NRCSA: Guadalajara - University of Guadalajara

Originally founded in 1792, the University of Guadalajara is among the largest and most respected institutions of higher learning in Mexico. The Foreign Student Studies Center, part of the University, was established in 1948 to offer foreign students the opportunity to learn Spanish as well as acquire knowledge of Mexican and Latin American culture. Latin American studies courses include history, art, economics, literature, philosophy, etc. The Foreign Student Studies Center has on average each year 2,500 students from a wide variety of nations.

The Foreign Student Studies Center has two primary goals:
 
1.To help the non-Spanish speaking student learn enough linguistic skills to communicate in Spanish in real-life settings.
 
2.To offer "cultural" courses in social and humanities areas to students interested in learning more about the Latin American reality. These courses are taught by teachers holding advanced academic degrees of the University.

PROGRAMS
INTENSIVE
Intensive sessions-These last five weeks in total.

-1 Course = 2 Hours of class per day =10 hours of class per week for 5 weeks= 50 hours Total
-2 Courses = 4 Hours of class per day =20 hours of class per week for 5 weeks= 100 hours Total
-3 Courses = 6 Hours of class per day = 30 hours of class per week for 5 weeks150 hours Total

Students may register for one, two or three courses for a given period of studies. The majority of students register for two Spanish language courses and one supplementary course, either a content course or a creative workshop. In each year, there are eleven periods of study.

SEMI-INTENSIVE
Semi-intensive programs length of study: 2 weeks

1 Course = 5 hours of class per day, Monday through Friday =25 hours per week= 50 hours total.

These are similar to five-week intensive programs in content, but the pace is faster. There are two such programs scheduled each year.

LODGING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GUADALAJARA
Homestay
The university has about 250 family homes available offering accommodation to students who wish to develop their language study through total immersion. These offer single or shared rooms, three meals a day and access to virtually all home facilities. Many homes are located near the university, generally a short bus ride away.

University Guest House
Students who prefer greater independence may opt for a room in the Guest House. This residence has 24 rooms, each with its own private bathroom. Rooms can be occupied by one student or shared by two. The building is conveniently located in a respectable neighborhood, just 15 minutes from the Center by bus. It is a short distance away from principal commercial and tourist spots in the city. Its services include housemaid cleaning each day, TV room, continental breakfast, water and electricity costs, and access to a kitchen for self-prepared meals.