Summer Study in Mexico

Summer Study in Mexico 2003


Question: Where's the BEST place to learn Spanish? 
Answer: In a country where it's spoken! 

Question: How can I manage to do that? 
Answer: Participate in SOSU's international study program! 


Do you want to learn REAL Spanish, in an AUTHENTIC environment, and have a WONDERFUL cultural experience at the same time? Come with us to Saltillo, Mexico! 

In the Spring of 1998 SOSU signed an articulation agreement with the Ministry of Public Education of the state of Coahuila, Mexico. Under the terms of this agreement, students enrolled at SOSU can receive up to 6 hours of Spanish credit, and an additional 3 hours of liberal arts credit, for 4 weeks of summer study. Students receive a diploma and a transcript which is directly transferable to SOSU. The program ("Español para extranjeros") is sponsored by The Summer Institute of Saltillo, founded in 1997 as a joint project between the Government of the State of Coahuila and the Ministry of Education of the State of Coahuila. Its purpose is to promote the knowledge of the Spanish language, Mexican culture and the country of Mexico among American students and to promote harmony, understanding and solidarity between the two nations. 


Here's a rundown of the program details. 

PROGRAM DATES: June 30--July 25, 2003

ESTIMATED COST: approximately $1350 (cost is subject to change)

IMPORTANT EXCLUSIONS: Costs of transportation to Mexico, personal health insurance, SOSU tuition, and spending money are NOT included in estimated cost.

A NON-REFUNDABLE $100 DEPOSIT required by May 1st, 2003 to ensure a place in the program. The $100 will be applied to the cost of the program.

*This year (2003), applications are handled through Dr. Daniel Althoff, Associate Professor of Spanish at SOSU.

*SOSU students must register for summer term SPAN 4163 "Special Projects: Mexican Culture" in order to participate. 

*Non-SOSU participants must apply for admission to SOSU. Admission to SOSU can be made as a "non-degree-seeking student" in order to register for SPAN 4163.

*Students should have completed two semesters of college Spanish. This program is not suitable for first-time, beginning students of Spanish.

*Students are placed in well-to-do homes in Saltillo, within walking distance of the campus. The families are carefully selected as to their economic status, cleanliness and hospitality. They are also non-English-speaking to assure the student of an immersion experience. 

*On the first Monday of classes, students are given a placement test to determine the level of study they will pursue (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced). A faculty member from SOSU will assist students with enrollment. 

*There are four class periods per day (9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.) of conversation, grammar, and history/culture. All teaching is done in Spanish by professional Mexican teachers. 

*From 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. students meet one-on-one with a non-English-speaking tutor (same sex and age). This block of time is for practicing Spanish while getting to know the city, and also for getting help with any homework assignments. 

*We are also planning an excursion (July 9--13) to the cities of Zacatecas and Guanajuato. Students will travel on a first-class chartered bus, accompanied by SOSU's faculty representative and the director of the Summer Institute. Hotel accommodations and one meal per day are included on the excursion.

During the four-week stay, a faculty member from SOSU will be in Saltillo to advise students, monitor classes, check progress with instructors and assist with any problems. Please note: Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Mexico. As departure time gets closer, we will investigate the possibility of traveling as a group by bus from Dallas to Saltillo. Round-trip airfare between DFW International Airport and Mexico has been quite high in recent months. 


For more information, contact 

Dr. Daniel Althoff
Department of English, Humanities, & Languages 
Southeastern Oklahoma State University 
Morrison Hall 325
Durant, OK 74701 

Telephone (800) 435-1327, ext. 2584 (direct line 580-745-2584), or email dalthoff@se.edu.

latest update: 2/28/03