Mazatlan Language Institute – 2010
Intensive Spanish Language
2 weeks – $595 / 4 weeks – $995 / 6 weeks – $1395
Program Closed
The Program
Located in the historic center of town, the program was established back in 1973. It has twice been the winner of the Iternational Committee of Quality and Prestige Award, given by the Mexican National Chamber of Commerce. Courses are designed for serious participants who need to attain a working knowledge of Spanish in a short time period. Classes are kept at a minimum size of six students per group, so as to assure a high degree of personal attention. Teachers are all university graduates with years of experience teaching Spanish as a second language. Most of the students are university students earning credit, as well as working professionals who need Spanish for their work. Program is open to all adults. Join us!
The Location
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific Coast mainland, across from the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Set in a beautiful cove of the Pacific, it is located at about the same latitude as Hawaii. Temperatures fluctuate from the mid-0′s to mid-90′s depending on the time of year. Ten miles of excellent beaches, semi-tropical climate, the Sierra Madre mountian range, and convenient air connections from major U.S. cities have made Mazatlan one of Mexico’s most popular vacation spots, with over 1 million visitors a year. It offers all the amenities of an international resort, while still retaining the charm and hospitality of a typical Mexican town.
Courses
Intensive Spanish language: all levels, beginner thru advanced. Conducted weekly, year-around. Start on any Monday, except holidays. Three hours of class per day, 15 hours per week provided. Small groups of no more than 6 students per group. Classes in the morning and afternoon. All students take a placement test upon arrival to determine level. Teachers are all university graduates with several years of experience teaching Spanish as a second language. Course descriptions are available upon request.Teaching method focuses on “Conversational Method”, and involves active student participation in class with emphasis on speaking and listening comprehension skills. The goal is to “immerse” the student in the language, so as to attain a working knowledge of conversational Spanish in a short period of time.
Course descriptions available upon request.
Beginners Level: For those students who have little or no knowledge of the Spanish language and wish to acquire the basics in order to be able to understand and communicate on a simple level. Students are taught to read and produce simple texts, letters, and to understand short descriptions and texts. Basic daily conversation Spanish.
Intermediate Level: Aimed at students who are already familiar with Spanish and wish to consolidate their basic knowledge and improve spoken and written skills. Enable students to participate in conversations and debates, intervene in discussions relevant to daily life. Students are taught how to understand newspaper and press reports and narrative texts. Enhance comprehension ability.
Advanced Level: For students capable of expressing themselves and understanding standard Spanish. Building on their knowledge, gaining confidence in expression, and reaching higher standards of fluency. Students are taught strategies and communication skills in written and spoken Spanish, enabling them to express themselves in public, understand complicated scripts and elaborate reports.
Superior Level: This is the highest level for students with an advanced level in Spanish, and wish to perfect and specialize their skills. Gives students the capacity to communicate fluently, conduct speeches, and be able to grasp the message implicit in technical debates and programs. Students are taught to recognize hidden messages and connotations in texts to understand contemporary scripts, as well as to write fluent texts, using creative Spanish at the highest standard. RETURN TO TOP
Academic Credit
Students earn 3 – 5 college credits per month. Classes are 3 hours per day, 15 hours per week. It is an
Intensive program. Academic standards are high and transcripts (Certificates) are issued to participants who complete their program of study.
See “Academic Credit” section of the CSA homepage.
Financial Aid
Yes, you can use your financial aid on this program. Please have your Financial Aid office e-mail us a “Consortium Agreement” to complete and sign. CSA does not offer any scholarships or financial aid, we can only assist you in using your home school’s financial aid on this program.
The earlier the better, since it takes time to process. Overall, CSA does not offer any financial aid, we can only assist you in obtaining and using your aid from your home school on these program.
Activities
Extra curricular activities include the following:
* Boat tours along the coast.
* Bus tours of the mountain villages (Sierra Madre).
* Visits to the local aquarium.
* Local tours of historic downtown.
* Surfing, Fishing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Sailing, Water Skiing.
* Art, Music, and dance classes are available.
Housing
Participants stay with carefully selected host families, student apartments, or hotel. The families have been screened by the staff, and most of them have been hosting students for several years. Private room, and half-board” (2 meals daily). provided. Bathroom is shared. Some homes may provide a private bathroom. Families live in the nice residential area just behind the “Zona Dorada” to the north of the city. CSA recommends staying with a family, for it is the best way to practice your Spanish and learn more about Mexican culture. Also, host-families provide the best housing for the costs. Cost $150 per week (single room, 2 meals daily).
Apartments and hotels are expensive. Simple hotel rooms range from $125 and up per night. Apartments can range a few hundred per day and up. Can find cheaper accommodations, but you have to do it there. You may also arrange your own housing if preferred.
Dates and Fees
* Weekly; January – December, 2010
* Intensive Spanish – 3 hours per day, 15 hours per week.
* Start on any Monday, except holidays.
* Small class sizes.
* Similar dates and fees in 2011.
| 2 weeks | $595 |
| 3 weeks | $795 |
| 4 weeks | $995 |
| 5 weeks | $1195 |
| 6 weeks | $1395 |
| 7 weeks | $1595 |
| 8 weeks | $1795 |
*Addtl. 1 week = $200
Holidays
| February 5th | March 21st | May 1st |
| Sept. 16 | Nov. 20th | |
| Easter: April 3rd – 11th, 2010 |
Christmas: Dec. 18th, 2010 – Jan 2nd, 2011 |
|
Fee Includes: full tuition, registration, orientation, housing confirmation with a family, and transcript (Certificate). Excursions are optional and cost extra.
Requirements
Program is open to all adults. Minimum age is 18. 17 years of age may apply with parental consent. Students, teachers, working adults, professionals, and retired persons are all encouraged to apply.
Passport required. Non-U.S. citizens should check with Consulate (Mexican Embassy) for entry requirements….if more than just a Passport.
Plan on arriving 1- 2 days prior to the starting date. Usually, participants arrive on the weekend, and start class the following Monday. Airport pick-up service is available. Please inform CSA of flight arrival info in advance so we can arrange.
Arrivals
Plan on arriving 1 – 2 days prior to the starting date. If you want a staff person to meet you upon arrival at the Maceio airport, please inform CSA in advance your flight arrival information. This service is included in the program fee. The staff escort person will meet you at the Maceio airport and escort you to your housing and show you where you check-in for the program.
Registration and Information
PROGRAM IS CLOSED.
