Study Abroad Through Dragons-Naropa: Peru Summer
Photo by PC Keaton Smith, WTBD Bolivia Summer Program
Overview
Over the course of four-weeks, college study abroad students on this program gain essential skills necessary to communicate across cultures. We approach language and cultural immersion in Bolivia by diving into the heart of the land through language study, homestays, and workshops focused on pressing local and cultural issues. Through classroom and experiential activities, students gain insights into the complicated dynamics of this country and the broader region.
Beginning our journey in Cochabamba, we settle into an extended homestay in a Quechua farming neighborhood. In the fertile valleys between the high mountains and tropical lowlands, we engage intimately with the community where our program is based and students dive into Spanish language instruction for 3–4 hours per day. In addition to our focus on language study, we connect with scholars, activists, journalists, and local organizations in the city of Cochabamba in order to understand issues impacting local communities.
To broaden our perspective of Bolivia, our journey then takes us out of the Cochabamba region and into the high Andes. In remote villages, we come to know the realities of rural communities that comprise the majority of Bolivia’s population. As we travel to new environments around the country, we continue regular Spanish language instruction and discuss issues of conservation and resource management in one of the most bio-diverse pockets of the planet.
During this month-long summer program, we integrate into local communities through an extend homestay, focus deeply on language study and use, are exposed pressing issues of development in the region, and explore one of the highest mountains ranges on earth. Our approach to learning is in Bolivia is to combine in-depth and rigorous language study with out-of-the-classroom experiential activities. With carefully selected Spanish language resources, instructors craft relevant lessons to build upon each student’s individual explorations of the language while placing the meaning of language in cultural context.
Course Descriptions
Course Description: Students enroll in one of the 4-credit Spanish language courses listed below.
- SPAN 150: Spanish I (4 credits)
- This course introduces students to the Spanish language and is designed for students
with no or minimal previous background in spoken or written Spanish. Students in this
course focus on learning essential vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and understanding
simple grammatical structures. This knowledge prepares students to effectively communicate
in Spanish on a limited range of topics related to everyday situations. Students practice
listening and speaking in real-life situations and examine how culture and language
interact in South America. In-class activities and course assignments aim to assist
students as they develop the oral proficiency and confidence necessary to initiate
simple conversations. Out-of-classroom experiences such a field trips and guided interactions
with native speakers supplement formal classroom instruction and provide ample opportunities
for practical engagement. In addition, language skills gained in this course support
students to deepen participation in other program and academic activities such as
homestays and the Independent Study Project.
- SPAN 250: Spanish II (4 credits)
-
This course introduces students to more challenging linguistic Spanish language material in order to establish a solid foundation for the use of the language. Students in this course focus on building on past language exposure to improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students expand their oral expression abilities by increasing vocabulary, improving understanding of grammar concepts, strengthening pronunciation abilities, and focusing on listening comprehension. This course introduces new language concepts to allow students to speak about topics pertaining to their daily lives and also focuses on deepening knowledge of South American culture and customs. By the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to engage in basic daily conversations, read simple texts, and write for daily needs. In-class activities and course assignments aim to assist students as they develop the ability to appropriately use language and improve proficiency. Out-of-classroom experiences such a field trips and guided interactions with native speakers supplement formal classroom instruction and provide ample opportunities for practical engagement. In addition, language skills gained in this course support students to deepen participation in other program and academic activities such as homestays and the Independent Study Project.
- SPAN 350: Spanish III (4 credits)
-
This course is designed to develop advanced skills in the Spanish language and is intended for students with extensive prior exposure to the language. This course focuses on consolidating linguistic knowledge and development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students in this course will develop advanced comprehension of and competence in using spoken Spanish in a wide-variety of experiences. Grammatical functions will be reviewed and incorporated as they relate to particular communication needs. A mix of communicative and interactive methods are used to develop advanced proficiency and materials are drawn from a variety of media sources and texts. In addition, students develop their understanding of the relationship between the Spanish language and culture. By the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to express sophisticated and nuanced ideas both orally and in writing. Out-of-classroom experiences such a field trips and guided interactions with native speakers supplement formal classroom instruction and provide ample opportunities for practical engagement. In addition, language skills gained in this course support students to deepen participation in other program and academic activities such as homestays and the Independent Study Project.
Dates
Dates for Summer 2020: July 10 - August 8
Cost for Summer 2020
| Tuition*: | $5,750 |
| Room & Board: | $1,080 |
| School of Record fee: | $800 |
| TOTAL: | $7,600 |
*Tuition includes 4 credit hours plus in-country travel and excursions.
Additionally, you will be responsible for:
| Airfare: | Approximately $1000 |
| Travel insurance: | Approximately $300 |
| Books & Supplies | $100 |
| Personal Expenses: | Varies |
| Immunizations: | Varies |
Study Abroad Scholarships
If a student chooses a Naropa Sponsored (Dragons) or Affiliated (SIT) programs, he/she may apply for one of Dragons', or SIT scholarships. In addition to those funds, students may apply for one or more of the other general/regional scholarships for Study Abroad.