Cuernavaca is recognized
worldwide as the center for studies on Hispano American culture,
humanities and business in Latin America. Universidad Internacional
is ideally located in a safe residential area of Cuernavaca.
Geographically speaking, Cuernavaca is located 50 miles south
of Mexico City at a height of 1,542 m (4,626 ft) and has a friendly
population of approximately 500,000 inhabitants. Cuernavaca
is known internationaly as the "City of Eternal Spring"
boasting a year round temperature of 75 to 80 degrees F. With
Mexico City only an hour away, students can take advantage of
the many historical and cultural benefits of the capital without
the inconveniences of the "big city ". Acapulco, one
of the most famous tourist resorts in Mexico and in the world
is just 3 hours away.
Cuernavaca has many natural
refuges and cultural sites for visitors to enjoy. Nearby Cuernavaca
you can also find some Mexico's most famous fresh water springs
such as "Las Estacas River" where many scenes from
the "Tarzan!" saga were filmed. Within the city limits
you can also find a natural waterfall known as the "Salto
de San Anton". The city offers many interesting museums,
colonial and archaelogical sites, a cathedral dating back to
the XVI century, the Palace of Cortes and murals by the famous
muralists David Alfaro Siqueiros, Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo.
In Cuernavaca you can encounter
a variety of international restaurants such as the world famous
"Las Mañanitas". European style spas in Cuernavaca
offer visitors the possibility to relax and enjoy beauty treatments,
water therapies, ecological outings and nutritional meals. If
excersise is what you want, Cuernavaca has many gyms and a mall
with a variety of international shops. There are many elegant
movie theatres whose atmosphere speaks for itself. Before heading
to the movie you can enjoy a wonderful dinner in one of the
many restaurants right next door to the theatre. If late night
activities are for you, Cuarnavaca has them. Sidewalk cafes
turn into lively bars and discotecas open around 10:00 pm giving
Cuernavaca a thriving night life.
School
Universidad Internacional
is an institution of private higher education located in Cuernavaca,
Mexico, that offers Spanish courses aimed to satisfy your
academic and personal expectations through its Center for
Bilingual Multicultural Studies. Founded as a small school
of Spanish 22 years ago, Universidad Internacional has extensive
experience in teaching Spanish language and Latin American
culture to international students. Our Intensive Spanish programs
are open to everyone. You can obtain credits, or you can improve
your skills in the Spanish language within your field of study
or professional interest. The value of our outstanding courses
is supplemented by our excellent lodging service with Mexican
host families as well as a variety of lively activities, including
excursions to archaeological sites, museums and cultural events.
Facilities
Landscaped grounds,
fountains, swimming pools and an outdoor patio/cafe contribute
to a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. Facilities include a library,
bookstore, money exchange office, copy center, cafeteria; and
fax and telephones services. Once the student is in the School,
we provide a private free email account for each student if
required. All students have full Internet access (E-mail, telnet, Web).
In addition, Universidad Internacional offers many services
such as medical attention, academic advising and student counseling.
Universidad Internacional has gained the reputation of being
called "Mexico's best private language school.",
by L.A. TIMES.
Campus
At our main campus we have 9 Buildings,
with 33 Spanish classrooms for the 5 group system class, and
26 conference rooms, 5 swimming pools, library, computer lab
with 48 computer stations with internet, Infirmary, cafeteria,
Bookstore and administration offices. The maximum capacity for
this campus is 996 students.
Universidad Internacional is staffed by native, experienced,
well-qualified, Spanish-speaking instructors. Dedicated professionals,
they not only teach but also participate in university's social,
cultural and research programs
The Staff provides administrative
assistance to the students insuring that their classes and
housing are appropriate to their needs. Also, the staff joins
the faculty to help develop confidence in students' ability
to speak Spanish and increase their language skills.
Universidad Internacional is accredited by the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM as of 3/18/93
code 92-I-1). The Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies
has been recognized as Quality Approved Programs through a
Formal Agreement with SUNY-Brockport, an American Institution
Accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle
States Association of Colleges and Schools, Philadelphia,
PA, USA.
The teaching staff can count on academic support and on-going
training under the supervision of the director of studies
and with the cooperation of the teacher training department.
The optimal quality of teaching that the school offers is
constantly reinforced through teachers' meetings, classroom
observations and teachers' workshops.
Courses
1. Intensive
Spanish Course + Latin American Culture
The Intensive Spanish
Language Program at Universidad Internacional offers the opportunity
to experience an intensive study of Spanish, and Latin American
culture for individuals whatever their interest or professional
and educational career may be.
Classrooms with no more than five students..
25 hours of classes per week.
Classes taught by native Mexican instructors.
Spanish only policy.
The opportunity to live with a Mexican host family.
A typical daily schedule begins at 8 am and ends at
4 pm Monday through Friday
Components:
Intensive Spanish Language Class (3 hrs.)
Students are placed in small Spanish classes of homogeneous
students grouped according to their previous level of Spanish
fluency , their ability to communicate, their origin, and their
ages. We subscribe to the "Group Five System" in which no more
than 5 students are assigned to one professor . Thus, professors
can give their students personal attention. The Spanish Class
focuses on 4 main skills: speaking, listening, reading, and
writing.
Latin American or Grammar Courses (2 hrs.)
This is a flexible option that allows the students to choose
from an assortment of classes in the following areas of study:
Art, Business, Education, History, Latin-American Studies,
Linguistics, Literature, Political Science, Psychology, Religion,
and Spanish grammar.
Cultural Lectures or Conversation (1 hr.)
This component is designed to improve students' listening and
conversational Spanish Language skills and cultural awareness by
corrected discussions on topics like holidays, festivities, and
family life. Students are encouraged to compare and contrast
their own culture with their experiences in Mexico . The class
targets specific vocabulary development and conversational
skills.
Optional Classes
Boost your Spanish knowledge by enrolling in one of the many
optional classes available in the afternoon from 2:20 p.m. - 4
p.m., Monday to Thursday at no extra cost . These classes
provide additional enrichment and better understanding of the
Spanish language. Classes range from pronunciation to advanced
grammar and/or conversation workshop. Upon request, students
may enroll in one hour per week of individual attention in
grammar, concentrating on areas of individual weakness.
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
08:00 - 09:00
INTENSIVE SPANISH LANGUAGE CLASS
09:10 - 10:00
10:10 - 10:55
10:55 - 11:15
BREAK
11:15 - 12:00
LATIN AMERICAN OR GRAMMAR COURSES
12:10 - 13:00
13:10 - 14:00
CONVERSATION OR CULTURAL LECTURES
AFTERNOON OPTIONAL
ACTIVITIES
OPTIONAL CLASSES
& ACTIVITIES
More than twenty years ago the Faculty of Universidad Internacional developed the concept of intensive, small group learning for Spanish language instruction. No more than five students are assigned to a professor, who works on a personal basis with each student. Within the Universidad Internacional, it is of utmost importance to group students according to their ability to acquire the language.
In order to achieve
this important objective, it is necessary to take into account
all of the characteristics, expectations, and needs of each
students and/or group. It is also necessary to take into account:
Level (measured through a written exam and an oral interview).
Length of stay at the Universidad (number of weeks/semesters).
Age.
Type of Program (Intensive, Semester or Executive)
Credits granted are transferable
to institutions abroad. Students whose home university has no
agreement with Universidad Internacional must make sure that
the credits will be accepted by their school.
Credits are granted for all levels of Spanish language courses
as well any courses at Universidad Internacional or through
other accredited US universities that are affiliated with Intensive
Spanish Language Program at Universidad Internacional.
Internships / Independent Study
The Intensive Spanish Language Program provides Internships/Independent
Study in a variety of academic areas. For more information see
the "Internship Special Program" page, in the Programs
section, or click
here.
Besides language courses, the Intensive Spanish Language Program
offers social science and humanities courses on Latin America
and Hispano-America. These are an integral part of the language
study curriculum. For example:
Social Science:
History of Mexico.
The Mexican Political System.
Basic Concepts for Studying Latin America.
Psychology of the Mexicans.
Humanities:
Language.
Art and Education in Mexico.
Mural Art in Mexico.
and others.
2. Spring or
Fall Spansh Semester Programs
Come for a semester
and watch your Spanish skills soar while you make friends from
around the world and immerse yourself in the Mexican way of life.
You can earn up to 18 credits at your home university
and complete your Spanish requirements while having the unique
opportunity to attend classes with Mexican and International
students.You have so much to gain, we welcome you to come and
share the experience with us.
We have created a program
especially tailored to meet your individual needs!
Increased
global economic and cultural integration has created a demand
for highly qualified professionals with international experience
and foreign language skills . The Spanish language has acquired
significant importance in the world of business & trade,
increasing the number of those who wish or need to learn it.
In response to the increasing demands of this new breed of
executives and being aware of the special needs of corporate
training programs, we have designed an accelerated full immersion
program for professionals. Our Executive Program is based
on what you actually have to do in your work.
The Center for Bilingual
Multicultural Studies focuses its One on One Executive Program
to meet individuals' interest, profession and proficiency level.
Not only is work-oriented vocabulary emphasized, but also conversation
and activities that fit individual needs.
The
High School
Program is designed to make the study of the Spanish Language
fun and meaningful. We have developed an excellent program for
teens that encourages them to Learn, Live and Love the Spanish
language and Mexican culture. Our program welcomes teens from
13 to 17 years old. However, younger or older students can
join the program occasionally upon prior request.
The Kids program is designed as
a fun way to start learning Spanish at a young age through
recreational activities. We have developed an engaging platform
for children that allo ws them to Learn, Live and Love Spanish
with a careful selection of teachers to provide a stimulating,
safe, and healthy learning environment. Our emphasis: Our
program welcomes kids from 5 to 12 years old. However,
younger or older kids can join the program upon request. More
info on request.
• Make learning Spanish fun
• Classes with Mexican children.
Dates
New classes begin every
Monday of the year, and students can enroll for
as many weeks as they wish. There is no minimum
enrollment. Although, beginners may want to enroll
for four to six weeks of study
to attain a certain level of proficiency in Spanish.
Every Saturday from
10:00 am to 1:00 pm an orientation course is given to all new
students who will begin their classes on the following Monday.
Students will take a written and oral exam, tour the school,
attend informational session about our programs and tips for
enjoy better their experience with a Mexican family in Cuernavaca.
Those students who cannot attend on Saturday morning may take
the exams and orientation on Monday morning at 8:00 am.
Placement
Because of the differences
in age, backgrounds and Spanish-speaking levels, all students
are given an oral and written assessment of their Spanish language
skills.
The assessment is to insure that students would be assigned
to a class that's appropriate to their level of Spanish. Furthermore,
teachers periodically evaluate their students in order to
insure that students' placements remain appropriate to their
level.
Students
will have the opportunity to participate in different
recreational activities organized by the universityl. They include social
and cultural events that significantly contribute to the learning
experience.
Usually twice a month, Universidad Internacional organizes "fiestas"
for students which allow for informal conversation and discussion
with faculty members. Students' host families are also invited
to these social activities.
Social activities also include a "social hour" at
a local cafe in Cuernavaca where students have an opportunity
to interact in Spanish with each other and with teachers in
a social setting.
For those who like
to dance, Universidad Internacional offers Salsa dance classes
to perfect those latin dance steps; or students may prefer a
more quiet activity by enrolling in a Mexican cooking class.
In cooperation with the Morelos Tourist Bureau and the University
of Morelos, the Center keeps students informed about cultural
events taking place in Cuernavaca and its vicinity events such
as music and dance recitals, exhibitions, lectures, plays and
special films.
Golf courses, tennis courts, bowling alleys, swimming pools
at hotels and host families' homes, movie theaters, restaurants,
bookstores, outdoor markets, performances by street musicians
(mariachis), and sidewalk cafes surrounding the main square
(Zocalo) all provide additional recreational and entertainment
opportunities.