Semester offered in Mexico
Campus Times
November 1, 1996
Opportunities to prosper are now here for University of La Verne international
business and language students. A study abroad and internship program in
Cuernavaca, Mexico, has been set up for spring 1997.
The recently established program is arranged with Cuauhnáhuac Institute,
which was founded in 1972, and is the oldest of the many language institutes
in Cuernavaca. ULV and Cuauhnáhuac have maintained an academic program
for about 20 years.
The course is outlined to overview finance, marketing, and commercial Spanish
in the first 10 weeks of the semester, which are core classes in the major.
Also, included in this part of the program are conversation classes, and
special lectures on Mexican history and culture.
The last five weeks, the students will have the chance to complete an internship
with a multinational firm, under the supervision of Cuauhnáhuac personnel.
Some examples are Syntex and Ponds, Inc.
Dr. Andrea Labinger, professor of Spanish, said, "the incomparable
experience of living, learning and working in another country while at the
same time preparing themselves for their future careers," expressing
her hopes for the students.
The course is not restricted to any ULV students, but is tailored for international
business and foreign language students.
Students must have an college level understanding of the Spanish language.
Classes are taught in Spanish by professors with practical business experience.
Students are hosted with Mexican families of Cuauhnáhuac Institute,
who are personally known to the Institute's administration.
The families generally include exchange students in their everyday lives
and culture, including birthday celebrations, parties and shopping. Most
meals are provided by the families, and most families try to meet individual
needs of the students.
"Mexico is an idea place to get this type of experience," said
Dr. Labinger.
Along with the educational and career opportunities, students also get opportunities
to travel. Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morelos, is located about
one and a half hours' drive south of Mexico City.
Cuauhnáhuac provides excursions for international students, including
the Pyramids of Teotihuaucán, Las Estacas, Mexico City and the Basilica
of Guadalupe.
It is known as "the City of Eternal Springtime" because of its
ideal climate. It has many tourists attractions, including the Palacio de
Cortés with its Diego Rivera murals, the Borda Gardens, world-renowned
Las Mananitas Restaurant, and theaters, clubs and shopping.
"You come back so much richer, and an understanding person," said
Dr. Labinger. "How can you expect to understand another culture, people
if you haven't lived along side them?"
The price for students is the same as regular ULV tuition, including airfare.