 Explore Spanish language and Central American culture
Guatemala
4 to 6 credits in Spanish
May 31- June 28, 2008
Rosita Cruz
$1,975 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition
Registration deadline: March 15, 2008
Program description and application [PDF]
The VCU School of World Studies and the Office of International Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, in conjunction with the Fundación Proyecto Linguístico Francisco Marroquín in Antigua, are pleased to present a four-week immersion opportunity for participants interested in Spanish language and Guatemalan culture. Taught in a 1:2 students to teacher ratio, this program is ideal for students at the beginning and intermediate levels of Spanish.
Course and credit options: 6 to 7 VCU credits
Students may choose two of the following courses: SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish (4 credits), SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish, SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish Reading, SPAN 205 Intermediate Spanish Conversation, SPAN 305 Advanced Spanish Conversation, SPAN 492 Independent Study, FRLG 490 Internship, INTL 391 Guatemala- Introduction to Mayan Culture. Please note that SPAN 102 can only be taken in conjunction with INTL 391.
 Course description: In addition to language instruction, students will participate in weekly field trips to learn about local history, culture and language. The surrounding countryside is perennially green and filled with flowers, volcanoes, lakes and Mayan villages. Guatemala is an ethnic kaleidoscope. The dominant culture speaks Spanish, proudly tracing its roots to the colonial period. Over half the inhabitants are Mayan Indians who preserve the ancient traditions of their languages, weaving and arts.
2008 estimated program budget
Program cost: $1,975.00 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition
The program is $1,975 and includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Most meals
- Study visits and tours
- Excursions
- On-site program director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International student identification card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- Some meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
 Airfare: Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements from the U.S. to Guatemala. Professor Rosita Cruz will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option for the group. For best fares you should purchase your ticket prior to March 15.
Eligibility: Student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate in this program.
Registration deadline: March 15, 2008. Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Activities and excursions: Students spend mornings with native-speaking Spanish instructors. Afternoon activities include a weekly meeting to discuss the cross-cultural experience. This information is then brought to life during several outings each week to local villages, museums and guest lectures. Participants will visit macadamia and coffee plantations, attend a guest lecture by renowned poet Gaspar Pedro, tour the ruins of Tikál, spend a day at the beach, enjoy museums and the Antigua market, view a demonstration of a Mayan ceremony, visit the Mayan weavers in Aguas Calientes, spend a weekend at lake Atitlán and visit the colorful market of Chichicastenango, Volcano Pacaya hike, and weekend at Livingston.
Accommodations and meals: While in Antigua the participants will be placed with families, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are included for all days except Sunday. Only some meals while on excursions are included. You will have a private room and will share a bath. Private bathes are available for an additional $20 per week.
 Program director: The program is directed by native Spanish speaker and Spanish language professor Rosita Cruz of the VCU School of World Studies. Cruz assists in leading an additional VCU program to her native Puerto Rico in addition to her directorship of the Guatemala program. This is her fourth year as the program director in Guatemala.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs.
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