Summer Travel Program

Spanish Language and Culture in Mexico

About the Program

Image of a painted maskUMass Boston’s Department of Hispanic Studies offers a special program in the beautiful city of Cuernavaca, Mexico, for students interested in learning Spanish in a totally Hispanic cultural environment. Through formal and informal instruction, the program aims to develop proficiency in conversation and writing and an appreciation of Mexican culture. The program offers language instruction at the elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Upon arrival, language students meet with an advisor to determine their level of proficiency and to discuss their special needs and interests. Students are placed according to their level in classes that meet five hours daily (Monday through Friday). The average class size is between 4 and 6 students.

Outside the classroom, the learning experience continues through a series of activities in and around Cuernavaca, such as visits to local markets, museums, historical sites, social and sports activities, and topical lectures. Also included in the program are a field trip to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, a major archaeological site near Mexico City, and an all-day visit to Taxco, a picturesque colonial city and the center of the Mexican silver industry.

Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca, known as the "City of Eternal Spring" because of its year-round pleasant climate and abundance of brightly colored flora. Approximately an hour’s drive from Mexico City, Cuernavaca has long been a lively center of cultural life, education, tourism, economic development, and political activity.

Housing

During their stay in Cuernavaca, students live and have their meals in the homes of Mexican families. This experience provides students with an invaluable insight into modern-day Mexican culture and society. Through daily interactions with family members, students will be provided with an excellent opportunity to explore first-hand the cultural and sociological context of Mexican life and to embark on new and enriching relationships.

Academic Credit

Students in this program have the opportunity to complete up to six academic credits from the Hispanic Studies Department.

Faculty

A member of the UMass Boston Hispanic Studies Department will closely supervise the progress of the students at Universal in Cuernavaca. Language instruction will be imparted by experienced Mexican teachers who have developed innovative ways to teach Spanish in a cultural context, using methods that can be adapted to meet students’ individual needs.