Cuernavaca, Mexico

Program Manager: LT Ruben Bautista, MN, 410-293-6358

Total immersion program at Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca, Morelos, 40 minutes from Mexico City.

The program focuses on development of Spanish language proficiency and understanding of Mexican culture. There are also classes on Latin American culture. Experienced native teachers introduce participants to the many ancient cultures of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Participants receive certificates and transcripts upon successful completion.

The program offers homestays with Mexican host families, giving participants direct experience of the traditions of Mexican family life, culture, and typical foods of the region and country. The cultural program includes visits to significant sites in Mexico City, such as the Zocalo, the Templo Mayor, different museums and the cathedral.

The military benefit is a plus because on weekends, participants visit a naval base in Acapulco, and the commercial and industrial port of Veracruz, where they visit different types of Mexican ships and the Heroica Escuela Naval Militar (the Naval Academy of Mexico).

to top of page

Salamanca, Spain

Program Manager: AssocProf Robert Stone, 410-293-6357

LSAP Spain consists of a three-week intensive language program in the historical university city of Salamanca, recognized internationally as a center for the study of Spanish. Students reside with host families who provide room and board. Upon completion of the language program, the time remaining (usually about a week) is devoted to visiting cultural destinations in other parts of Spain. There are also excursions to various regions planned for weekends, and, when possible, midshipmen are the honored guests at graduation ceremonies for Spain's naval academy each July 16.

to top of page

Valparaíso, Chile

Program Manager: Capt Stover, USMC, 410-293-6352

WHY CHILE?

Chile is a land of startling contrasts and stunning natural beauty. The longest country in the world, it stretches from the lunar-like Atacama Desert in the North to the cold and inhospitable Antarctic zone in the South with attractions ranging from the towering volcanic peaks of the Andes to the ancient forests of the Lake District to the dramatic dazzling glaciers and icebergs of Patagonia in between. With a culture and history every bit as vibrant and diverse as its geography, Chile is a country of strong, proud, and extremely innovative people. Present-day Chile emerged out of a very turbulent past to become a thriving democracy and economic front-runner in Latin America. Today the United States counts Chile as a strong regional partner, and the two governments consult frequently on issues of mutual concern such as multilateral diplomacy, security, culture, and science.

Valparaíso, the site of the study program, lies 90 minutes from the country's capital, Santiago. It hosts the National Congress and is therefore the seat of political power for the country as well as Chile's primary commercial harbor and home to several major naval facilities, including the Chilean Naval Academy. An elegant city with its crowning hills, labyrinthine streets, rich architecture, and wide bay; Valparaíso is also considered Chile's “Cultural Capital” and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile neighboring Viña del Mar is Chile's most luxurious resort town, attracting an eclectic mix of visitors from all over the world with its grand palm-lined avenues, vast stretches of white sand beach, plentiful gourmet restaurants, and nearby vineyards.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Language: Sixty-hour course in Spanish language with native Chilean professors at the Universidad de Valparaíso. Placement according to ability level. Opportunity to enhance conversational ability through interaction with other university students, Chilean Naval Academy cadets, and host families.

Culture: Additional twenty hours of lectures by distinguished guest professors developing artistic, political, economic, and social themes within the culture of Chile and South America. Local excursions and cultural activities such as museum visits, dance lessons, and cooking classes provide more hands-on experience while interaction with the local community, students, and host families provides first hand exposure to the diverse attitudes, behaviors, and values of Chilean society. One week of travel during the fourth week will explore the spectacular natural beauty of Chilean Patagonia, cross the Andes to Argentina, and finish in Buenos Aires.

Military Relevance: The cultural program of instruction is framed in reference to participants as future naval officers. Students visit the Chilean Naval Academy and shadow Chilean cadets. Students visit the US Embassy in Santiago to meet the Assistant Defense Attaché and the Ambassador and learn about the US mission in Chile.

Admin and Logistics: Housing with Spanish-speaking families, all meals and laundry included. Full use of university facilities including gym, pool, computer lab, and participation in extra-curricular activities. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a graduation certificate detailing grades, topics covered, and credit hours completed.