LEARN SPANISH IN MEXICO - LANGUAGE SCHOOL CUERNAVACA

Universidad Internacional Cuernavaca, Mexico

 Minimum Age: Adults 17 years / High School 13 years / Kids 5 years

| School | Courses | Internships | Dates | Accommodation |  
| Prices | Activities | Registration | Mexico |  

Location
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.

Click here for more details

  3. Executive Spanish Courses
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.

Click here for more detailed information
  4. Spanish for High School Students / Kids
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.

Only Semester Programs have specific starting dates.

  Orientation
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.
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Activities + Excursions
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.
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