Eligibility
You must have at least a 2.5 grade point average and sophomore status to study in Peru. Because this is an advanced Spanish studies program, you must have completed at least Spanish 301.
Accommodations
All program participants will be individually placed with a Peruvian family in Arequipa.
Cost
The Fall 2012 program cost is expected to be within $1000 of Calvin tuition and room and board on campus. More specific cost information will be sent with your acceptance letter. The final program cost is based on many factors and is not known exactly until the number of students in the group has been identified. The financial information page covers the details that go into the cost of the program and rough estimates for each. The cost includes:
- Tuition
- Roundtrip air transportation, Grand Rapids-Arequipa-Grand Rapids
- Full room and board with Peruvian families
- Administrative fees
- Required vaccinations
- Program excursions
- Two-week orientation course in August
Additional expenses not included in the program fee: passport, books, medical insurance (required), independent travel, spending money.
Courses
You will have taken at least Spanish 301 at Calvin before leaving for Peru. We offer from Spanish 302 on.
The Universidad San Pablo’s semester begins on August 16, 2012 so the group from Calvin will most likely leave by the 13th of August.
All courses are taught in Spanish. Every student in the program is required to enroll in at least one regular course offering of our host university in order to ensure a true immersion experience. A list of those courses will be available to students accepted to the program, and all courses will count as electives toward a major or minor in Spanish. The San Pablo courses will begin simultaneously with STPE 317 on August 16 and run the whole semester. The other courses listed below begin on August 29. You must enroll in STPE 317 and at least one San Pablo course, and then choose among the remaining courses for a total of 12-19 hours. However, students should be aware that there would be an overload charge for more than 17 credits.
STPE 317: Contemporary Peruvian Culture
(3 semester hours, fulfills CCE credit) A seminar in which students compare and reflect on what they have learned from readings, interviews, and daily experiences. Includes speakers and excursions.
STPE 302: Advanced Grammar, Conversation, and Composition II
(3 semester hours) A continuation of Spanish 301 and the second gateway course to the major or minor sequence. Designed to improve speaking and writing skills through vocabulary acquisition, honing of grammatical accuracy, and extensive practice in oral and written communication.
STPE 308: Introduction to the Hispanic World
(4 semester hours, fulfills Global & Historical Studies core) This course introduces students to the major developments of the Hispanic World from antiquity to the independence of the American colonies in the early 19th century. Discussions center on the relationship of major literary and artistic works to economic, political, religious, and social developments in the Iberian Peninsula and the Castilian colonies in the Americas. This course is normally the first in a sequence of two and is designed to prepare students for advanced-level culture and literature courses.
STPE 309: Introduction to the Hispanic World II
(4 semester hours, fulfills Literature core) This course introduces students to major developments of the Hispanic World from the independence of the Spanish American colonies to the present day. Discussions center on the relationship of major literary and artistic works to economic, political, religious, and social developments in Spain and Spanish America. In addition, students develop their skills in reading and evaluating literature in a second language through representative texts, and they sharpen their skills in critical writing and analysis. This course is normally the second course in a sequence of two and is designed to prepare students for advanced-level culture and literature courses.
STPE 340: Spanish Phonology and Dialectology
(3 semester hours) An introduction to Spanish linguistics, concentrating on the sounds of Spanish (phonetics and phonology), with appropriate pronunciation practice and contrasts with English pronunciation. Included are units on the history of the Spanish language and the major dialects spoken today.
STPE 370: Análisis de la Realidad Peruana
(3 semester hours) A consideration of the emergence of Peruvian nationhood and identity within a global context, focusing on historical, ecological, and social issues, the legacy of pre-Columbian civilizations, and contemporary challenges.
STPE 390: A regular course offering of the Universidad Católica San Pablo
(2-3 semester hours) Enrollment in one or more UCSP coures is required of all students. A list of courses will be provided by the director.
Apply
First, submit a preliminary application to the the Off-Campus Program Office. If your preliminary application is approved (the usual processing time is 1-2 weeks), you will be sent an application and recommendations via e-mail.
The final application deadline for the FALL program is March 14, 2012.
Contact
Program Director, Fall 2011 & 2012
Dianne M. Zandstra, Spanish Department
Email: zand@calvin.edu
616.526.6353
