Spanish Language and Mayan Spirituality

May 31-July 3, 2009

Learn about

The complex relationship that exists between indigenous spiritualities and Roman Catholicism in Mesoamerica

The influence of Mayan spirituality on Latin American societies

Course offerings

• A one-on-one Spanish language course (beginning to advanced options). More about Spanish courses.

• Mayan Culture and Cosmovision (AIS 495)

Program Location

The program is based in Antigua, a colonial Spanish city which has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America. The weather is very mild, warm during the day and cool in the evenings. 

Language School

Language instruction is contracted with the Centro Lingüístico Maya (CLM), in Antigua, Guatemala.

The Central building of CLM is located in downtown Antigua, just two and a half blocks from the Central Park, where students have access to places like the central market, the post office, varied restaurants, churches, hotels, and local craft shops.

The school provides one-on-one instruction, where every student has his/her own teacher. CLM teachers are very experienced in the field of language instruction.  Generally, instructors possess a minimum of 15 years of experience, and many of them continue other professional studies at the University.

Included with the program, CLM also offers excursions twice a week to different places in and around Antigua, such as museums, colonial houses, and ruins of special interest.  The most important idea of these excursions is to practice Spanish and to learn about the architecture, culture, religion, and customs of Guatemala.

Diverse guest speakers and field trips

• Visit to the Kakchiquel Archaeological site of Iximche

• Meet with indigenous leaders working for human rights and environmental reforms

• Participation in a Mayan ceremony

• visit  a coffee plantation/museum La Azotea

Homestays

Spend four weeks in a local household where you will be immersed in Guatemalan culture, develop closer relationships with the community, and improve your Spanish-speaking skills. Students will be placed two per family, no further than a 20 minute walk from the language school.

Academic Information

Credit is granted and the transcript is issued by Augsburg College for the equivalent of two courses or eight semester hours.

Cost

The cost of the program is $4,270. The program fees include tuition for two courses, course-related field trips, room and board with host families, pre-trip preparation materials, airport or bus transfers, medical/emergency insurance, and general program oversight. Airfare is not included. The program price does not include passport and visa application fees or entry and exit taxes.  Your entry and exit taxes may be included in the cost of airfare.

Registration and Payment

Please contact us for a hardcopy application, or see: Summer Program Application. A $250 deposit is required with your application.  This deposit will be refunded only if the Center cancels the program. This deposit can be made by credit card or check.

Your application and deposit must be received no later than April 1, 2009. In some cases, space may be available after this date – please contact the Center for more information. Final payment for the program will be due May 1, 2009.  

Documentation

If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible. Don’t put this off! It is very important that you have your passport well in advance of the program.  If you have one, make sure it is valid for six months past the end date of the program.  If it isn't, please apply for a new one.  You can apply for one either at a passport office, county government building, or a major post office. You will need two passport photos, a certified copy of your birth certificate (with a raised seal), and a check or money order for the processing fee.  Birth certificates are available from the clerk of court in the county in which you were born, in case you need to get one. In fact, get two copies so you can bring one with you (just in case you lose your passport and need to apply for a replacement).  For more information see the U.S. State Department webpage at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html