Overview

This summer program is designed to facilitate maximum language acquisition through immersion in the lively setting of Morelia. The city provides a vibrant cultural backdrop with its welcoming society, historical architecture, and folk art traditions. Open to students who are ready to begin their second year of Spanish, the program combines classroom study with activities that integrate students into local daily life. A weekend excursion to the colonial city of Guanajuato enlivens the historical content of the program and provides the opportunity to travel through a beautiful part of Mexico. There is no better place to simultaneously learn Spanish and soak up the history and culture of Mexico.

Students attend classes with UC students only.

Course Opportunities

Spanish language and Mexican society.

Four courses are required for all students (4 units each)

• Grammar and Composition (SPAN 20)
• Culture and Civilization (SPAN 40)
• Contemporary Society (SPAN 60)
• Latin American Literature (SPAN 80)

The four courses are coordinated to deal with related topics throughout the ten weeks of the program. Determined students may complete as much as a full year of Spanish on this intensive program. Students may also use Morelia summer to satisfy the second year of Spanish language required for UNAM.

Use the following resource to learn about courses on EAP:

• MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. All students take four classes in order to acquire the required 16 UC lower-division quarter units.

Language of Instruction

Spanish

Language Study

The focus of the program is Spanish language acquisition.

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

You may be able to arrange community service opportunities during or after this program.

Community interaction is a built-in component of the Morelia program. It stresses interaction with local people from all walks of life, allowing students to receive introductions, advice, and credit for a range of activities. Students engage in interview projects (experiencias) with the local people, and then report these experiences back to the class.

In the past, students have also participated in various community service and volunteer activities such as teaching English as a second language in public schools. The program Resident Director discusses current social issues in Mexico and Morelia during the orientation and provides further information for any student interested in participating in community service opportunities.

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Summer: mid-June to late August

By submitting a separate EAP application, it is possible to continue participation in other EAP programs in Mexico or Spain for the fall or year.

Housing

Students are placed in prearranged homestays with host families. Past students have reported that the homestay is one of the most positive aspects of this program. Students share daily meals with their host families and learn about Mexican culture from a new perspective. Due to the special nature of this program, UC students may not have spouses or dependents accompany them.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. The Mexico City Study Center Director and staff abroad help students integrate into the local culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues. Local faculty serve as EAP mentors at each of the research sites and will also be on hand to provide support to students during the field research portion of their program.

See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

• UC Center Morelia

Estimated Cost

Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.

Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.

These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.

Here’s what is included in the estimate:

• UC fees
• Accident and medical insurance
• On-site orientation
• Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
• Homestay lodging and meals
• Weekend excursion to Guanajuato
• Books and other incidental expenses
• Round-trip transportation from California
• Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

Estimated EAP Costs*

Option	Cost
* Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100.
Summer	$6,200

Application Requirements

Class Level

Sophomore, junior, senior, graduate  

Language Prerequisite

One year (three quarters/two semesters)-no more, no less-of first-year university-level Spanish

GPA

2.85 cumulative GPA and 2.85 language GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Minimum Criteria

All applicants must also have:

• Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student’s UC degree program
• Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
• A willingness to abide by program regulations
• An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz