Program Overview
George Fox University students may apply to study in Cuernavaca, Mexico, through a cooperative agreement with Centro de Lengua y Comunicacion Social. The entire program is focused on Spanish language and culture, so it is most suitable for Spanish majors and minors who have reached at least an intermediate language proficiency.
Course Content
There are two seven-week quarters, with a one-week break in the middle. Students take two intermediate or advanced Spanish courses (based on placement tests given on arrival), one history/civilization of Mexico course, and one literature of Mexico/Latin America course. The history and literature courses are taught in Spanish. Classes meet for five hours daily.
Opportunities
Cuernavaca is a city founded by the Ilahuicas and later conquered by Hernan Cortes in 1526. The city continues to have an interesting mix of prehispanic, colonial, and modern cultures and now has a population of 700,000. It is located one and a half hours south of Mexico City, in a beautiful green valley, at about 5,000 feet in elevation. With an average year-round temperature of 70 to 80 degrees, it is called the "City of Eternal Spring." Two weekend excursions are included in the program, to places such as Guanajuato, Morelia, Oaxaca, Pebla, and Acapulco. Six day-long trips are arranged to Mexico City, Xochicalco, Las Estacas, and Taxco. There are regular guest lecturers, outings, and dance classes available.
Application Deadlines
The application process occurs in two stages. Students fill out the university's semester off-campus application form, along with the attachments and signatures it requires, and submit it to the registrar's office by the date in January indicated on the application. After approval by the semester off-campus committee, the student fills out the application materials for the Mexico program that are available in the Center for Global Studies.
Eligibility
George Fox students applying to study abroad must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. For other eligibility criteria, contact the Center for Global Studies.
Credits
Up to 16 hours of credit are available and can be applied to a Spanish major or minor. The credits may also be applicable to other graduation requirements, or as electives. Students should consult their advisor on the applicability of the credits.
Housing
The program arranges home stays for nearby families, giving an opportunity for practicing Spanish and participating in local activities.
Costs
The student pays George Fox's standard tuition and room and board rates and continues to receive financial aid, including scholarships. Costs covered include the international part of the travel to and from Mexico, all instructional programs, full room and board, and some excursions.
