Department of Spanish

Study Abroad Program in Querétaro, Mexico

Spring Semester 2010
at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro
January 3-June 12, 2010

Open only to currently enrolled WMU students

Program description

(Information provided in this description is subject to change)

Academic program

The WMU program at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (UAQ) offers qualified students of Western Michigan University the opportunity to study entirely in Spanish a variety of courses in the humanities, social sciences and business. In addition to a one-week orientation in Querétaro, all students will take three courses in Spanish language and Mexican culture. Each student will also enroll in two other courses selected in consultation with the WMU faculty director. These courses will be regular offerings taken with the students of the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. Specific courses available may vary and are subject to change. Among representative courses expected to be offered are the following: Humanities - Lengua II, Gramática, Gramática histórica, Psicolingüística, Sociolingüística, Literatura clásica y española, Literatura mexicana, Cultura y civilización clásica y medieval, Cultura y civilización mexicana, Historia del arte; Social Sciences - América latina en el contexto mundial, Formación social mexicana II, Desarrollo regional de Querétaro, Ciencias de la comunicación, Sociología de la religión, Sociología de la población, Sociología del trabajo, Sociología de la educación; Business - Mercadotecnia I, Finanzas I, Recursos humanos I, Estadística I, Contabilidad de costos I, Derecho obrero I, Derecho fiscal I, Sociología administrativa, and additional advanced courses in business and accounting.

Normally students will take a total of 12 semester hours. Credits will be granted by WMU based on grade reports from the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. Prior to their study abroad, students will obtain approval from the appropriate WMU department of courses to be taken in Querétaro.

Administrative organization and student responsibilities

Students will be advised by the WMU faculty program director, who will be a member of the regular WMU Spanish faculty. The faculty director will offer the onsite orientation for WMU students during the week prior to classes at the UAQ, assist students in the selection of courses, and remain in Querétaro for consultation during the first week of classes there. The director will return to Querétaro for a one-week period during the semester in order to monitor the status of the program. Also, a Spanish graduate student will serve as an assistant resident director for the duration of the program. As foreign students at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, WMU students will have the same privileges and responsibilities as the Mexican students, as well as access to university facilities and services. In addition to doing satisfactory academic work, WMU students are to comply with all rules and regulations of both WMU and the UAQ. Any student who does not meet academic and behavioral standards may be dropped at any time.

Eligibility

Since all classes will be conducted in Spanish by instructors of the UAQ, this program will be open only to students who meet the following requirements: (1) Sophomore standing by the beginning of study in Querétaro, (2) Completion of at least the third-year level of college Spanish (WMU Spanish 3160 and 3170) or equivalent, with 3.0 grade point average in Spanish classes, (3) Good academic standing. Preference for admission will be given to students with strong academic records and high levels of Spanish language competence. Students accepted for this program are expected to speak only Spanish during their stay in Querétaro, both in class and out. The application procedure includes recommendations from faculty and an interview.

Querétaro and the UAQ

Querétaro, capital of the state of the same name, is a medium-sized city located 135 miles north of Mexico City. Its altitude of 6000 feet above sea level is the main factor for moderate daytime temperatures of 65-85° F. and cool nights. Founded in 1531, the city possesses magnificent baroque churches, beautiful public buildings, harmonious and spacious plazas and parks, excellent museums and theaters. Querétaro is the site of numerous colleges and universities, the largest of which is the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. WMU students will attend classes on the main campus of this comprehensive public institution, which is located within walking distance of the city center and is well served by public transportation.

Cultural activities

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the abundant historical and architectural treasures located in Querétaro and neighboring cities and states. Found within three hours of Querétaro are the colonial churches of Guanajuato and Morelia, the museums and galleries of Mexico City, and the spectacular ruins of several ancient civilizations. Querétaro and the UAQ itself offer many cultural and social activities including theater, concerts and festivals.

Housing

Students will live with families in Querétaro: private room, one American student per family. Homes and families are selected by the office of the Facultad de Lenguas y Letras of the UAQ. Housing includes three meals per day and laundry facilities. Every attempt will be made to place students with families who have a genuine interest in helping provide a pleasant atmosphere. Students need to be sensitive to cultural differences and the particular family situation. They need to comply with family rules and respect customs and norms. It is expected that a flexible and caring attitude on the part of all concerned will contribute to a comfortable, relaxed living environment.

Insurance

Western Michigan University purchases basic medical insurance to cover program participants while they are abroad. Information regarding this coverage will be distributed to each student by the Study Abroad Office upon acceptance into the program. Students will be required to attend a health insurance information session outlining the extent of coverage and the procedures to follow in case of accident or illness abroad. Additional health insurance coverage is not required for the program, but students may wish to purchase supplementary coverage. Questions concerning health insurance should be directed to the Study Abroad Office, (269) 387-5890.

Cost and payments

The price of Querétaro 2009 was $5,350. The price of Querétaro 2010 will be determined soon. The program cost includes tuition, administrative fees, onsite orientation, and room and board. The cost does not include round trip transportation (estimated $600-800), computer or email usage fee (estimated $40), books or personal expenses (about the same or less than in U.S.). A program deposit of $500 may be charged to the student's account by mid-October and the program balance on December 1.

Financial aid

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for one of the WMU President's Grants for Study Abroad. This award given on the basis of demonstrated financial need and/or merit. In previous years a large number of students accepted for the Querétaro program have received support from this source. Applying for the grant is quite simple because the faculty recommendations and essay required for the Querétaro program application need not be duplicated for the grant application, i.e., one set is sufficient for both applications. To apply go to the application form. For questions contact the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, B-200 Ellsworth Hall, (269) 387-5890.

In addition to the President's Grant, a variety of other study abroad assistance is available through the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Awards include the Understudied Cultures Grant and the Minority Scholarship for Study Abroad, as well as other external grants. Information concerning these and other study abroad financial assistance can be found at: http://international.wmich.edu/content/category/7/22/399/.

Scholarships are also available through the Department of Spanish, including the Department Study Abroad Awards, the Ruth Y. Kirby Scholarships in Spanish, the Sue C. Mardis Scholarship and the President's Scholarships for Study Abroad. Business students should also consult the Business College about any other possible awards. All students are urged to inform themselves of these and other opportunities at the earliest possible date in order to meet the application deadlines.

Students who already receive other financial aid (university, state, federal) can expect to have it apply to the Querétaro program. Questions should be directed to the Study Abroad Office, B-200 Ellsworth Hall.

Transportation

Students make their own travel arrangements both to and from Querétaro. They are advised to consult with the faculty director before finalizing their plans. If they travel independently to Querétaro, they will be responsible for coordinating their arrival with the WMU faculty program director. Students who wish to do so may travel to Querétaro with the faculty director. All students should make their own arrangements for return travel from Querétaro.

Application

There are two periods of application for the Querétaro program - one during the spring semester and another in early fall semester, unless all positions are filled by the earlier application period. Early application (spring semester) is encouraged and appreciated.

Spring 2009 application deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 5 p.m.
Applications are to be completed and submitted online through the Study Abroad Office webpage. Additional information about the Querétaro program is available from:

Professor Patricia Montilla

patricia.montilla@wmich.edu
511 Sprau Tower
(269) 387-3040

Professor Michael Millar

michael.millar@wmich.edu
415 Sprau Tower
(269) 387-3026

The Department of Spanish

spanish@wmich.edu
420 Sprau Tower
(269) 387-3023

Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education

study-abroad@wmich.edu
B-200 Ellsworth Hall
(269) 387-5890

Western Michigan University reserves the right to cancel or revise the program if necessary.

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