Latin American & Integrated Studies
2010 Spring Semester - Academics

Academic Focus

The Advanced Argentine Immersion Program is designed for students at the advanced language level and above who are ready to refine and cultivate their language skills, while taking a more in-depth look into Argentine and Latin American culture. Semester language courses will focus on grammar and composition, and students will have the opportunity to use practice their skills through the unique Integrated Studies courses offered with Argentine students.

All students will enroll in one Spanish language course. Students will then enroll in two to four Integrated Studies courses from the wide variety of subjects offered at the University of Belgrano. In addition, students can also choose up to two Latin American Studies electives, taught in Spanish and English that will allow you to further explore Latin American culture.

Students on this program are able to fully-immerse themselves in the Argentine culture and language while learning side-by-side in the classroom with Argentine classmates. Students will select two to four Integrated Studies courses from the University of Belgrano’s regular course listing and academic calendar. This will allow you to experience immersion into the Argentine university system by taking content courses with host national students. Integrated classes at the University of Belgrano are taught in a wide variety of subject areas, allowing you to earn credits toward your major or fulfill additional graduation requirements.

Additionally, students can select up to two electives focused on Latin American culture offered to international students. Latin American Studies courses are available in English and Spanish, which gives students the flexibility to select the courses that best fit their needs.

Program Goals

Through formal and informal learning connected to the host university, city, people and culture; and by applying appropriate cognitive, affective, behavioral, ethical and intercultural tools; students will develop and articulate:

• discipline-based knowledge in the humanities, sciences or social sciences;
• analytic insight into salient cultural differences in the host country’s approach to targeted concepts and issues within these fields, all considered within the larger context of globalization;
• Spanish language and intercultural communication skills and;
• (for Integrated Studies students), level-appropriate Spanish language skills for study in these fields.

Early Start

This program also features a unique Early Start option, where you will arrive early and take a four week intensive language preparation course. This course, focused on grammar and conversation, is designed to help you adjust to the university setting and prepare you for the semester placement exam. Students planning on taking their courses in Spanish are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Early Start option.

All semester courses meet for a total of 45 contact hours. Students generally receive 3 semester credits per course, for a total of 12 - 15 credits per semester. The Intensive Language Prep Course meets for an additional 100 contact hours of language instruction, which is usually worth 6 credits in the US semester system.

Schedule Summary

All semester courses will meet for 4 hours each week. Classes will be held on Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/Thursdays at various times throughout the day.

During the intensive language portion of the program, students will meet Monday through Friday for a total of 25 hours per week. Class times vary and your final course schedule will be determined onsite.

Integrated Studies courses follow the normal Argentine calendar and run through the end of the program. Latin American Studies courses finish approximately one month prior to the end of the program.

Course Registration

Course registration at the university will take place upon arrival in Buenos Aires. Students must enroll in at least four courses each semester and may enroll in no more than five. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to departure. Any changes to your course selection after registrations have been finalized must be coordinated through the onsite director.