walking alone late at night. Women are advised to take radio taxis to avoid being propositioned by drivers. Radio taxis are available 24 hours, the driver is known to the dispatcher, and the cost is just a bit more than a public bus in the U.S.

For more information about safety in Cuernavaca, Mexico, visit http://www.safety.uninter.edu.mx/index.html

The College at Brockport's Cuernavaca, Mexico Program offers you the opportunity to:

• Study in Cuernavaca at a well established language school,
• Work in a reputable organization in the capital city of Cuernavaca,
• Receive instruction in small classes with one-on-one attention,
• Improve your Spanish written, oral and research skills.

Your experience on the Spanish Language Immersion Program will:

• Integrate you into Mexican society,
• Make you a better student,
• Expand your outlook on the world,
• Build your self-esteem and self-confidence,
• Greatly enhance your career prospects,
• Improve your foreign language skills tremendously.

At Universidad Internacional you will:

• Live with a Mexican family,
• Receive a comprehensive on-site orientation to study in Mexcio that will maximize the benefits of your semester/year of study,
• Benefit from a program of field trips and social events, organized specifically for Brockport program participants by our Resident Director in Cuernavaca,
• Enjoy the security of a complete package of academic and non-academic support services provided by the Universidad Internacional.

Housing & Orientation

Housing:

Housing for participants in the Brockport Cuernavaca Program is in homestays with Spanish-speaking families in Cuernavaca. Students request family type and are placed accordingly by UNINTER.

The basic homestay (included in the "Cost of Program" fees) is based on single accommodation and includes a full (21 meals per week) meal plan.

Orientation:

The Saturday of the week before the start of classes, each student will participate in a pre-session orientation program in Cuernavaca organized by the Program's Director. This orientation will introduce participants to academic and student life in Mexico and Cuernavaca. A portion of this orientation is devoted to a language examination that will determine the participant's placement for language instruction.

Cost

Fees for the Brockport Mexico Program, Summer 2013:

6 credits for New York State Resident- $3,700.00 (est.)
Mexico- 6 Credit Sum 13 NYS EST.pdf

6 credits for Non New York State Resident- $4,060.00 (est.)
Mexico- 6 Credit Sum 13 OUT EST.pdf

12 credits for New York State Resident- $6,650.00 (est.)
Mexico- 12 Credit Sum 13 NYS EST.pdf

12 Credit for Non New York State Resident- $7,775.00 (est.)
Mexico- 12 Credit Sum 13 OUT EST.pdf

*Variable credit options and internships available for the summer.*

INCLUDES:

• TUITION (at Brockport and at El Centro)
• HOUSING (homestay housing with Spanish-speaking families, double accommodation [bedroom shared by another participant])
• Airport Pick-Up
• MEALS (21 meals per week)
• Program acceptance fee
• Pre-departure orientation materials
• On-site orientation upon arrival in Mexico
• Brockport's Study Abroad Office Services
• Field trips

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Health Insurance*
• Various campus-specific fees** (college fee, technology fee, etc.)
• Airfare to and from Mexico
• Passport
• Textbooks
• Meals (other than stated above)
• Personal Expenses
• Local Travel

As a very rough guide, a participant in the Brockport Mexico Program will need around $200 to $300 per month to pay for daily local travel, textbooks and other school supplies, entertainment, meals and other necessities.

• This estimate does not include the purchase of clothing; travel in Mexico outside of the excursions/field trips organized by the program.
• The group flight will cost participants between $600 and $700 (depending on departure/return dates, the point of origin of any connecting flights in the US, etc.).

The actual amount that you will spend depends heavily on your style of living, and will vary with each individual's personal spending habits, entertainment preferences and travel choices.

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Financial aid applies towards fees.

*SUNY regulations require that participants in Overseas Academic Programs have "adequate" insurance coverage. Students whose current health insurance is not "adequate" may purchase appropriate coverage for $95.50 per month (this is the current cost and is subject to change).
**Varies depending on the SUNY campus at which the participant pays tuition.
 

Courses

Courses:

http://www.spanishschool.uninter.edu.mx/catalogofcourses.html

Students on The College at Brockport's program will study at Universidad Internacional (UNINTER). Students choosing to enroll in the Spanish Language Immersion program through Brockport will study at UNINTER's Center for Linguistic & Multicultural Studies (CLMS), which was founded in 1980 with a mission to teach the Spanish language and Mexican culture exclusively to foreign students. Since its inception, CLMS has worked using the "Group 5 System," where no more than 5 students are assigned to a professor, and they are grouped according to level of current Spanish fluency.

In 1997, UNINTER expanded and opened its doors to Mexican students seeking their undergraduate and graduate degrees. This created the opportunity for international students to complete work toward their undergraduate studies in Mexico outside the Spanish Language. Subjects include: Accounting, Architecture, Business Administration, Communications, Economics and Finance, Graphic Design, Information Systems, International Business, International Relations, Literature, Marketing, and Political Science. Courses in these disciplines can be taught in Spanish or English, making UNINTER a great choice even for those with minimal Spanish fluency.

The College at Brockport has taken this a step further, offering more than 80 preapproved courses in departments such as Business, Economics, Mathematics, History, Political Science and International Studies, and Foreign Languages and Literature. This means that a Brockport student can study in Cuernavaca and have these preapproved courses transfer back towards their major seamlessly. A list of these pre-approved courses is coming soon. Please contact the Office of International Education for more info: (800)298-SUNY

* Please note that courses at UNINTER found or not found on this preapproved list can still transfer back toward requirements with the simple completion of a course approval form, on ANY student's home campus.

UNINTER offers several optional classes in the afternoon at no extra cost. These classes provide additional enrichment and better understanding of the Spanish language. Classes range from pronunciation to advanced grammar to a conversation workshop. Students may also request a session of individual attention to work on troublesome areas.

Extracurricular Activities:

Extracurricular activities at UNINTER provide students with the opportunity to have fun, visit places, share ideas and most importantly practice Spanish with native speakers.

Club Amigo is a Club created to encourage a linguistic and cultural exchange between Mexican and foreign students. It promotes international understanding and an appreciation of language and culture between national and international students of Universidad Internacional. International students who choose to participate will be paired with a Mexican student. There are scheduled get-togethers where participants will get to know each other and each other's cultures, with endless opportunities to practice both Spanish and English. It's also a great way for international students to get an insiders view on great things to see and do in Cuernavaca.

There are many options for those students who wish to stay active and practice a sport while they are here. Every week, staff members at UNINTER organize outings to practice sports and games for both Mexican and international students. This is an excellent way to practice the Spanish you have learned in your classes, while making new friends and being part of a team. Some of the sports offered are: basketball, tennis, soccer, swimming, football, track, volleyball, and self defense.

Also offered are several workshops and classes such as: cooking, yoga, salsa, and Latin jazz. In addition, every week, there is a Café Social in which students meet at a different restaurant each week to relax, eat, make friends, and practice their Spanish in an out of school environment.

Internships:

Universidad Internacional offers a unique opportunity to participate in a combined internship and Intensive Spanish Study Program. Students will gain not only valuable work experience, but will also explore a particular field from the viewpoint of the Mexican culture. There are 600 potential internship placements available in Public and Private Sectors, in Commercial, Industrial, Education, Health and Service industries. If you're a communications major, think about interning at Televisa or Radio UAEM. Health Sciences or Nursing Internships are available at many of the local hospitals or clinics, including Hospital de Lentes. Studio Art or Art History? What about the Muros Museo in downtown Cuernavaca? Buisiness? Opportunities are endless with internships in companies such as Mexicana airline, Daimler Chrysler, and Telmex.

The following types of internships are available:

Internship for Medical Personnel
Internship for Social Work
Internship for Business and Economics
Internship in Education
Internship in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Internship in Mexican Criminal Justice

Written Work:

In addition to written exercises and exams in Espanol and short dictations in Conferencia, all students will: (a) keep a journal of their daily experiences and submit it to the Resident Director for weekly review, and (b) write a paper that integrates mini course topics, excursions, etc.

Dates