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Study in Cuenca, ecuador

15 May - 14 June, 2010

UNCP is pleased to announce a unique opportunity that will immerse you in the Spanish language and Latin American culture by studying abroad for four weeks in Ecuador while you earn credits toward your academic program at UNCP.

 

This exciting program is open to all UNCP students to want to begin or further develop their Spanish language skills. This study abroad is intended to be a total foreign language immersion experience. We have combined the academic excellence of Estudio Sampere, the magnificent landscapes and natural environment, and the history and flavor of the city of Cuenca.

 

You will enroll in 6 credit hours at the Estudio Sampere facilities, situated in a detached building overlooking the Barranco River in the city centre. Your SPN class will be taught by a native faculty provided by Estudio Sampere and will meet Monday to Friday, for 4-5 hours per day. WLS 3330 Study Abroad will grant credit based on participation in cultural events in and around Cuenca.

 

At the end of the program students will receive an official certificate/transcript issued by Estudio Sampere stating the class taken and the grade received. This certificate/transcript will be sent to UNCP International Programs Office upon completion of the program for transfer of credits (must receive a grade of 'C' or better).

 

Students will be housed with a host family. There will be two students per family. Full board will be provided: three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and a weekly laundry service for the duration of the program.

 

A colloquium of lectures covering selected topics in Latin American culture, society and history will be included. Additional activities (conducted in Spanish) may include the Cathedral of Cuenca, Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion, Museum of the Aboriginal Cultures, and Monastery and Museum of La Concepcion. There will also be other school activities such as a cooking classes, “Tapas” dinners, theatre, museums, and video movies. Individual activities may include a visit to the flower market, soccer game, or visit to the local flea market.

 

After classes and academic activities, students can enjoy the beauty of the city, socialize with their host families, attend special events, etc. Every Saturday there will be a day trip to Ingá pirca, Parque del Cajas and Chordeleg (conducted in Spanish). Your final weekend will be open for personal travel.

Academics

During the first day of classes, students will be assessed of their Spanish language ability (oral and written tests) and placed in the appropriate level (beginner to advanced). Students will receive three hours of transfer credit for a UNCP Spanish course and three credit hours for Study Abroad.

Estudio Sampere Course	UNCP Course
Level 1/Beginner	SPN 1310/Elementary Spanish I
Level 2/ Elementary	SPN 1320/Elementary Spanish II
Level 3/Intermediate I	SPN 2310/Intermediate Spanish I
Level 4/Intermediate II	SPN 2320/Intermediate Spanish II
Level 5/Advanced I	SPN Elective
Level 6/Advanced II	SPN Elective
Level 7/Proficient	SPN Elective

About Ecuador

Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean countries. The 283,000 square kilometers that make up Ecuador contain the typical charms and contrasts of Latin America. Ecuador is divided into four very different regions, most of which can be reached in a single day's journey. Dominated by magnificent volcanoes like Cotopaxi (5,800 m.), the spirit of "La Sierra" comes alive in the Indian markets and cities of Quito and Cuenca, which still preserve their colonial atmosphere. Majestic Andean valleys make up “La Sierra”, which enjoys spring-like weather all year round at an average altitude of 2,400 m.

"La Costa" is tropical, with a dry season from May to December and a wet season from January to April. It has fine beaches and fishing villages bathed in equatorial sunshine, warm seas, and all the “samba” and the heat of the tropics. "El Oriente" is the name given to the rain forest of the Amazon, where the rain is constant. Travel to the Amazon forest is easier in Ecuador than in any other country, partly because distances are shorter and transport links better. "Las Galapagos" have a special microclimate. These famous islands contain remarkable wildlife - iguanas, sea lions, pelicans and other exotic creatures - that show no fear of human presence.

The City Cuenca is the cultural capital of Ecuador and its third largest city. It is also Ecuador's best-kept secret. Cuenca and its surrounding region are rich in history, with a colonial atmosphere that has survived thanks to years of almost complete isolation. Cuenca is a city of fascinating contrasts: two universities, museums and art galleries stand alongside Indian markets rarely visited by foreigners. Exploring this delightful Latin American city and getting to know its friendly people will make you want to stay forever.

 

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME

Estudio Sampere in Cuenca is now offering students who enroll in the Intensive Course for a minimum of four weeks the unique opportunity to live and work as a volunteer in one of several sectors of Ecuadorian society. Some of the options are to teach English to primary-grade students, child-care, help senior citizens in their daily routine, assist the homeless or serve as tour guides in the national parks and reserves. The majority of these volunteer options are compatible with the Spanish program and the students may take the courses at Estudio Sampere while working simultaneously in the capacity of volunteers. All volunteers must have an intermediate level of proficiency in the four skills of Spanish: reading, writing, comprehension and oral communication. The students enrolled must make a commitment to stay with the program for a minimum of four weeks.

Price is $2,400 and includes:  

• Roundtrip airfare from NC to Quito/Guayaquil, Ecuador.
• Transportation to/from Quito (Guayaquil)/Cuenca Airport.
• Hotel in Quito or Guayaquil.
• Full room and board with host-families.
• 22/24 Spanish classes per week, two classes a week focused on culture.
• All book and class materials (does not include Spanish/English dictionary).
• 6 credit hours. 3 credits for Spanish (see above) and 3 credits for WLS 3330 Study Abroad.
• Entrance to museums and monuments, transport on all organized trips outside of Cuenca.
• 3- full day trips to Ingá pirca, Parque del Cajas and Chordeleg (Saturdays).
• Six cultural events.
• International Health Insurance (REQUIRED).

Payment Plan:
Individual payment plans may be arranged with the Study Abroad Coordinator and are flexible based on a student’s individual financial situation. Please note that all deposits/payments are non-refundable. Applications will be accepted up until March 31, 2010 or until the program is full. Maximum 12 UNCP students.

 

Application- Contact Robyn Deemer, Study Abroad Coordinator, to apply for the Ecuador program. E-mail: robyn.deemer@uncp.edu, 910.521.6573, or stop by the Center for International Programs office (physical address: 902 Dogwood Lane).

 

Financial Aid- Students can use their financial Aid for the Summer to pay the costs of this trip. Contact Bruce Blackmon, Director of Financial Aid, to determine your financial aid eligibility.

Eligibility

All students at UNC Pembroke are eligible to participate in this Study Abroad, provided that they meet the following minimum requirements:

• Completion of 15 credits in residence, minimum, at time of departure, and a completed UNCP Study Abroad Application.
• Approved programme of study.
• Minimum 2.50 GPA at time of application.
• Conduct report. Applicants must be in Good Academic Standing and have no outstanding debt at UNCP.

 

 

Application and (All) Payment Deadline is:

March 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: Thursday, September 24, 2009

 

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