Mendoza, a provincial capital of approximately one million people, gives students a chance to fully immerse themselves in Argentine life. Long renowned for its world-class wines, Mendoza has become the center of Argentina’s wine industry, and because of its proximity to the mountains, a center for adventure tourism. A friendly city with sunny skies, a dry desert climate and broad sycamore-lined streets, much of Mendocino life is lived outdoors in plazas, parks and sidewalk cafés, where students have many opportunities for meeting and getting to know Argentines. In addition, Mendoza provides quick access to interesting outlying villages, mountains and rural recreational areas and is just a one hour flight from Santiago, Chile.
The Mendoza program focuses on Spanish language development and cultural/historical study of Argentina. Spanish language courses and Argentine history/culture courses are taught through CELE (Centro de Español como Lengua Extranjera), an institute dedicated to teaching Spanish as a foreign language. CELE is located within the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza’s large regional university (38,000 students). HWS students have complete access to University life, including student clubs and organizations (e.g., film clubs, dance groups, intramural sports, and physical education).
All students will take two courses through CELE: one will be a Spanish language course (according to their level of proficiency) and the second will be History and Culture of Argentina, which will be taught in Spanish by professors trained in teaching those studying Spanish as a foreign language. These courses meet five days per week (three hours per day) and focus on language development, conversation, and Argentine history and culture. Alternatively, HWS students who are adequately prepared in Spanish may enroll in regular UNCuyo courses, provided they are willing to participate in the typical Argentine grading system.
History and Culture of Argentina (1 credit) - A survey of the history, economics, literature, music and popular culture of Argentina. In addition to the readings and presentations by a variety of guest speakers, group excursions will be organized to a number of relevant sites.
Spanish Language course (1 credit)
In addition to these courses, students will select two of the following three courses:
What is Christianity? (1 credit) - This introductory course explores the history, theology and practice of Christianity, especially as it has taken shape in South America. In addition to the Bible and other primary materials, students will read in translation important works by Argentine scholars such as Enrique Dussel, History and the
Theology of Liberation: a Latin American Perspective and Jose
Miguez-Bonino, Faces of Jesus: Latin American Christologies.
Pentecostalism (1 credit) - Pentecostalism is the fastest growing form of Christianity in the world, and it has spread particularly rapidly throughout Latin America. This course focuses on the origins and growth of Pentecostalism with special emphasis on its growth and acculturation in Argentina, Chile and other parts of Latin
America. This course will involve field work with local Pentecostal churches.
Theories of Psychopathology (1 credit) - This course primarily focuses on the theoretical models, diagnosis and assessment of adult psychological disorders. Childhood disorders, relevant controversies and prevention are also covered, time permitting. Typical readings assigned beyond the primary text include case studies and autobiographical accounts of mental illness.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Optional Activity
Community Service—for students who are interested, community service opportunities can be arranged by CELE and the resident director.
Each student will live with an Argentine host family—the best way to ensure a comprehensive language and cultural immersion experience. Homestays are coordinated by the staff of CELE, which has nearly twenty years’ experience matching host families and students. Breakfast and dinner are provided by the host families (see below).
The Argentina program is especially appropriate for students in religious studies, Spanish and Hispanic studies, Latin American studies, and psychology.
Open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors in good academic and social standing with a minimum gpa of 2.5. One year (2 semesters) of college Spanish is required as a pre-requisite. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary records will be carefully screened.
The language and culture courses taught by CELE include a number of local excursions in Mendoza (e.g. museums, wineries, parks) along with excursions to the base of Aconcagua (the tallest mountain in the Americas), a horseback visit to a local mountain village, and a field trip to an Argentine indigenous community. In addition there is a ten day excursion to Patagonia and a visit to the Iguazú Falls and Missiones areas of northern Argentina.
Students will be charged standard HWS tuition and room fees, 2/3 board, and a $500 administrative fee. This will cover credit for a four-course semester, housing and partial board, and all course-related excursions. Note that students should bring the remaining board (approximately $800) to cover meals not included. Additional expenses not covered include airfare, visa, books and other course related materials, and personal expenses (entertainment, some local ground transportation and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at $1300 from the East Coast, and books and course-related materials at $250. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1000. However, students on a tight budget should be able to manage with less. If you are concerned about finances, we strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.
NOTE: The information contained in this brochure is subject to change. Please see the CGE for more information.
