Spanish Immersion in Ecuador
Course Description:
Faculty Leader
Dr. Giovanna Urdangarain, Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies
253-535-7240 or urdangga@plu.edu
This Spanish language cultural immersion experience links language study with learning about Ecuador. Therefore, the program's primary objective for course credit is improving Spanish language knowledge and skills through an intensive study of language and culture. The second objective seeks to identify the root causes and consequences of underdevelopment and to examine the effects of current development strategies on women, the poor, the culture, and the environment. This program is assisted by the Andean Center for Latin American Studies, Quito, Ecuador.
Course Objectives:
- Improve Spanish skills through an intensive study of language and culture.
- Identify the root causes and consequences of underdevelopment through presentations, excursions, and service learning.
- Examine the effects of current development strategies on women, the poor, the culture, and the environment.
- Enhance your understanding of Ecuadorian culture through a home-stay experience.
Course Highlights:
- Stay with a local family.
- Participate in presentations, excursions, and service learning
- Improve Spanish language skills
Course Credit:
HISP 202, 301, or 401 (4 credits). C (GUR/GenEd), department credit.
Program Fee:
$3,925. Includes all instructional and administrative fees, housing with host family, host family meals, some excursions, airfare and supplemental study abroad insurance. PLU reserves the right to add a surcharge in response to unanticipated price increases.
The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses may vary according to student interests, individual needs, and spending habits:
- Passport (new) = $110 / Passport (renewal) = $135
- Visa fees (required for some non-US passport holders) - varies
- Pre-Travel Evaluation at the PLU Health Center = $45* All students are required to visit either the PLU Health Center or a personal health care provider to achieve the proper medical clearance. Be aware that other medical providers may charge additional fees that may result in a higher cost than the PLU Health Center.
- Immunizations = $0 to several hundred dollars ** Vaccination needs vary on destination and individual medical history and may be costly.
- Airline baggage fees = approximately $25 per checked bag
- Books, supplies, course materials = varies
- Cost of meals not included in the program fee = varies
- Cell phone and cell usage fees - varies
- Personal Expenses = approximately $600. Check with your faculty leader for an estimate based on your destination.
Prerequisites:
One year of college Spanish or equivalent.
Application Deadline:
April 13, 2012. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application. A $250.00 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum 18 students.
Travel immunizations recommended. See PLU Health Services website for recommendations and costs.