The program's objectives are only achievable in small group situations. Therefore, the classes are small 4 to 1 ratio for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. In general, the course is designed as an intensive 4 to 8 weeks program. The teachers keep daily logs of students' needs and skills, and rotate each week in order to expose the student to different personalities, accents, and mannerisms.

Eligibility for participation

INTERESTED PARTIES paying their own expenses, or by their school district or some other agency, should submit an application along with a $100.00 non-refundable deposit.

EDUCATORS INVOLVED IN ESEA BILINGUAL TITLE VII PROGRAMS may be eligible to have their fees paid for by their projects, provided that tuition and stipends along with other program requirements have been stipulated in their proposals. Interested educators can check with their project director for specific details and approval.

Goals

The primary goals of the Mesoamerica Language Program are to provide quality Spanish instruction and a unique cross cultural experience through immersion in the language and culture of Mexico.

Instructional plan

Classroom instruction takes place five days per week, Monday through Friday. There also are opportunities for extra- curricular activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Such as field trips to Mexico City Acapulco , Taxco , and other places.

Units

University units are available through South West Texas State University in San Marcos , Texas . There is an additional charge per credit hour for those who wish to sign up for university units.

Fall and winter 2011 programs

Programs starts every Friday or Saturday of the year in order to start the following Monday. Friday or Saturday will be devoted to orientation, family placement and language grouping test.

Method

Individuals learn in different manners. The method used by the Instituto de Lengua y Cultura-Mesoamerica Program integrates three sources: textbooks, the vocabulary of practical situations, and supplementary materials for reinforcement. The program emphasizes the use of the language, by using three hours devoted to grammar drillings and two hours every day to visit places of interest around the city to be exposed to every day situations.

Most students are professionals who work with language minority students. Some are interested in the CLAD/BCLAD or Bilingual/Bicultural Certificate of Competency in order have to teach in a bilingual classroom.

Others are assigned to a bilingual classroom or a particular assignment in their field of work and need to improve their skills in the Spanish language. Consequently the program is based on practical needs and assumes motivation on the part of the student based on the demands of his/her profession or field of work

Supplementary Material for reinforcement

Teachers keep track of students' needs and locate specific exercises to help them assimilate particular points. In addition, teachers bolster each student's writing ability with dictations and pronunciation with oral reading selections. Since the classes are all in Spanish, the student hears and speaks the language in diverse situations. The teachers are prepared to explain Spanish grammar using English when necessary.

Experiences at the market, the bank, the restaurant, the home, the school, the post office, etc., are practical situations from which vocabulary and idioms grow. The students do role- playing utilizing vocabulary already learned as the teacher simulates the situation.

BEGINNING SPANISH I

( S.F.S.U Course Number 277 ) ( SWT 1410, 1420 ) 4 units

This course is intended for participants who have studied little or no Spanish. There is intensive practice in gaining conversational fluency. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish with emphasis on grammar and phonetics.This intensive course offers students the opportunity to learn the language first-hand and to learn about aspects of the culture by visiting and studying the country.

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II

( S.F.S.U Course Number 377 ) ( SWT 2310, 2320 ) 4 units

This course is intended for participants with at least a beginning level of proficiency in the language. Participants speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to communicate with Spanish-speaking people to participate effectively in most social situations, e.g., introductions and casual conversations regarding current events. This intensive course offers the students the opportunity to learn the language first-hand by combining the study of the language, culture and civilization of the country.

ADVANCED SPANISH III

( S.F.S.U Course Number 677 ) ( SWT 3310, 3320 ) 4 units

This is an intensive course in Spanish for those with a high degree of proficiency in the language. Participants are able to use the language fluently in all levels of professional activities, can respond appropriately to unfamiliar situations, have a high degree of fluency and precision of vocabulary, can use colloquialisms and pertinent cultural references, and have their speech accepted by native speakers. The course offers Spanish speaking students the opportunity for advanced, intensive study in the language, culture and civilization of the country

TRADITIONAL MEXICAN DANCE

( S.F.S.U Course Number 404 ) ( SWT non cr. yet) 1 units

This course offers an introduction to the history of the most common/popular dances of Mexico and Latin America . It includes an overview of the origins and significance of the different dances, and their particular attire, musical instruments, and basic steps. Participants gain an understanding and appreciation of the traditional Mexican and Latin American dances.

MEXICAN HISTORY - LA RAZA

( S.F.S.U Course Number 650 ) ( SWT non cr. yet)

This course will expose the student to the main cultural, religious, social, educational and political aspects of Mexican culture, including life before the Conquest and an introduction to the Colonial period as well to current aspects of society.

HEALTH WORKERS PROGRAM (NON-CREDIT)

Through this immersion program conducted entirely in Spanish, the health worker enhances his/her effectiveness with Spanish-speaking patients. He or she uses all terminology and information of the medical field. The classes are held in and out of classrooms. Incorporated are visits to medical doctors in clinics, hospitals and private practices.The Program Director and Health Program Coordinator is a respected doctor in the city of Cuernavaca who not only practices with conventional medicine but also with traditional ancient medicine there is a Temazcal (sweat bath) on the premises available to participats as well as a network and directory of Mexican health workers. See your program representative.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

MONDAY - FRIDAY