With an internationally recognized culture, Mexico remains one of the strongest and most enticing tourist destinations for Americans. Just ask North Central resident Virginia Foster, Ph.D., who is leading the 26th-annual “Learn, Live and Love” Spanish Study Program in Cuernavaca, Mexico next month.
Foster is a professor emeritus at Phoenix College and has had a love affair with our neighbors to the south for decades. She is resident director of the Spanish Study Program, which will take place June 14-29. The program is open to all students and members of the Phoenix Metro community.
Students study at the Universidad Internacional Center of Multicultural Studies, where they are totally immersed in the study of Spanish language and culture. Students are not only taught by Mexican university professors, they also live with Mexican families.
“Living with a Mexican family is the ideal way to learn Spanish in the shortest time possible,” points out Foster, who is a visiting professor at the Universidad Internacional Center.
Classes are held daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and students study intensive Spanish conversation three hours a day in small classes with five students and one professor. The rest of their program includes classes on Latin America and workshops on different subjects like music, art, dance, literature and history.
Cost of the trip, which includes registration, room, board and tuition ranges from $765 to $860 per person. Not included are transportation, books, and spending money. Students fly on their own to Mexico City and then take a bus to Cuernavaca.
“This study program has been highly successful, and over the years many university and community college students have enjoyed learning Spanish at El Centro along with community members that have included college administrators, lawyers, doctors, teachers and business people,” Foster says.
Families with children are welcome to participate in the programs. For more information, contact Foster at vrfvrf@gmail.com or 602-254-9620.
