University of Richmond

Summer study abroad in Argentina open for applications

The Latin American and Iberian studies department's six-week study abroad experience in Córdoba, Argentina is open for applications for summer 2009. The program will be led by Virginia Talley and Mariela Méndez and runs from May 22-June 25, 2009. Students in the program will live with a family, take Richmond classes worth up to two units and experience the surrounding areas through a number of excursions.

Applications will be accepted until the program is full and should be submitted to Virginia Talley in Puryear 113. Students will also need a letter of recommendation from a professor in the Latin American and Iberian studies department. Approximately 10-15 students will be accepted and the cost of the trip is around $5,750. A non-refundable deposit of $150 is due on March 1, 2009. The first 1st payment for the trip is due on March 17, 2009 and the second is due on April 18, 2009. Scholarship applications are available online.

About Córdoba
Córdoba is Argentina’s second largest city which is nested in the picturesque valley of the Suquía River near the breathtaking Central Sierra Mountains. Córdoba is a fascinating mixture of colonial architecture, Franciscan and Dominican churches, beautiful parks, exciting nightlife and many cultural highlights including art galleries and museums. The city’s proximity to the Central Sierra Mountains allows for easy access to many outdoor activities and extreme sports including paragliding and mountain biking.

Academics
Students choose one or two classes for a total of 1 or 2 units, all taught exclusively in Spanish. Students may receive major, minor or elective credit. In addition to in-class learning, the program incorporates visits to various monuments and other places of cultural interest. Classes are restricted to University of Richmond students and are taught by experienced faculty from different institutions.  Courses are taught at Blas Pascal, a private university of approximately 3,000 students, located in Córdoba. Blas Pascal is centrally located and students are placed in homes nearby. Blas Pascal provides access to seven computer labs on campus with free Internet access.
Available courses:

Spanish 303: Spanish in the Media
Spanish 305: Spanish in Politics and Society
Spanish 312: Perspective on Nations and Cultures
Spanish 332: Introduction to Spanish-American Literature

Living in Córdoba
Students live with Argentine families, providing them with the opportunity to learn more about Argentine language and culture outside the classroom. The program cost includes full room and board, vouchers for lunch on campus at Blas Pascal University, tango lessons, and horse-back riding. The program also includes transportation, lodging and guided visits for three excursions including Valle de la Luna and Talampaya, Alta Gracia and Villa General Belgrano, and Buenos Aires. Students receive comprehensive health insurance to cover most medical problems students may experience while abroad. An on-site staff is available to assist students with all their needs while living in Córdoba. Students are also paired with “tutores” or student mentors who are in charge of orienting the students in Córdoba and on campus.

Excursions and Other Program Details
During the six weeks, excursions include:

  • Two-night, three day trip to Valle de la Luna y Talampaya including transportation, lodging, food and guided tour
  • One-day excursion to Alta Gracia and Villa General Belgrano including transportation, food and guided tour.
  • Four-night, five-day excursion to Buenos Aires, including airfare from Córdoba, ground transportation, lodging and guided visits to the main sights: "Feria de Antiguedades" in San Telmo, Plaza San Martín, La Boca, Plaza de Mayo, The Museum of Casa Rosada, The “Benito Quinquela Martin" Museum and "Proa", famous Recoleta cemetery and tango show.

Transportation is provided for transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Aeroparque Airport in Buenos Aires to take the flight to Córdoba. Roundtrip airfare from Buenos Aires to Córdoba is included in program price. Transportation will be provided upon arrival in Córdoba from the airport to each student’s respective host family. Transportation also provided from host family to Córdoba’s airport for trip to Buenos Aires. A welcome party at the beginning of the program will be celebrated at Blas Pascal University with “tutores”, faculty and staff.

There will also be a guided tour to orient students in the city of Córdoba including the main historical sites such as San Martín Square, the hundred-year-old cathedral, and the historical Cabildo (Chapter House). The goodbye party at the end of the trip will be at the completion of classes including dinner in a local restaurant and a tango show with the students, tutores, faculty and staff.Students will have the opportunity to travel back to the United States with the group or to travel throughout Latin America from Buenos Aires after the program's end.

 

Posted October 23, 2008