Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

CWU/CCIS Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Mexico - Academic Year Programs

" My Spanish is improving every day, and I have no problem hanging out with people all day who don't speak any english. I've found that that helps me learn best. "

~Frank Stanford, Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Mexico

Location

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is Mexico's 2nd largest city with a population of five million. Founded in 1542, Guadalajara has a colorful history and can count the creation of el jarabe tapatio (the Mexican hat dance), sombreros, mariachis and tequila among its more famous accomplishments. Located two hours from Mexico City, Guadalajara has many of the attractions of its larger neighbor, with fewer drawbacks. Guadalajara has numerous museums and cathedrals of interest, and appeals to an increasing number of tourists. The city is modern while maintaining its historical feeling.

University Profile: Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara

The Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara (UAG) was founded over 60 years ago as Mexico's first private institution. UAG has six campuses in and around Guadalajara and currently enrolls 17,000 students. Program participants take their classes on the main campus. The campus is located on the outskirts of the city in a park-like setting, and provides a peaceful and attractive learning environment. Wireless access is available on the UAG campus. There is easy access to public transportation throughout Guadalajara, allowing students to enjoy the wonderful colonial architecture and social life of one of Mexico's oldest cities.

Offering over 50 degree programs in its three major schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, and Health Sciences, UAG is known for its excellent faculty and successful graduates. International students have a variety of opportunities to become involved in campus life. Along with domestic students, Study Abroad students can join the North American Students Association, which promotes intercultural understanding through its activities. In addition, field trips are offered each month for a small cost. The opportunities available to students at UAG make it an excellent choice for individuals interested in improving their language skills and understanding of Mexican culture.

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Academic Departments

Courses in the following areas are available through this program:

Please note: all courses offered above are direct enrollment courses (regular university courses in Spanish) except the Spanish Language classes.

Classes Offered

This flexible program offers sessions ranging from four weeks to an academic year, and accommodates students with no language background through advanced speakers. Students wishing to study only language can enroll in one or more four-week cycles, while semester students have the option of taking direct enrollment courses or a combination of direct enrollment and language classes. The two options for study are described in detail below.

Academic option #1 (including quarter programs) enrolling in one or more: Spanish language cycles

The four-week language classes are taught by faculty at the Centro Internacional de Idiomas (CII) at UAG. The CII offers eight levels of Spanish language to accommodate all students. Classes are taught in four-week cycles, and students can take one or multiple cycles as desired. Classes are held for four hours each day (two hours of grammar, two hours of conversation), for a total of 80 hours of instruction during the cycle.

Class registration is based on the results of a placement test given upon arrival, therefore specific registration information is not available prior to departure. Each level is offered with a minimum enrollment of 2 students and a maximum of 15.

For language class syllabi, click the appropriate link(s) below:

• Level I
• Level II
• Level III
• Level IV
• Level V
• Level VI
• Level VII
• Level VIII

Credits: Students enrolled in levels I - VIII receive Foreign Studies (FNST) credit, which is recorded on an official CWU transcript. Each level is worth 6 quarter credits/4 semester credits. Transcripts may take up to three months to arrive.

***Please note that CWU is on a quarter system and issues quarter credits. Students from semester schools should check with their home universities to determine how credit will transfer. A good rule of thumb is that three quarter credits generally equal two semester credits.***

For summer options, including Medical Spanish, please visit our UAG summer webpage here.

Academic option #2: Semester programs

Students interested in a semester-long program have three options:

1. Intensive language program: Take four 4-week language cycles (as described above) during the regular semester dates for the semester price (available for all levels).
2. Language study + direct enrollment (semestral): Intermediate and advanced students can take levels V—VII during the semester. These non-intensive classes meet for two hours per day, allowing students also to enroll in courses directly at the university. Direct enrollment courses are taught in Spanish.
3. Direct enrollment only: Students with a high level of language proficiency may elect to directly enroll at the University. Courses are available in the sciences and social sciences.

Direct enrollment requires the permission of the CII. For options two or three above, you must place into level V or higher. For a list of direct enrollment options available, please click one of the links below:

• Direct Enrollment Courses (general)
• Direct Enrollment Science Courses

For syllabi, please e-mail goabroad@cwu.edu.

Credits: Credit varies depending on the course taken. Transcripts may take up to three months to arrive.

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Housing

Students may stay with a host family or arrange their own housing. The homestays offered by UAG are much like a boarding arrangement: students living in a Mexican home, but often live fairly independently of the family. Accommodations are most often provided by senoras (sometimes single women, or women with grown children at home), who may host up to 4 foreign students at one time. Three meals per day are provided. Double rooms cost $375.00 per month, including meals. Single occupancy homestays are available for $425.00 per month, including meals. Homestays are arranged by UAG.

Students who would like to make their own housing arrangements may choose to sign up for a homestay for their first month only while they find an apartment. Students wishing to do this should indicate their preference clearly on the homestay form when applying; students who do not make this clear are expected to stay in the homestay for the duration of the program.

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Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: (August 14, 2008 - December 20, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: May 10
• Spring Semester: (January 10, 2008 - June 14, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: October 15
• Fall Quarter: (October 9, 2008 - December 6, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: July 15
• Winter Quarter: (January 10, 2008 - March 8, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: October 15
• Spring Quarter: (April 17, 2008 - June 14, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: December 15

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Program Costs

Program Fees:

• The program fee for the CWU/CCIS program in Guadalajara, Mexico is $2625

Program fees include:

• Tuition and fees
• Predeparture and on-site orientation
• On-site and U.S. based staff support
• Insurance
• Credit transfer assistance
• Airport pick-up
• CWU and CCIS administrative fees
• Program Related Excursions

Sample Program Budget

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Financial Aid

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

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Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
• Other Info: No previous knowledge of Spanish is required, but some prior study is recommended. Please note that program end dates differ slightly for 4-week language classes; please see website. Students from CCIS member institutions other than CWU should not complete CWU's online application; please consult your home coordinator for the proper application procedures.
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

• Apply Here

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Students at CCIS member institutions should apply through their home campus study abroad advisors.

More Information

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.

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