The 2008/09 Spanish Intensive Program in Ecuador runs for four weeks, December 27, 2008-January 24, 2009, and is based at the Centro de Estudios Interamericanos in Cuenca, Ecuador, a colonial Spanish city of 400,000 people nestled high in the Andes mountains and enjoying spring-like temperatures year round. The program is designed to provide serious college students, teachers of Spanish and other interested adults with an opportunity to study the language and experience the culture of Latin America.

CLASSES: Students attend classes Monday through Friday mornings for four hours each day. Attendance is strictly required. Classes are taught by a combination of Ecuadorian and US-based faculty. All classes are four credits.  Students may only take one four credit course.

     SPAN 101: Introduction to Spanish I (Prerequisites: None)

     SPAN 102: Introduction to Spanish II (Prerequisites: SPAN 101 or equivalent)

     SPAN 201: Intermediate Spanish (Prerequisites: SPAN 102 or equivalent)

     SPAN 202: Spanish in Review (Prerequisites: SPAN 201 or equivalent)

     SPAN 310: Oral and Written Composition (Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent)

     SPAN 312: Spanish Conversation (Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent)

     SPAN 316: Latin American Civilization (Prerequisites: SPAN 310)

     SPAN 336: Survey of Latin American Lieterature (Prerequisites: SPAN 310)

     SPAN 405: Independent Study (Prerequisites: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR)

HOST INSTITUTION: Founded in 1992, in recognition of the 500th anniversary of the meeting of the Old and New Worlds, the Centers for Interamerican Studies (CEDEI) is a not-for-profit institution of higher learning, dedicated to the study of American languages and cultures. It is accredited by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador and co-sponsors programs with several colleges and universities in the United States.

EXCURSIONS: The Intersession program will begin with an overnight stay in Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil. Students will then spend several nights in the small town of Paute, nestled high in the Andes and world renowned for its traditional artisans. While in Cuenca students will make several local field trips including the fascinating Incan ruins at Inga Pirca, and the breathtaking El Cajas national park, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. Students then will spend three days in the capital city of Quito and will visit the world famous Indian market at Otavalo, many of Quito’s famous colonial churches, as well as the equator itself. Finally, students will end the program with four nights in a small fishing village named Canoa on the Pacific coast. Unlike the indigenous Andean experience of the highlands, this final portion of the program will introduce students to Ecuador's tropical Pacific coast with an environmental studies experience.

HOUSING: During their stay in Cuenca, students live with an Ecuadorian family experiencing the hospitality of Latin American culture firsthand. This group of families has been housing students since 1985, and has been central to the Intersession program's success. Most students keep in touch with their Ecuadorian families throughout the years, and many return to visit. Students of Spanish will be housed with families that speak only Spanish. During the extensive in-country travel hotel accommodations will be provided.

COST: Tuition and fees for the 2009 Intersession in Ecuador are estimated to be $3800. A final cost will be determined early in fall semester 2008.  The price will include all tuition, round-trip airfare, room and board in Cuenca, in-country travel and lodging during the lengthy excursions, and extensive travel assistance provided by the Centro de Estudios Interamericanos.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION:  An initial deposit of $250 is due at the time of application.  This deposit is part of the total advertised cost of the program.  Once a student is academically admitted by the faculty director, the initial non-refundable deposit is due to the Cashier’s Office.  The student will be automatically enrolled into the study abroad course.  The University Billing Office will then bill each registered student for the total cost of the study abroad program (less the deposit amount) through the regular university billing system.  Standard University deadlines for withdrawals do not apply to study abroad programs.  Once the published Application Deadline occurs, the accepted student is responsible for the entire amount of the study abroad program charge. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Application forms are available at the Center for International Education or from the faculty director.   Completed application forms are currently being accepted by the faculty director or by the Center for International Education.  Students should also submit a 300 word typed essay answering the question: "Why do I want to participate on this program", and a completed faculty recommendation form from a faculty member who knows the student well.   Recommendation form available here.  All questions concerning the program should be addressed to the program director:

Department of Modern Languages
Phone: 410-543-6254 E-mail: cdbown@salisbury.edu

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