Location/Semester:
Córdoba, Argentina
Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
Host Institution/Contact Information:
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Renee Knutson
Director of Study Abroad
700 Terrace Heights #6
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 457-1447
Fax: (507) 457-6990
studyabroad@smumn.edu
Website of Host Institution:
www.smumn.edu/studyabroad
Program/University Overview:
The Center for Cross-Cultural Study (CC-CS) offers semester programs in Córdoba, Argentina, at the Universidad Blas Pascal. CC-CS facilitates a true cross-cultural exchange by inviting students to expand their world-view through intense immersion of the culture. Universidad Blas Pascal (UBP) was founded in 1980 to offer major fields that other universities were slow to provide. UBP is located in a pleasant neighborhood in Córdoba and has modern classrooms, living space, sports fields and other facilities. Córdoba, located in the foothills of the Sierra Chica mountain range in Northern Argentina and is surrounded by lakes and rivers, is the perfect location for water sports, hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. It is also recognized as a center for arts and learning with many universities, museums, and theatres.
Website of Program/University:
www.cccs.com
Unique Aspects of Program:
Some features of the program include: U.S. compatible curriculum, mentoring by local Argentine students, native Argentine professors, low student-professor ratios, on-site Resident Director and staff , internships, all-inclusive day and overnight study trips, weekends for independent travel , and on-site cultural activities.
Country and/or City Information:
Location
Argentina has an area of 1.1 million sq. mi., which is about the size of the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. It is the second largest country in South America. Córdoba is the second largest city in Argentina with a population of 1,300,000 (10% of the population are college students). It is in the foothills of the Sierra Chica mountain range in Northern Argentina and is surrounded by lakes and rivers, making it a perfect location for water sports, hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. Córdoba is also recognized as a center for arts and learning with many universities, museums, and theatres.
Climate
Córdoba, Argentina is known for its good weather and healthy climate. The average annual temperature is 50°F - 64°F (10°C - 18°C). Rainfall is seasonal in summer with an average of 31" a year. There is a dry season lasting from May through November.
Time
When Central Standard Time is in effect in the United States, Argentina is two hours ahead.
Currency
The currency in Argentina is the Peso. There are 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents and 1 peso coins. Paper money comes in denominations of: $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
More Information
Buenos Aires Herald - www.buenosairesherald.com
Embassy of Argentina - www.embassyofargentina.us
Embassy of the United States Argentina - argentina.usembassy.gov
Enjoy Argentina - www.enjoy-argentina.org
US Department of State Consular Information Sheet Argentina - travel.state.gov
Welcome Argentina - www.welcomeargentina.com
Admission Requirements:
To be eligible, you must have completed 3 semesters of college Spanish or the equivalent and have a 3.0 GPA in Spanish course work.
Courses Offered:
The program begins with a one-month intensive language and culture class. You earn 4 semester credits for this class that prepares you for the regular semester at UBP with practical language study at the advanced-intermediate and advanced levels. During the regular semester, you enroll in at least one regular UBP course with Argentine classmates. You may also enroll in one or more courses organized by CC-CS and UBP in advanced Spanish, Argentine literature, and modern Argentine history and culture. Students generally earn 16 - 20 credits per semester (including the intensive language and culture course).
Housing:
During the one-month intensive language and culture course, you live with a local family which will help you gain an understanding of daily life and customs. The homestay includes full room and board and laundry once a week. There is one student per home.
For the remainder of the program, you have the option of living in a residence hall or continuing to live in a home. Student residences include double occupancy rooms with a kitchenette, two meals per day Monday - Friday, in room high speed Internet connection, laundry facilities, television room, study room, pool access, and use of the sport facilities.
Cost:
If you are a student at one of the US Lasallian universities or colleges, you will remain enrolled at your school and pay tuition and program fees there. Tuition is based on your campus tuition rates and may include an additional surcharge depending on the program. Contact the person on your campus responsible for study abroad.
Scholarship Information:
CC-CS has a scholarship program that is open to all participants. Awards recipients are chosen based on the submission of an original essay in Spanish, an essay in English, and a faculty recommendation. Students may receive awards up to $2,500. For an application, go to http://www.cccs.com/files/scholarshipprogram.pdf.
Academic Calendar:
Spring 2009: February 5 - July 31, 2009
Application Deadline:
Spring: November 15
Application Details:
Must complete Lasallian Consortium application along with the Specific Application for this program .
Student Testimonial:
"At first I was reluctant to commit to traveling to and living in a foreign country. In hindsight, CC-CS offered me the most valuable experience of my entire life. The faculty, staff, fellow students and locals are all incredible people that accompany you through out this life-changing adventure. Give this experience everything that you have, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed!"