The University of Washington Summer Spanish Institute -July 9 – July 27, 2012
Are you interested in experiencing first-hand the culture and history of an important Latin American country? Would you like to improve your Spanish language skills? Do you need a specialized vocabulary for your work? Study abroad this summer in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and – just 15 miles south of the Equator – known locally as ‘la mitad del mundo,’ the middle of the world.
The University of Washington’s 2011 Summer Spanish Institute offers a two and a half week immersion course that includes instruction and activities both in class and within the community of Quito. You’ll stay with a local family, and study Spanish and Latin American culture with a UW on-site instructor, as well as instructors within the Equinoccial Spanish Language School.
What the Program Covers:
The Institute has both in-class and outside-of-class activities. Working with teachers from the Equinoccial Spanish Language School, participants engage in:
- Lessons in Spanish grammar and conversation
- Classes on Ecuadorian history and culture
- Visits to schools in Chugchilan and Quilotoa
- Trips to cultural institutions around Quito
- Homestay and meals with a local host family
Who Should Join the Institute
Those working in the following fields will benefit from this experience:
- Teachers of Spanish at all levels
- Teachers working with Hispanic students
- ESL teachers
- Social workers
- Counselors, speech therapists, evaluators
- Legal personnel
- Medical personnel
Program Instructor and Guide
María Gillman, coordinator of third year Spanish at the UW, has more than 20 years teaching experience at the elementary, secondary and university levels, both in Mexico and the United States. She has been involved in all previous Institute programs and has worked regularly with secondary teachers. Gillman is familiar with the needs of varied professionals interested in expanding their understanding of the Spanish language and culture. Mexico is her native country and she knows Quito well.
The Spanish School in Quito Equinoccial Spanish School is the oldest and one of the most experienced Spanish Schools in Quito. The school has more than 23 years experience teaching the Spanish language to students from all over the world. Quito, Ecuador is well known for its more than 200 Spanish schools, but only a few, including Equinoccial, have received the official Quality Certificate of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education.
Accommodations During the stay in Quito, participants are housed with middle-class Ecuadorian families. Each participant generally has her or his own room, hot water and three meals a day. Accommodations are clean, comfortable and welcoming. Participants talk with their family after meals, and learn about daily life issues in Quito.
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, with a population of 1.4 million. Quito features shopping, art, and restaurants, public parks and museums, high-rise buildings and industry, universities, and the colonial historic center. It was among the first cities in the world to be designated by the United Nations as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
The city lies at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) in the Guayllabamba River Valley, and is flanked by mountainous terrain and several volcanoes. Its subtropical climate and high elevation gives the city a cool, spring-like climate throughout the year. Average high temperature in July is 19 °C (66 °F). Flights to Quito are serviced by Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).
Program Fees
The Institute fee will be approximately $2,400, plus a $35 nonrefundable registration fee. Housing, planned excursions and almost all meals in Quito are included in the Institute fee.
Travel Costs
Participants are individually responsible for the following arrangements and all associated costs: airfare; transportation to/from airports in the United States; transport and insurance of personal property/luggage; local personal travel not associated with the program; travel documents (passport, visa, etc.); medical insurance; travel insurance; and necessary vaccinations.
UW Credits Upon completion of the Institute’s academic requirements, participants earn six (6) quarter credits of Spanish 494 from the University of Washington.
Registering for the Ecuador Experience Registration will open soon. Spaces are limited. A $500 deposit plus a $35 nonrefundable registration fee is due at the time of registration. A transaction summary and a University of Washington Foreign Travel Waiver will be mailed. Registration is complete when full payment and the signed Travel Waiver are received by UW Professional & Continuing Education, which reserves the right to cancel the Institute if minimum enrollment is not met.
Spanish Language Proficiency: The program aims to serve those who need to improve their Spanish and are interested in Ecuadorian culture. Those interested in the Institute should have three years of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.
Health Requirement: It is also a requirement of this program that all participants be in good health upon arrival in Quito. Please note that the high altitude of Quito at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) can significantly aggravate health problems. Anyone with a serious health condition should consult their doctor prior to signing up for this program.
For more information call or e-mail the Enrollment and Advising Center at the University of Washington
Phone: 888-469-6499 – 206-685-8936
Email: info@pce.uw.edu
