Cuernavaca - Spanish Language & Mexican Culture

Cuernavaca Program Brochure

Q. What does this program offer?
A. The University of Missouri-Columbia’s International Center sponsors a summer program in Cuernavaca, Mexico, through the International University's Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies (Centro Bilingue). Through this program, you will have the opportunity to study the Spanish language and Mexican culture in one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Cuernavaca, known as the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its beautiful climate, is also known for its romantic vistas, classic colonial architecture, and hip international scene. Cuernavaca’s charm and beauty have attracted international celebrities and students alike. Gabriel García Marquez, Muhammed Ali, and the Shah of Iran have rubbed elbows with thousands of international students flocking to Cuernavaca’s numerous language schools, among the most popular in Mexico. Cuernavaca’s location one and a half hours south of Mexico City places you within easy reach of the cultural richness and excitement of the Mexican capital city. Acapulco, Oaxaca, Puebla and Taxco are also easily accessible from Cuernavaca.

Q. What will I study?
A. You will attend small intensive classes (30 hours per week, five students per class) at the renowned Centro Bilingue in Cuernavaca. Since this program is specifically designed for students who wish to take Spanish 2100: Elementary Spanish 3 (3 credits), or Spanish 3150: Advanced Spanish Conversation (3 credits), you will take one or the other, depending on your proficiency level. You and all other participants will also take Spanish 3400: Mexican Culture and Civilization (3 credits). An understanding of the cultural context will enhance your language study.

Q. When does this program run?
A. For summer 2008 the program dates are June 7 - July 12, 2008. Please check with the Program director for flight information.

Q. Where will I live?
A. You and another program participant will room with a Mexican family selected by the Centro Bilingue offices of international programs and the MU in Mexico program director. Your family will provide you with three meals each day. Like most students, you may find that the homestay is one of the most rewarding aspects of the study abroad experience.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. With careful planning with your academic advisor, the six credit hours you earn in Cuernavaca should meet degree requirements. Because the Cuernavaca classes are actual courses offered on the MU campus, the grades you receive for these classes will be calculated into your MU GPA.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. For this program, MU students pay the tuition and fees for visiting students set by the host university, which will be covered by a combination of MU educational fees and a Program Fee. You will be billed for 6 credits of MU educational fees, non-resident fees (for non-Missouri residents), the MU information technology fee for 6 credit hours, and a $350 study abroad fee. Additional expenses for this program include: housing costs for a double room and three meals per day, and a Program Fee, which includes roundtrip ground transportation from Mexico City to Cuernavaca, three excursions, and administrative costs. Although a group flight will be arranged, you will pay the round-trip airfare directly to the travel agent. You will need to budget extra funds for travel and personal expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU will apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees, and, therefore, remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application. More information is also available on the MU Financial Aid Office website.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. You are eligible to apply if you are a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior with a GPA of at least 2.5 who will complete either Spanish 1200 or Spanish 2160 prior to departure. You must be in good academic standing at the time of departure. Your application will receive preference if you have completed Spanish 1200 and Spanish 2160 on the MU campus.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Spanish Language & Mexican Culture website for more information about the program.