Semester in Mexico takes place at Universidad Internacional, the only university in the world that was born from a Spanish-language school. The University holds strong to its roots as a world leader in language learning. You can develop your Spanish-language proficiency and take classes ranging from art to education to psychology to political science, all of which are taught in Spanish.
Programs taught in Spanish only (full immersion)
Intensive Spanish Language for Beginners
Classes run Monday to Friday, 6 hours a day. Each day includes 3 hours of Spanish classes, 2 hours of grammar, and 1 hour of cultural lectures or conversation. You can take additional enrichment classes in the afternoons at no extra cost.
Intensive Spanish Language for Intermediate–Advanced
Same schedule as above, except courses in Latin American history and culture can be substituted for the grammar courses. Service learning courses are also available with this option.
Weekly schedule details for full immersion programs
Intensive Spanish Language Class (3 hrs)
After a brief entrance exam and oral interview with a Spanish professor, you will be placed in a small group according to your previous level of Spanish fluency, your ability to communicate, and your interests. No more than 5 students are assigned to a professor. This guarantees the individual attention you need and encourages interaction among the group. You’ll focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Latin American or Grammar Courses (2 hrs)
This flexible option lets you choose from an assortment of classes—all taught in Spanish—in the following areas: art, business, education, history, Latin-American studies, linguistics, literature, political science, psychology, religion, and Spanish grammar.
Cultural Lectures, Idiomatic Expressions, or Conversation (1 hr)
This component is designed to improve your listening and conversational Spanish- language skills. In the process, you will learn more about Mexican culture, with discussions on topics like holidays, festivities, and family life. You will be encouraged to contrast your own culture with that of Mexico. You will also learn idiomatic expressions that will help you interact with and better understand the culture.
Optional classes
Universidad Internacional also offers several optional classes in the afternoon at no extra cost, such as:
Functional Spanish (1 hr)
Put into practice in a daily context the knowledge you’ve acquired both in and out of the classroom. You’ll hear Mexican songs, learn idiomatic expressions and slang, and discuss music, movies, and popular culture.
Conversation, Field Trips, and Intercultural Activities (2 hrs)
Practice your communication and pronunciation while interacting with Mexican high school students in activities of mutual interest, such as games, handcrafts, and the like.
Specialized Vocabulary (2 hrs)
Learn to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking clients, students, and patients. This course will be organized according to your needs and goals.
Programs taught in Spanish and English
Language, Culture, and International Studies (all language levels)
You will enroll in the Intensive Spanish-Language Program (described above) plus one or two classes taught in English. Among the subject areas: advertising, business management, history, intercultural communication, international relations, and law. These courses typically run a month longer than the Intensive Spanish-Language program. Note that with this option, you can take only classes offered in the afternoons and early evenings, as your Spanish-language courses run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. Also, course availability can’t be confirmed until a few days before the semester starts, so you’ll need to have a bit of flexibility.
GPA Required: 2.5. If you find your GPA is lower than the requirement, do not despair! Use the "Contact An Advisor" button on this page or call us to let us know your situation. We'll do all we can to find the right program for you.
How to choose your courses
Now the fun part! As part of the application process you will be required to complete the CIS Course Selection Worksheet found in the CIS Application Packet. The following instructions will guide you through the steps of choosing your courses for the Language, Culture, and International Studies program.
Course load:
Intensive Spanish Language Program (all levels, full immersion)
12 weeks (12 credits)
Intensive Spanish Language
High-intermediate to advanced students may add 1-6 credits with Latin American courses (3 credits each) and/or an internship (1–3 credits)
Language and International Studies Program
12 weeks (12 credits)
Intensive Spanish Language (3–6 credits) plus one or two electives:
Beginners may take electives (across disciplines) taught in English. You will be in class with Mexican students. You must have flexibility in course approval at your home university, as these classes are limited.
High-intermediate to advanced students may take a combination of the following: Latin American courses (3 credits each), an internship (1–3 credits), electives (across disciplines) in Spanish with Mexican students (3 credits each).
Course approval: Before you go abroad, it is best to get 7–8 classes approved for your semester program. This gives you some flexibility in setting up your class schedule. Think about courses required for your major, but also courses that fulfill your elective requirements. You should get all classes (including any internship) preapproved by your home institution advisor. Pay close attention to the language level required for each course. Beginner-level Spanish speakers should stick to 100- and 200-level courses.
Course descriptions and catalog: Click here to view your course options.