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Academics : International Education Study Abroad

Study Abroad, Uruguay

2008-09 Study abroad program, Uruguay
Uruguay

Spring Semester 2009

Leaders: Bea Garcia and Roberto Irurueta
Tentative Dates: midMarch  through May 1, 2009

Program:
The NMH Study Abroad Program in Uruguay will consist of four components: a homestay in which each student lives with a middle-class Uruguayan family for a total of approximately six weeks; an academic program in which students take formal classes in Spanish language, Latin American literature, History of Uruguay and Latin America, and Uruguayan culture; an apprenticeship during which students work for about three hours per day; and a travel program which consists of several weekend trips to different parts of the country. For more details, see the sample itinerary at the end of this program description.

Academic Program:
The weekdays in Montevideo involve classes and apprenticeship commitments. In collaboration with the Instituto Crandon, students take daily classes in Spanish language, Literature and culture, and History of Latin America and Uruguay, taught by the NMH leaders. At the same time, they attend a variety of workshops that include Tango and Candombe dancing, cooking and pottery among others, conducted by Uruguayan workshop leaders. An independent study project is required of each student in a special interest area. The project is to be presented the last week of the semester on campus. The teacher, the apprenticeship supervisor, and the homestay family conduct an evaluation for the student.

Homestay:
Upon arrival in Uruguay, the group stays in Montevideo, capital city of the country. They meet the families with which they are to spend the next six weeks. While students take classes, work with Uruguayans and travel throughout the country, it is clear that the homestay experience is the central focus of this program. Not only do students learn all of the above living with a family, but they also learn a great deal about themselves and develop long-lasting relationships with members of their host family.

Requirements:
This program is open to 11th and 12th grade students (except Student Leaders) who have taken at least two terms of Spanish.
Credits:
Students receive three credits for successful completion of this program, as follows:  2 credits in Spanish (1 in Spanish language, 1 in Latin American Studies) and 1 credit in either ENV415 (Environmental Studies – an International Perspective—see below) OR Arts electives.

ENV415:  Environmental Studies – an International Perspective  While on campus during the first half of the semester, students learn general environmental principles, including ecology, population, water resources, energy, and waste. As their departure for Uruguay approaches, they prepare for a topic in environmental studies with specific application to Uruguay. Once there, students use available resources to deepen their knowledge of their chosen topic and to complete a research project. Upon their return to campus, students finalize their research projects and present their findings in a public forum.

In addition, while on campus students participate in a required orientation, Intercultural Communications,  to examine some specific cross-cultural issues they will encounter while studying abroad.

Application:
The application form is available in Student Announcements on SWIS*, or at the Center for International Education in Beveridge Hall, Room 030, or x3251. The completed application including all supporting materials and the $300 application fee is due in the Center for International Education on Monday, March 31, 2008. No late applications will be accepted.

*Student Announcements --> International Education --> Study Abroad ’08-‘09 --> Application

Fee:
In addition to the regular cost of tuition, room, and board, students pay a program fee of $1850.00 plus airfare and other major transportation costs.  NMH partially subsidizes its study abroad programs in order to keep costs affordable for families. Very limited need-based financial aid may be available but is not guaranteed.

Transportation: Because this program may depart before school resumes after spring break in March 2009, it is possible this program will begin either in New York or Miami. If this is the case, students are responsible for getting their own transportation to New York or Miami to meet the group.

What former students have to say about NMH Study Abroad in Uruguay:

... I was extremely lucky with my host family. These people were so warm, caring, and loving they helped make my experience that much better.

... This program was the best thing I have ever done, and I will always remember my relationships with my family and others there.

... I LOVED IT! An amazing trip. Overall the best time of my life!

 

NMH Study Abroad: URUGUAY
Sample Itinerary*

*This itinerary is only a sample taken from previous NMH study abroad programs to Uruguay, and is to be used for promotional purposes only. The actual itinerary for 2008-09 may vary significantly from this.

Week 1:
Arrival – meeting the families
getting to know families

Week 2:
Morning classes at Instituto Crandon with Group leaders
Afternoons: Tour of Montevideo; begin Community Service

Long Weekend: visit to Rocha (east of the country)

Week 3:
Monday- Thursday: Morning classes at Instituto Crandon
Afternoons: City activities & Community Service
Friday: Day Visit to Piriapolis and Punta del Este
Weekend: with families

Week 4:
Monday- Thursday: Morning classes at Instituto Crandon
Afternoons: Candombe Workshops& Community Service
Friday: City activities
Weekend:  Visiting a “Estancia” (Interior of the country)

Week 5:
Monday- Thursday: Morning classes at Instituto Crandon
Afternoons: Uruguayan Arts and Craft workshop & Community Service
Friday: Day Visit to Colonia (West of the country)
Weekend:  Visit to Minas (Interior of the country – Hostelling stay)

Week 6:
Monday- Thursday: Morning classes at Instituto Crandon
Afternoons: Tango class, Cooking class & Community Service
Friday: City activities
Weekend: with families

Week 7:
Monday- Tuesday: Morning classes at Instituto Crandon
Afternoons: Shopping & Farewell Party
Wednesday: Depart for home; arrive NMH Thursday