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Program Requirements:
 
Language: Spanish
Language Level: None or 2 semesters
Semester/Year: Summer Session
Minimum Class: Rising Soph
Minimum GPA: varies
Duke Only: No
Exchange Program: No
URL of campus:
Home > Summer Programs > Duke in Mexico

DUKE IN MEXICO
Cholula, Mexico
May 16 to June 28, 2008

 

COURSE INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS
COSTS
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
APPLICATION PROCEDURE

 

Duke in Mexico offers two intensive Spanish courses at the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) under the direction of Professor Lisa Merschel of the Spanish Language Program at Duke. This is an opportunity for students to become immersed in Mexican culture for six weeks while studying elementary or intermediate Spanish. After successful completion of the program, students will receive two course credits for the summer session in Mexico.

The UDLA campus is located in Cholula, which is one of the oldest continuously-occupied cities in this hemisphere. In this town stands the great Pyramid of Cholula, considered to be one of the largest in volume in the world. The neighboring city and state capital, Puebla de los Ángeles, is only 70 miles away from Mexico City. This colonial city was founded in 1531 and is known for its architecture and regional cuisine, especially the mole poblano (a spicy chocolate sauce). This region enjoys year-round spring-like weather.

The Intensive Spanish Institute began in summer 2002 on the Duke campus, and has now been established on a permanent basis in Mexico. This program's format assists a wide variety of students by offering elementary Spanish language courses previously not available for study abroad. Material covered in Spanish 1 and 2 is combined in the first course, Spanish 13. The second course, Spanish 16, offers intensive intermediate material covered on campus in Spanish 63 and 76. Mastery of the coursework will be facilitated by increased exposure to Hispanic culture and language through local mass media, native speakers, and immersion into Mexican society.

In order to experience first-hand the diversity of Mexican culture, geography, art, and indigenous peoples, the Intensive Spanish Institutes will go on various excursions. In Mexico City you will go on guided tours of the National Anthropology Museum, the Zocalo, and the Palacio Nacional. You will also visit Teotihuacán, the pre-Columbian ruins of the City of the Gods. Enjoy the mountains in Oaxaca, and in Tajín, experience the grandeur and importance of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico.

COURSES AND CREDITS

SPANISH 13 – 01 Intensive Elementary Spanish FL Covers the basic elementary Spanish language curriculum (Spanish 1 and 2) in one summer session in Mexico. Develops aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills; exposure to some aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures. Taught in Spanish, using the communicative approach. Six hours per day of classroom instruction (M-Th) and required extracurricular activities. Taught by a Duke instructor and an instructor from UDLA. Two courses. Prerequisite: No prior experience with Spanish.

SPANISH 16 - 01 Intensive Intermediate Spanish FL, CZ Covers the intermediate Spanish language curriculum (Spanish 63 and 76) in one summer session in Mexico. Builds on elements of the language acquired in the elementary sequence in Spanish 1 and 2. Further development of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Expands range and sophistication of grammar usage and vocabulary. Exposure to aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures. Increases ability to structure ideas in speaking and writing. Work with comprehension and production of texts of greater extension. Prepares students for 100-level Spanish courses. Six hours per day of classroom instruction (M-Th), required extracurricular activities. Taught by Professor Lisa Merschel and an UDLA instructor. Two courses. Prerequisite: Spanish 2, Spanish 14 or placement interview.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions to famous archaeological sites, museums and some of Mexico 's breathtaking natural locales will complement the program. Transportation, a guide, entrance fees and lodging are provided for the following program field trips:

•  Oaxaca: Archaeological site of Monte Albán; Handicrafts are among the most beautiful and creative in Mexico

•  Mexico City: El Zócalo, National Anthropology Museum and Palacio Nacional; In the outskirts of the city: the archaeological site of Teotihuacán

•  Tajin & Villa Rica: one of the most beautiful places in all of Mexico, located between Veracruz and the Costa Esmeralda

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS

Duke in Mexico elementary students will live in the Colegios Residenciales (dormitories) for the entire Institute. The intermediate students will live with Mexican families in Cholula or Puebla. Meals will be eaten at the student cafeteria, cooked in the dorm kitchens, or provided by your family. You will have access to all the facilities on campus such as the library, the gymnasium, the computer facilities, and the medical clinic.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

International airfare is not included in tuition/fees. Transportation to and from Mexico must be arranged by the individual participants. Students should arrange flights to arrive in Puebla or Mexico City on May 16 since the program begins on May 17. Program departure may be scheduled for June 28. Due to the intense nature of the program, late arrivals and/or early departures are not permitted.

ESTIMATED COSTS

Tuition for two courses $4,704
Program fee‡ $2,230

Total due Duke University $6,934*

*Non-Duke students must add a $40 lifetime transcript fee. Total due: $6,974

Estimated cost of additional meals, to be paid in Mexico: $600
Estimated cost of books: $150
Estimated cost of laundry, miscellaneous: $300

‡The program fee includes room, some meals, and excursions. Total cost does NOT include travel to and from Mexico or within Mexico, independent travel during or after the program, items of a personal nature or incidentals. You will, however, be reimbursed for travel to and from the Mexico City or Puebla airports and the UDLA campus. The costs are based on an exchange rate expected to be in effect and are subject to increase.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Upon notification of acceptance to the summer program by the director, students can confirm their space on the program by signing the ‘Commitment to Participate' form (a parent/guardian's co-signature is also required on this form). Students can access this form from the web: http://studyabroad.duke.edu/forms/summercommitment.pdf. After signing this form, students can fax it to the Duke Office of Study Abroad at 919-684-3083 or mail it to Duke University, Office of Study Abroad, 2016 Campus Drive, Box 90057, Durham, NC 27708. Please note that by signing this form, students are committing to participate in the summer program and agree to pay the full cost of the program, which includes the tuition and program fee listed above. This commitment form takes the place of a deposit.

IMPORTANT DUE DATES

The required 'Commitment to Participate' form (signed by student and parent/guardian) is due within three (3) weeks of notification of acceptance from the faculty director.

Full program charges, payable to Duke University ($6,934 for Duke students, $6,974 for non-Duke students, which includes the $40 lifetime transcript fee), and billed by the Duke Bursar's office, will be due on the date specified on the bursar's bill.

Summer invoices will be sent to your permanent home address. Remit payment to the Bursar per due date and address indicated on your statement. All financial arrangements involving Duke University must be completed prior to departure for the program.

All other expenses are to be paid by students in Mexico.

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Duke undergraduates who receive need-based financial aid during the academic year are eligible to apply for financial aid for up to two Duke summer study abroad programs (and/or summer sessions in Durham) offering either one or two courses of credit. This aid is offered in addition to the eight basic academic-year semesters of financial aid. Eligibility for summer aid will be determined in the same manner as academic-year aid. Note: This policy does not apply to a summer abroad program taken prior to matriculation or after graduation from Duke.

Financial Aid applications for Duke summer study abroad are available in the Office of Study Abroad or online at http://studyabroad.duke.edu/forms/summerfinaid.pdf. To apply for financial aid, students must have applied to the program. Submit completed aid applications to the Office of Study Abroad, no later than 5 p.m., Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

Duke does not offer financial aid to non-Duke students. You are advised to consult with the Financial Aid Office at your home institution.

Duke undergraduates are eligible for Mac Anderson Scholarships for Duke summer foreign language study abroad programs. The grants will be awarded without regard to need. Applications are available in the Office of Study Abroad or on-line at http://studyabroad.duke.edu/forms/macandersonapplication.pdf, and must be submitted to the Office of Study Abroad no later than Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Incomplete scholarship applications will not be considered.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Summer program and scholarship applications, as well as financial aid information, will be accepted on a rolling admissions basis with a final deadline of Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

To apply, please follow the steps below:

  1. Complete the on-line application at http://studyabroad.duke.edu/forms.html.
  2. Submit a completed ‘Authorization and Consent' form.
  3. Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended (First year students should wait for fall semester grades to be posted).
  4. Personal statement, no longer than one page, stating why you would like to participate in the program (may be submitted via on-line application).
  5. Submit one faculty letter of recommendation (suggested form).

Non-Duke students may apply but must be in good academic standing at their college or university. In order to transfer credit for the above courses, non-Duke students must consult their advisor and/or registrar. Applications received after February 6, 2008 will be processed on a space-available basis.

Note: Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the program director for consideration.

All participants must have a valid passport. For instructions, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html. US citizens do not need a visa. Non U.S. citizens should pay special attention to the visa requirements for their specific citizenship by contacting the country embassy to find out if any visa restrictions are in effect.

An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is also required. Duke students may purchase this card for $22 from the Student Service Center, 101 Allen Bldg. Provide a small, ID-sized photo, payment and application; the card will be created at the Center. Non-Duke students can purchase ISICs at their home university or through STA Travel: www.statravel.com. After confirmation of enrollment, non-Duke students must provide their ISIC number and expiration date to the Office of Study Abroad prior to departure for the program.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For further information, contact the Office of Study Abroad or:

Professor Lisa Merschel, Program Director
Department of Romance Studies
05 Languages, Box 90257,
Durham, NC 27708-0257
Tel.: 919-660-3154, Fax: 919-684-4029
 

Duke University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or preference, gender or age in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, employment, or any other university program or activity.

DUKE UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS PROGRAM. SHOULD IT DO SO, REFUNDS WILL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REFUND POLICY OUTLINED IN THE STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM SUMMER STATEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT. For general information on OSA's policies on student withdrawals and refunds, please refer to the OSA website: http://studyabroad.duke.edu/summer/summerwithdrawal.html

Last updated: 4 January 2008