Academic Focus
This program is designed for students of all language levels who are interested in learning about Mexican culture while improving Spanish language skills. Language courses are offered at six different language levels: Basic 1 and 2, Intermediate 1 and 2, and Advanced 1 and 2 and are taught in 4-week blocks with each semester consisting of four 4-week blocks. Testing will take place at the end of each block and depending on mastery of the material covered, students will move into the next higher language level. In addition to 3-4 Spanish Language courses students will also take 1-2 Mexican culture electives taught in English. Mexican culture electives run for the course of the semester.
Each language course meets for 80 contact hours and is generally worth 5 US credits. Mexican culture electives meet for 48 hours and are generally worth 3 US credits. At the end of the semester program, students will have taken 4 to 5 courses, typically worth 18 to 23 credits in the US semester system. Transcripts will reflect all levels of Spanish language taken and will show individual grades for each course.
Schedule Summary
Language classes meet for 4 hours every day, Monday through Friday. Elective courses generally meet twice a week for a total of 3 hours. Language classes usually meet in the mornings while elective courses meet in the afternoon. Students are in class between 4 and 6 hours per day.
Course Registration
All students are required to complete an elective selection form prior to departure. This form must be returned to the CEA Tempe office with your confirmation deposit, or no later than the application closure date for your program. You will automatically be registered for a language course and final placement will be determined onsite based on a written and oral placement exam. You will be placed in classes with other students at your same language level. In order to ensure that you receive credit for the level that you place into and for your elective course selections, it is in your best interest to have several courses and levels approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.
