MENDOZA, ARGENTINA Language and Culture Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Bienvenidos! Let your adventurous spirit soar in beautiful Mendoza, Argentina! The Spanish Language and Latin American Culture Program begins with a day long orientation in Mendoza. At the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, students will take intensive and accelerated courses in Spanish language and Spanish American culture. Included throughout the program are many special hikes and excursions.

ORIENTATIONS
There will be two or three mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation sessions in Davis and an in-country orientation in Mendoza. Students will have the opportunity to learn about and acclimate to Mendoza and participate in planned activities. These activities will include a walking tour of the city and a welcome and introduction to the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo.

ACADEMICS
Students will take language classes at the Centro de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera (CELE), located at the Facultad de Filosfia y Letras at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. In addition to the language courses, all students will take an upper division course in Spanish American culture (SPA 148S).

• Click here for a map of Mendoza
• Read a Student Account of the Program
• Mendoza Photo Album

REQUIREMENTS / COURSES

ELIGIBILITY UC Davis students in good academic standing (GPA 2.0 and not on Academic Probation) are eligible for the Mendoza, Argentina Language and Culture Program. Spanish prerequisites are listed below: Level 1 Completion of SPA 2 or the equivalent. Level 2 Completion of SPA 21 or the equivalent. Level 3 Completion of SPA 100 or the equivalent. Equivalents may include: AP credits, a placement exam into SPA 3, 21 or 100, or an interview with the Faculty Program Leader if you are a native speaker of Spanish. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Level 1: SPA 3S, 21S, 22S, 98/198 and 148S* (20 units) Review of grammar sequences and practice of language skills through cultural texts. Develop the grammar, vocabulary and composition through exercises and reading of modern texts. Toward the end of the course students will focus on more difficult grammatical concepts and further practice in composition and language skills. Level 2: SPA 22S, 23S, 24S, 98/198 and 148S* (18 units) Students will focus on difficult grammar concepts, and continue to develop composition skills. Authentic materials, literary texts and videos will be used to develop writing skills. Toward the end of the course students will work on advanced writing skills, with particular emphasis on how to write argumentative prose, essays and papers. Level 3: SPA 159S, 170S, 171S, 98/198 and 148S* (17 units) Study of Spanish American literature and culture, along with the major developments in the arts and social institutions of Spanish America. Readings, lectures, and discussions will be in Spanish. * Students at all levels will take SPA 148S (Cinema in the Spanish-Speaking World) which is taught in English and SPA 98/198 for minimum of 1 unit. SPA 98/198- Directed Group Study - Taught by Cecilia Colombi (1-3) (P/NP grading) One unit required (for more units consult with the instructor) Taught by Cecilia Colombi, this course examines the cultural, academic and personal experience of studying in Mendoza, Argentina through narratives and group discussions. Special emphasis will be given to the language development as well as the cross cultural experience of living with a host family.

FACULTY LEADERS: Prof. Cecilia Colombi Department of Spanish & Classics cmcolombi@ucdavis.edu (Faculty Leader and teaches first 7 weeks) Prof. Francisco Alarcon Department of Spanish & Classics fjalarcon@ucdavis.edu (Facuty Leader last 3 weeks)

ACCOMMODATIONS / MEALS

To fully immerse themselves in the rich Argentinian culture, students will reside with host families. Most accommodations include a single room with breakfast and dinner provided each day. Students are expected to dine with the host family each evening, unless prior arrangements have been made. Lunch will be provided via meal vouchers for the university cafeteria. There are no exceptions to the home stay arrangement as it is an integral part of the cultural component of the program.

STUDENT SERVICES

Host Institution
Universidad Nacional de Cuyo was founded in 1939 and has eleven colleges (facultades), an advanced Physics and Mathematics Institute and three Technological Institutes. Approximately 12,000 students attend the undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. The campus is one of the most modern in Argentina, with several libraries, computer laboratories, a sports center, a university club, and a health service center.

Computer Laboratories and E-Mail
Students have access to computer laboratories for e-mail and other purposes from 8:00am to 8:00pm in 30 minute intervals.

PROGRAM BUDGET / FEES

* These amounts are estimates only. Actual expenses will vary by student.

** The University of California, Davis and UC Davis Quarter Abroad are not responsible for price changes due to a variety of reasons, including extreme exchange fluctuations.

*** California Resident Student Fees.