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Mendoza, a provincial capital of approximately one million people, gives students a chance to fully immerse themselves in Argentine life. Long renowned for its world-class wines, Mendoza has become the center of Argentina's wine industry, and because of its proximity to the mountains, a center for adventure tourism. A friendly city with sunny skies, a dry desert climate and broad sycamore-lined streets, much of Mendocino life is lived outdoors in plazas, parks and sidewalk cafés, where students have many opportunities for meeting and getting to know Argentines. In addition, Mendoza provides quick access to interesting outlying villages, mountains and rural recreational areas and is just a one hour flight from Santiago, Chile.
The Mendoza program focuses on Spanish language development and cultural/historical study of Argentina. Spanish language courses and Argentine history/culture courses are taught through CELE (Centro de Español como Lengua Extranjera), an institute dedicated to teaching Spanish as a foreign language. CELE is located within the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza's large regional university (38,000 students). HWS students have complete access to University life, including student clubs and organizations (e.g., film clubs, dance groups, intramural sports, and physical education).
All students will take two courses through CELE; one will be a Spanish language course (according to their level of proficiency) and the second will be History and Culture of Argentina, which will be taught in English. (Students who are adequately prepared in Spanish may enroll in regular UNCuyo courses). In addition, students will choose two of three courses offered by the HWS faculty directors.
Fall 2012
History and Culture of Argentina - required (1 credit)
This course is taught in English and will provide an overview of Argentine history and culture through units focused on
themes such as music, economics, politics, literature and film. In addition to the readings and presentations by a
variety of guest speakers, the course will include a number of excursions to relevant local sites (museums, vineyards,
and local businesses) as well as longer program excursions that may include Patagonia and Iguazu Falls/Misiones.
Spanish Language - required (1 credit) - according to your level of proficiency
In addition to these courses, students will select two of the following three courses:
Religion and Nature (1 credit)
This course explores the relationship between various religious traditions and religious ideas and the natural
world. This course is cross-listed as a humanities core course in
Environmental Studies.
Nationalism (1 credit)
This course explores the ways in which nationalism can be
understood within the field of religious studies. Of key importance is the way in which national myths take shape and
are used to develop a national identity. We will explore texts that specifically reflect Argentine national myths, such
as the myth of the gaucho, and we will compare and contrast these myths with national myths of the US. In addition,
the course will examine the ways governments in both countries have sought to augment and employ these myths in
pursuit of political policies. Although this is a 400-level course, there is no Religious Studies pre-requisite and students
with no prior courses in Religious Studies are welcome. This course is cross-listed with International Relations, Latin
American Studies and American Studies.
Theories of Psychopathology (1 credit)
This course primarily focuses on the theoretical models, diagnosis and assessment of
adult psychological disorders. Childhood disorders, relevant controversies and prevention are also covered, time permitting.
Typical readings assigned beyond the primary text include case studies and autobiographical accounts of mental illness.
Prerequisite: PSY 100.
Optional Activity
Community Service - For students who are interested, community service opportunities can be arranged by
CELE and the resident director.
Each student will live with an Argentine host family—the best way to ensure a comprehensive language and cultural immersion experience. Homestays are coordinated by the staff of CELE, which has nearly twenty years' experience matching host families and students. Breakfast and dinner are provided by the host families (see below).
The Argentina program is especially appropriate for students in religious studies, Spanish and Hispanic studies, Latin American studies, and psychology.
Open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors in good academic and social standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. One year (2 semesters) of college-level Spanish is required as a pre-requisite. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary records will be carefully screened.
The language and culture courses taught by CELE include a number of local excursions in Mendoza (including museums, wineries, and parks) along with visits to an Argentina indigenous community and a local mountain village. In addition, longer excursions to Patagonia and Iguazu Falls/Misiones are tentatively planned.
Students will be charged standard HWS tuition and room fees, 2/3 board, and a $550 administrative fee. This will cover credit for a four-course semester, housing and partial board, and all course-related excursions. Note that students should bring the remaining board (approximately $850) to cover meals not included. Additional expenses not covered include airfare, visa, books and other course related materials, and personal expenses (entertainment, some local ground transportation and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at $1300 from the East Coast, and books and course-related materials at $250. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1000 above and beyond the extra amount you need to bring to cover the meals not included. However, students on a tight budget should be able to manage with less. If you are concerned about finances, we strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.
NOTE: The information contained in this brochure is subject to change. Please see the CGE for more information.