"Montevallo in Xela"

SUMMER  I    2013
May 31 - June 30

Quetzaltenango or Xela is Guatemala’s second-largest city and is the main population center of the country’s K’iche’ Mayans. Xela is a university town, with one large state university (San Carlos de Guatemala), and six private universities. Throughout Quetzaltenango there are old classical buildings and monuments. The contrast between the old and the new is especially visible in the center of the city around "Parque Central“.

What is included

• Roundtrip airline ticket, Birmingham-Guatemala*.
• Ground transportation Guatemala City - Xela
• UM tuition for 3 undergraduate credits for students with a minor or major other than Spanish or 6 undergraduate credits for Spanish minor or major students
• Lodging and three meals with families
• 4-day excursion to Tikal and Antigua

Not included: Passport application fees, health insurance, books, and personal expenses

Total Cost                     $ 2,586.00 plus $ 1,758.00 for 6 credit hours

                                        $ 2,586.00 plus $ 879.00 for 3 credit hours

*This rate is based on information received in October, 2012 and is subject to revision as necessary.

Classes

Spanish students will improve their second language linguistics skills—listening and speaking--and gain confidence as lived in the Guatemalan culture.  At the same time, all UM students will gain a comprehensive perspective of geography and anthropology of Guatemala as part of Mesoamerica. This interdisciplinary program will offer UM students the opportunity to apply, on a first-hand basis, their understanding on issues such as ethnicity, historical geography, religion, human rights, and globalization.

SPN 370/SPN 302      Grammar and Composition (3 credit hours)

This course emphasizes development of technical command of Spanish through grammar review, amplification of vocabulary, short writing exercises, and compositions.

This class will be taught in Spanish and for Spanish majors and minors

GEOG 303/SPN 370  Anthropogeography and the Cultural Landscape of Mayan Culture in Guatemala (3 credit hours)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the geography, anthropology, history, and current issues affecting Maya culture in Guatemala.  Students will do a selection of readings about different critical moments in Guatemala history.

This class will be taught in English and offered to all participants in this program. This class will be offered by an interdisciplinary faculty team (Spanish and Geography/Anthropology).

Eligibility

Students must be in good standing and have either a minor or major in Spanish (at least have completed the 200 level or above or the equivalent in BACHE institutions) or a minor or major in History, Social Sciences, Social Work, and Political Science. 

Financial Aid

If the student is eligible, all financial aid arrangements in the University of Montevallo continue in Mexico.  Also, remember that you may be able to save some money by canceling your automobile insurance while you are away. 

For more information contact Maria Parker at 665 6048.

Passport

If you do not currently have a passport that will remain valid for at least six months after your return, you should begin the process of obtaining one as soon as you are selected, since it can sometimes take six weeks or more. You can now do this at several post offices in the Birmingham area, including Pelham.

ADA Accommodations

Please consult with Director of the trip.

For more information about the Summer Study Abroad Program contact

Dr. Leonor Vázquez
Department of Foreign Languages, Station 6410
 Montevallo, AL 35115
(205) 665 6411
vazquezl@montevallo.edu