Cuernavaca, Mexico known for its year round eternal spring climate, (average temperature 70 - 85 degrees F) is a city of approximately 500,000 people located in the mountains approximately 50 miles south of Mexico City. The city offers a wide range of garden restaurants, nightclubs, cultural events and sport activities. It has been a favorite travel spot since the days of the Aztec emperors. Because of its beauty and variety, it is a perfect place to study Spanish.

The Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies is built in the Mexican colonial style typical of the area and is located in a residential neighborhood. The complex includes comfortable and attractive conference rooms, small group as well as larger classrooms and is also equipped with a computer laboratory with E-mail for student use. The Center also has an outdoor patio cafe and boasts lush and beautiful grounds. It is a beautiful place to spend your day.

SUNY Cortland initiated its intersession program with the Center for Bilingual Multicultural Studies (also referred to as The Center) in 1985 in an effort to offer students an opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills and learn about Mexican Culture in a time frame that is convenient at a cost that is affordable to most students. Through the years the Center has undergone tremendous growth. It has more than doubled in size physically and has expanded its course offerings to the point that it now offers programs not only to students, but also to diplomats, airline employees, executives, health care professionals, retirees and children - not to mention individuals who come for independent programs.

In addition, students have an opportunity to participate in other excursions organized by the Center at an additional price. These usually are half-day, one day or two-day trips to places of historic and contemporary interest: museums, archaeological zones and colonial cities such as Taxco, Puebla and San Miguel de Allende.

Two hours of optional courses (not for credit) are offered from 2:20-4:00 p.m.: pronunciation; individual attention in grammar; phonetics; contractive analysis; literature; specialized vocabulary; special visits (hospital, factories, etc.); round table discussions.

The Program Fee is $906* and is paid to the Office of International Programs at SUNY Cortland. The Program Fee includes orientation, room and board, round-trip airport transfers in Mexico, two mandatory excursions and administrative and instructional costs.

SUNY tuition for 3 credits for in-state students is $411* plus a $2.55* college fee. SUNY students register for this program at their SUNY home campus and pay the tuition fee to the Bursar╒s Office at that same campus. Non-SUNY students register at SUNY Cortland as visiting students and pay the tuition to SUNY Cortland. Out-of-state students should contact the Office of International Programs for costs and a special budget.

The third element of the overall cost of the program is that of the expenses that are not included either in the Program Fee or in the SUNY tuition. Such expenses include airfare, books, insurance and spending money. These additional expenses are estimated to be $1,075*.

*Subject to change due to factors beyond the control of Cortland International Programs.

Field of Study:

Spanish Language and Mexican Culture

Level of Study:

Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced

Language of instruction:

Spanish

Program Dates:

December 27 - January 18

Number of Credits:

3

Application Deadline:

October 1

Admission Criteria:

Students must be carrying a minimum gradepoint average of 2.5 and be in good academic standing. Students must also meet the academic prerequisites set forth by the Department of International Communications and Culture Department at SUNY Cortland.