University of Guadalajara (Puerto Vallarta)
Intensive Spanish & Mexico Studies – 2012 / 2013
4 Weeks – $1195 USD / Quarter (12 wks) – $3395 USD
The Program
The program in Puerto Vallarta was opened in 1994 for studies in Spanish language and Mexican culture. Located in downtown Puerto Vallarta, the program offers the opportunity to study Spanish and enjoy the excitement and sunny beaches. All classes are taught in Spanish and all students are encouraged to be involved in supportive group immersion. Emphasis on oral expression (conversation), vocabulary development, listening comprehension, and complemented by reading and writing. All levels are offered. Students take a placement test upon arrival to determine ability.
The Location
Puerto Vallarta lies nestled between the rugged Sierra Madre mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, along the shores of “Bahia de Banderos”, Mexico’s largest
bay. It’s immense popularity among international travelers – some 2 million visitors per year – may be attributed to the beauty of its natural surroundings, the availability of a wide array of recreational activities, the warmth of its people, and its easy accessibility by air, land or sea.
“Bahia de Banderos” is blessed with an excellent climate and a string of spectacular beaches. In this tropical paradise you will find everything you could ask for in a seaside resort: luxury hotels and quaint inns, restaurants for all tastes and budgets, typical markets, upscale boutiques, art galleries, every type of water sports, and a thriving nightlife. All of this lends Puerto Vallarta a unique enchantment all its own. A fun place to study Spanish.
Courses
Spanish Language – all levels: beginning, intermediate, advanced. Super Intensive Course: 5 hours of Spanish per day. All students take a placement test to determine Spanish level. Classes are divided into 2-hour blocks from 8:00 am – 2 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
The University of Guadalajara is a fully accredited Mexican University. Students may
earn 3 credits for each 40 hours.
Spanish 1: Basic Spanish language course for beginners, and divided into two levels based upon previous study. Introduction to Spanish grammar, composition, pronunciation, and conversation.
Spanish 2: Intermediate language course. Practice in speaking and oral comprehension. Includes: grammar, syntax, gender, verb tenses, vocabulary building, compositions, reading and conversation.
Spanish 3: Advanced Spanish course. This course covers more complex syntax, grammar, composition, reading and conversation. Students read newspapers and magazines.
Class group sizes are no more than 15 students. This allows more personal attention and to encourage more interaction in the classroom. Super Intensive sessions last for 2 weeks, with 5 hrs per day, 25 hrs per week (50 hrs total). Morning and afternoon classes, Monday – Friday. Learning is based on the Communicative Approach, without losing sight on grammatical accuracy. Spanish language courses are taught in Spanish and are designed to help students acquire fluency and sufficient communicative skills to cope with any situation they are likely to encounter. On arrival, all students are tested for both written and spoken competence, and are then assigned to the most appropriate level. There are 10 levels offered which are divided into 3 areas (mentioned above).
Housing
Host family housing is available. Single or shared rooms, 3 meals per day, and access to all home amenities. Staying with a family offers a “total immersion” experience in speaking Spanish. Families are middle to upper income households, and have been carefully screened. Costs $225 USD per week for homestay, double or single room, and full board (3 meals daily).
You may arrange your own housing in Puerto Vallarta if you prefer. Local hotels and Guest Houses are available. Costs vary.
Academic Credit
Students earn 4 – 6 credits per month. Intensive program of 4 hours
daily, 20 hours per week. 1-2 credits per week.
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.
Dates and Fees
(Starting Dates)
Winter 2012
| Jan 9 – 20 | Jan 23 – Feb 3 | Feb 7 – 17 |
| Feb 20 – Mar 2 | Mar 5 – 16 | Mar 19 – 30 |
* Similar dates in 2013
* Spring Break: Apr 1st – 8th
Spring 2012
| Apr 9 – 20 | Apr 23 – May 4 | May 7- 18 |
| May 21 – June 1 |
Summer 2012
| June 4 – 15 | June 18 – 29 | July 2 – 13 |
| July 16 – 27 | July 30 – Aug 10 | Aug 13 – 24 |
| Aug 27 – Sept 7 |
Fall 2012
| Sept 10 – 21 | Sept 24 – Oct 5 | Oct 8 – 19 |
| Oct 22 – Nov 2 | Nov 5 – 16 | Nov 19 – 30 |
| Dec 3 – 14 |
* Christmas Break: Dec 15th, 2012 – Jan 6th, 2013
Winter 2013
| Jan 7 – 18 | Jan 21 – Feb 1 | Feb 5 – 15 |
| Feb 18 – Mar 1 |
Fees
| 2 weeks | $595 |
| 4 weeks | $1195 |
| 6 weeks | $1695 |
| 8 weeks | $2295 |
| 10 weeks | $2795 |
| 12 weeks | $3395 |
* See starting dates. Arrive on Saturday or Sunday.
Requirements
Programs are open to all adults. High school students, college students teachers, working adults, professionals, and retired persons are all encouraged to apply. Minimum age is 18. 17 years of age with parental consent. A passport is required for programs in Mexico. Plan on arriving 1 day prior to starting date (on Sunday).
Registration and Information
Register online. CSA Registration Deposit of $45 USD required to be fully registered. Can pay online by credit card. CSA also accepts personal checks, cashier checks, money orders, wire transfer, or direct deposit. Please review the “Register Overview” section for details. We will send an e-mail confirmation receipt and additional information shortly after receiving your online registration form. Thank you..
