Spanish and Latin American Studies in Puebla, Mexico

Washington University Six-Week Summer Program, May/June

Improve Your Spanish Through Cultural Immersion

General Description

Puebla Hill
Washington University’s Latin American Studies Program is offering a six-week study abroad program that takes place, approximately, from the second half of May through all of June, at the Universidad Iberoamericana, in Puebla, Mexico. This program combines two Spanish courses during the day, cultural workshops, special lectures on cultural topics, fieldtrips, activities with Mexican students, some weekend trips and housing at Universidad Iberoamericana dormitories or homestays. The program offers 6-8 Washington University credits with course options at different levels depending on the student’s preparation in Spanish language and an optional independent study. Field trips to Mexico City and to an additional location are included in the program. Tuition will cover housing, some meals, courses, and field trips, and the Washington University on-site Director.

Puebla StatueProgram Location

The Universidad Iberoamericana is located in the city of Puebla about 60 miles southeast of Mexico City. Established by the Spanish in 1531, Puebla was the principal city of colonial Mexico. Puebla is well-known throughout Mexico for textiles, exquisitely decorated pottery and tiles, and the architectural beauty of its buildings. Its historic downtown remains a Spanish-colonial treasure filled with elegant 17th and 18th century European architecture and art. When you add a temperate climate year-around, friendly and courteous residents (called poblanos) and delicious regional cuisine, Puebla becomes the ideal place to learn Spanish.

Courses

Students may study Spanish at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Beginning Spanish students will enroll in 6 credits of intensive language. Those with advanced Spanish language will enroll in 3 credits of Spanish language and a 3 credit content course on Mexican culture, politics, etc. in Spanish. Students with advanced Spanish may substitute an internship for one of the courses. All students would have the option of a 2 credit independent study/research overseen by the WU on-site Director. Coursework is in the morning with optional afternoon lectures, workshops and fieldtrips. All students have the option of participating in community service. Students may earn a maximum of 8 WU credits.

The advanced courses may earn up to 6 elective credits toward the Spanish major or minor, but that will only be determined back on campus in the fall upon evaluation of work done. Alternatively, the course on Mexican culture, politics, or the supervised internship can fulfill 3 credits of advanced level coursework in IAS and the language class can be used to help complete the IAS language requirement. Upon return to Washington University, students will take a placement test to determine the appropriate level for further language study.

Outside the Classroom

Included in the program cost are a number of local field trips and workshops. The Washington University program will include two trips to Mexico City and an additional one. Students have the option of paying for additional weekend trips if they choose.

Cost

The program cost, including 6-8 Washington University credits, room and some meals, field trips and organized group activities will be more for those choosing the homestay option than for those choosing the dormitory option. Students will be responsible for air travel to Mexico. An initial deposit will be due once a student has been admitted into the program. A limited amount of scholarship funding is available, and students interested in aid will be asked to do a separate financial aid application.

How to Apply

Students should pick up an application form from Stix House Room 100. For more information, contact Professor Joe Barcroft at (314) 935-7951 or Dr. Amy Suelzer at (314) 935-5958.

Application Forms

Useful Links

Back to Department of Romance Languages & Literatures Study Abroad Opportunities.