Lingua Service Worldwide, Ltd.

Spanish Courses in CUERNAVACA, Mexico

Cuernavaca is one of the oldest cities in the New World. It was conquered by Hernan Cortez during his final victorious assault on the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. Cuernavaca, located at an altitude of 5,200 feet above sea level, has justly earned its reputation as one of the loveliest cities in Mexico. Blessed with a perfect climate and flowers year-round, this colonial city lies in the Valley of Morelos, within close proximity of Mexico City which enable visitors to reach the capital easily for its archeological sites and museums. 

The city retains its charm, and the zocalo (city square) and its coffee shops provide one of the best places in Mexico for relaxing and enjoying the ambiance of the country. Cuernavaca's nickname is, "the City of Eternal Spring."
 

Learn Spanish at the CENTER FOR BILINGUAL MULTI-CULTURAL STUDIES

The CENTER FOR BILINGUAL MULTI-CULTURAL STUDIES (Universidad Internacional) is located in a quiet residential district of Cuernavaca, within three miles of the city center, and an atmosphere most conducive to the study of Spanish. The 27 spacious, comfortable classrooms, a Spanish language laboratory, landscaping, fountains, pools and an outdoor patio and cafe provide the welcoming environment of a small college campus. Also: a fully staffed doctor's office is located on the premises and available to all students in case of an emergency.  The center was designated as a full fledged University by the government of the State of Morelos in 1999. This school has also been featured by the New York Times in April of 2001 as one of the best Spanish language schools in Latin America.

Views of the Center

Spanish Language Programs 2008:

(All programs: Please add USD 100.00 Lingua Service Worldwide Application fee. See Application Procedures.)

Students must arrive on Friday. Saturday is orientation and placement day. (If you cannot arrive on Friday, you may arrive on Sunday and a shorter orientation will be held on Monday morning but you will miss some morning classes on that day!)

Intensive Spanish Course - Group 5 --- 30 hours of Spanish language classes per week divided as follows: 15 hours per week of formal Spanish language classes with a maximum of 5 students per class plus 15 hours of electives. The following complement the course: lecture-style Spanish grammar classes, mini-seminars on Mexican culture and civilization, literature, cooking, drama and film sessions, tutorial assistance and visits to the community. There is a Spanish conversation club which is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn the standard structure and rhythm of Spanish through hearing and speaking it, and discover through carefully structured dialogue-drills how to express yourself in any tense without "remembering" and translating mentally from your own language. The Center trains all instructors in its methodology. They serve as dedicated professional teachers and participate in the social, cultural and research programs held at the center. A fully equipped language lab and library are available to all students.  

Prices 2008: 

Starting dates  2008: Courses start every Monday for all levels (arrival in Cuernavaca should be made for Friday prior to start of the course as language level testing and an arrival orientation are held every Saturday morning).

The Intensive Spanish Executive Program is a “Tailor-made” program aimed at professionals, business people, executives, diplomats or civil servants who wish to improve their knowledge of the Spanish Language in as short a time as possible. This program is based on the student’s language skills, her/his personal, professional and/or social needs and expectations.  The Executive Program adjusts to fit individuals as well. It is offered, regardless of initial skill level, at all levels from beginner to advanced. In order to optimize your valuable immersion time they have designed a six to nine hour Program, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
 

Executive Spanish Program Option "3": This highly individualized Spanish language program is designed according to the student's interests, level of Spanish and Academic and/or professional needs.

        Prices 2008: 

Description: This is an intensive Spanish language program with 9 hours of class per day Monday through Friday. The hours are distributed as follows:

• 3 hours of individual Spanish classes (one on one) with highly experienced Mexican Spanish professors.
• 2 hours of Spanish grammar mini-course: (basic, intermediate, or advanced depending on the student's level), or 2 hours of guided conversation.
• 1 hour conference of functional Spanish (focusing on situations, dialogues, etc.)
• 1 hour lecture on various cultural topics such as: Mexican Economy, Mexican Society and Industry, Mexican Press, etc.
• 2 hours of Cultural mini-courses on different topics such as: Mexican History, Literature, Traditions, Art, Ethnic Groups, Politics, etc.

It is a total of 45 hours of Spanish class per week, which includes 15 hours of individual Spanish instruction. The program of individual Spanish language instruction is designed to meet the specific needs of the student. The number of hours of individual Spanish instruction may be increased if the student wishes.

Recommended Stay: Based on our experience with the Executive Program, we suggest a minimum stay of two weeks.

Executive Spanish Program Option "2": Same as above except: 6 hours of private Spanish training per day PLUS 3 hours of group Spanish classes per day. Prices 2008:

Executive Spanish Program Option "1": Same as above except: 9 hours of private Spanish training per day, including lunch with a teacher. Prices  2008:

Additional Spanish Language Programs

Spanish Language and Culture Program for Health Care Professionals --- 15hours of Spanish language classroom instruction per week  plus an additional 15 hours of lectures related to the Spanish language in the medical fields. Mini-courses on the Mexican medical system and medical terminology plus guided field trips to Mexican hospitals are also available. Through this program health care professionals will develop skills and knowledge that will enhance their effectiveness in communicating with Spanish speaking patients and clients.  Terminology and information specific to the health care field is part of the curriculum.  Prices 2008: USD 280 per week.  Starting dates:  any Monday of the year.

Intensive Bilingual Spanish Teachers Program --- 15 hours of Spanish language classroom instruction per week. 10 hours of Hispano-American courses in social sciences and humanities. Lectures on the educational system in Mexico. Optional classes based on individual needs and interests. Optional excursions available.  Prices 2008: USD 280 per week.  Starting dates:  any Monday of the year.

Important note for all courses:

FAMILIES are welcome at the Center.  Spanish Courses for children and families:

Children up to 4 years of age: Day care is available for children up to 4 years of age.  Registration per child: USD 20.  Cost: USD 70 per week/per child.

Children 4 to 12 years of age:  Intensive Spanish Program for Children:  Children may participate in a Spanish language program specifically designed for their age group while their parents attend the regular program.     Parents will receive a report of their child’s progress. The program consists of 3 hours of Spanish class in a small group, 1 hour lunch break and short rest time and  2 hours of recreational activities (lunch is not included, may be brought from home or purchased at the school's cafeteria for approx. $2.50 per day).

The Children’s Program is a fun way to start learning Spanish at a young age. There are two main components in the Children's Spanish  program:

• Academic activities : Based on multiple teaching methods, the program focuses on communicative skills while using an array of educative materials that will lead children to learn Spanish while they grow on:
• Oral skills, and vocabulary acquisition
• Reading, pronunciation, and attention focusing
• Hand-writing, drawing, cutting, modeling, etc.
• Homework practice (optional)

• Recreational activities: Children learn more Spanish while they are entertained with:
• Role Plays and social integration
• Hands-on activities, mask making, piñatas, ceramics and kites
• Sports: Swimming, Football, Karate and more!
• Theater and Oral expression
• Workshops: Songs, music and photography
• Meetings and play games with Mexican children
• Excursions and cultural events: Visits to diverse recreational and educational centers.

Prices 2008:   Registration per child: USD 50.  Cost: USD 150 per week/per child.

Starting dates:  Every Monday.

Transfers to and from Mexico City airport:  by private car are available at USD 80 each way for one person, USD 90 each way for 2 people traveling together.

Holidays 2007:  Classes are not held during the following public holidays (classes are not made up except for one-to-one courses in the Executive Programs which are made up):  1 January, 5 February, 21 March, Good Friday, 1 May, 16 September, 2 November, 20 November, 1 December, 25 December.

Accommodations:

An integral part of the Program is living with a Mexican host family, to provide a further opportunity to speak Spanish and experience first hand the Mexican culture. Housing, three meals daily, and transportation to and from school is included in the prices for host family accommodations:

Host Family -  3 different types of host family accommodations are available, please indicate your preference on the application form (all prices are per person):

Type "B" - Economy.  Shared room and bath. Only available to two students traveling together!.  Price  2008: Adults USD 19 per night / Children (1 to 12) USD 13 per night.

Student Residence - Additionally the school also offers a small residence for those students that prefer alternate accommodations to a host family.   Prices are per person per night and include 3 meals a day.  (NOTE: Residence must be requested with plenty of notice as it is very small (7 rooms) and often fully booked months in advance. If residence is not available the school can offer host family accommodations instead).

Residence (next to the school - all prices per person per night):   Prices 2008:  Single USD 40.  Double USD 25 per person.

Activities

Activities are designed to complement the study program. Students enrolled in the language program have the opportunity to participate in excursions and field trips organized by Centro Bilingüe. These can be half-day, one day, or two day trips scheduled during the week and on weekends. They include trips to archaeological and colonial sites, to institutions such as hospitals or companies, to colonial towns, and to the beach. A faculty member serves as a guide to lead discussions and answer questions during these outings. The guided tours are usually conducted in Spanish.   These optional trips are very low priced.   Dance and cooking classes are also available (additional fees apply - nominal cost).

Example of excursions offered on a regular basis:

Mexico City: Museum of Anthropology and Ballet Folklórico. Colonial Mexico: Visit to museums, the University and the Market, the  Fine Arts Palace, the National Palace and Polyforum Siqueiros.

Taxco:  A visit to Mexico's well-known silver-mining town with its silver shops, plaza, cathedral, and its colonial sites.

Teotihuacán: The most important pre-Hispanic city in North America with its two imposing pyramids.

Acapulco: Two nights and three days to the famous Mexican beach resort. Departing Friday at 2 PM, returning Sunday at 8 PM.

"Las Estacas": natural springs, and the Hacienda Vista Hermosa with its collection of antique carriages, gardens, golf courses and restaurant.

Tepoztlan:  Visit to the magical Indian village of Tepoztlán with its Dominican church, former convent, pre-colonial pyramid and archaeological museum. Included on this trip are visits to Oaxtepec, an important government resort; and Hacienda de Cocoyoc, a resort hotel built around ruins from the 16th century.

And there is a fiesta almost every Friday!:

Sample Excursion Prices (approximate prices, subject to change and payable directly at the center):  Half Day excursions: USD12 to USD18. Full day excursions: USD18 to USD 20. Acapulco (3 days/2 nights shared room): USD 115 to USD 125.

 

"The Center for Bilingual Multi-Cultural Studies offers a great program, excellent excursions, and a friendly staff. I liked my experience of living with a family. I loved Mexico and definitely plan to return one day!"
-David Behr, Graduate Student

"It is a wonderful experience. Living with a family really made the stay excellent. The family that we stayed with were very warm, friendly and accommodating. I have already recommended your agency to a friend and I will go again. Excellent!"
-Phyllis Holliday, Training Specialist

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