Program Duration

Summer: Mid-June - Early August

Program Description

The University of Wisconsin-Madison works with the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) to offer an eight week summer program in Guanajuato, Mexico. This program provides students the opportunity to study Latin American literature and civilization while improving Spanish language skills and experiencing Mexican culture.

The city of Guanajuato, population 120,000, is located in the mountains of central Mexico, 230 miles northwest of Mexico City. Characterized by plazas, narrow cobbled streets, and colorful buildings and churches, the city is often described as being one of the most charming in Mexico. The Universidad de Guanajuato, a comprehensive institution dating back to the 18th century, adds to the city’s already varied cultural offerings. The state of Guanajuato is historically known for its silver and gold mines, as well as for its role in achieving Mexican independence. Guanajuato’s attractive setting, combined with its rich history and culture, make it an ideal location for students to study Spanish and experience life in Mexico.

Academics

The Facultad de Filosofia y Letras at the Universidad de Guanajuato hosts the CIC Summer Study Program. The facultad, founded nearly 50 years ago, offers degrees in philosophy, history, and literature. Professors from the facultad and the CIC Resident Director teach all program classes.

The following classes are typically offered:
•Culturas hispanoamericanas
• Historia de México
• Historia del arte mexicano
• Literatura mexicana del Siglo XX
• Linguistica
• Cine y literatura
• Lingua española: mosaico mexicano
• Política y sociedad mexicanas contemporaneas
• Seminario sobre la mujer: culture and gender in Mexico
• Literatura Latinoamericana del siglo XX

Participants may enroll in two or three courses. Each course is worth three UW-Madison credits. A full-time Resident Director affiliated with a CIC member institution advises and assists students throughout the program.

Housing

Students are housed with Mexican families who have been screened and selected by the program housing coordinator. Most students will be paired with another CIC student and will share a bedroom. The host family provides three meals daily. Students are expected to speak Spanish with their families.

Excursions and Activities

The program is enriched by guest lectures, cultural and social events and excursions to local historical sites and cities. In addition to exposure to Mexican culture through daily family life, the program offers one overnight excursion, one day trip, and a series of organized social and cultural activities. Recent excursions have included a day trip to colonial cities in the Guanajuato region and a weekend trip to Michoacan.