Why Study Abroad (or, What will I do with myself next summer)?
by Robyn Côté, LAII Program Coordinator
With the Christmas holidays approaching and next semester not really that far away, you
may be already thinking about what you are going to do next summer. Why not take a trip to
Mexico, see some sights, learn about the awesome culture of the indigenous peoples, see
some great art work and murals, eat some fantastic “real” Mexican food, earn
credit at UNM, and improve your Spanish skills while studying at one of our Short-Term
Study Abroad sessions?
Why Study Abroad?
Because it will make you become a richer person in many ways. You will learn
sensitivity to people of other cultures. You will see sights that you cannot imagine (like
PreColumbian pyramids, wild desert landscapes, beautiful flowers, lush vegetation,
fantastic weavings, colorful marketplaces, and poverty that is unrivalled here). You will
become more independent, and will learn things about yourself that you never knew existed.
You will learn inter-personal and inter-cultural skills that are difficult to get anywhere
else (especially if you live with a family). You will make yourself “sellable”
in the emerging global economy, not only with language skills, but by being exposed to
international opportunities, which will help you compete in the job market and will give
you a competitive edge against other graduates. Best of all, because you will have
a great time!
Here are some statements from students who’ve attended our programs in the past.
Take a look and see if you would like to find yourself in Mexico next summer. When you get
bitten by the bug, give us a call (277-2961) to set up an appointment, or stop by our
office at 801 Yale NE. We’ve got brochures, application forms, and can answer
(hopefully) any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity -
please take advantage of it - you’ll never regret it!
Oaxaca
“I loved the intercambio - an hour daily with a university
student (from the Universidad Autónoma de Oaxaca). We had a great month, despite our age
difference. We walked and talked our way ALL over the place.” “I had the
pleasure of having a wonderful housing assignment - was welcomed into my familia. My host
was a terrific cocinera who took pride and pleasure in introducing me and her other guests
to Oaxacan gastronomia. My home was close to the language school, close enough to el
centro - I could walk everywhere and/or catch taxis or busses easily.”
Learn more about the Oaxaca program
Cuernavaca
“The program was a valuable learning experience. I am grateful and privileged to
attend this program. The Spanish language course was excellent and the excursions to
different museums and schools and sites were valuable. I would highly recommend this
program.” “I couldn’t have dreamed of a better family to stay with. Along
with learning Spanish, I made terrific friends I hope to keep for a long, long time. I
always felt welcomed and cared for, like a true member of the family. Excellent barely
begins to rate my experience.”
Guadalajara
“After a brief glimpse of a flyer in the Spanish department and a little
encouragement from my instructor, I realized that going to study Spanish in Mexico was my
best bet to ever gaining the ability to speak the language that was lost with my
generation. I decided on Guadalajara simply because I knew a family that would allow me to
stay with them for a reasonable rate. I had the choice to stay with a family that was
provided by the program, however opted differently.
I took classes in Spanish at the university of Guadalajara. This branch of the school
was only for foreigners attempting to learn Spanish and or culture and history. The
classes were every day, very small, and much attention was paid to progress in both
grammar and speaking skills. Everyone including the administration spoke nothing but
Spanish, as a matter of fact English for the most part was not spoken at all. I shared
classes with students of all adult ages from all over the world, this provided an
environment where Spanish was the only common ground by which I could have made friends. I
really liked the simple and brief five-week sessions, they took away the anxiety and
tediousness of the 16-week drudgery that students endure in the UNM environment. I truly
believe the five-week sessions are more conducive to learning.
Above all, being in a large Latin American environment and attempting to negotiate
every day existence with a beautiful and interesting people from the perspective of my
ignorant northern New Mexican mind set, proved to be the most educational experience of
them all. I would recommend to any of my acquaintances, if they are at all interested in
language, or breaking the ties of our closed minded American ideology, take a loan and
then take a trip and learn.” -- Seth Vigil.
Learn more about the Guadalajara program
Taxco
“I found the language classes to be good . . . My teachers . . . were really
wonderful. I sat in on a Frida Kahlo class that had 5 people in it and it was fantastic! I
highly recommend auditing classes . . . It helped my vocabulary and was great fun.”
“We had a maid, so our meals were always fantastic! Food is affordable and the market
is close by. You can always eat out and get great lunches near campus for about two
bucks.” “Overall, Taxco is fantastic!! It’s a very inexpensive program,
it’s a beautiful city, it’s close to the ocean, Mexico City, Cuernavaca. There
are a lot of international students, and it’s easy to meet/hang out with Mexicans
there.” - Kent Reed Swanson.
Learn more about the Taxco program
Guanajuato
“I had the opportunity to visit the language school in Guanajuato this fall when I
went to Mexico on a recruiting trip. What a beautiful city! It has an old-town atmosphere
but full of vibrant students, beautiful churches, cobble stoned streets, brightly colored
buildings, theatres, and the wonderful plaza with it’s sculpted trees encircling the
locals chatting and relaxing on park benches or in cafes. The school is in the original
university, a beautiful Baroque building, where small classes, professional staff,
library, language lab (not just Spanish, but English, French, Italian, and Japanese), and
conversation sessions are available to all students. Housing is usually done with a
family, but it’s easy to find a small apartment nearby. I had some of the best mole
I’ve ever had in Guanajuato. It’s a great place, don’t miss it!” -
Robyn Côté.
Learn more about the Guanajuato program
