Frequently Asked Questions


How much can I expect to improve my Spanish?
How hard are you willing to work? We will provide a conversationally based academic curriculum and ample opportunity for you to progress towards your goal of fluency. Students of all levels make huge strides in fluency each summer.
How much Spanish do I need to have studied before I go?
Three semesters of college Spanish or their equivalent are prerequisite for the 220 course. Three semesters of college Spanish or their equivalent are prerequisite to the courses at the 200-300 level. Four semesters of college Spanish or their equivalent are prerequisite to the courses at the 500-600 level; graduate standing is prerequisite to all 800 level courses.
I know a lot of Spanish but do not feel as strongly about my conversational abilities. Is this program for me?
Yes! Each summer present and future Spanish teachers as well as graduate students study with WSU in Puebla with the goal of honing their grammatical and conversational abilities.
I do not know a lot of Spanish but really want to "jumpstart" my study of the language. Is this program for me?
Yes! As long as you meet the prerequisites for the courses you plan to enroll in, you will be able to take advantage of the unique opportunity that our program provides. Each summer we have a very diverse group. Intermediate and advanced students make tremendous progress in six weeks time.
I am a high school, middle school, or grade school teacher looking for continuing education credit. Is this program for me?
Yes! Each summer there are participants earning WSU credit towards re-certification and licensure requirements. Again, as long as you meet the prerequisites for the courses you plan on receiving credit for, credit taken at the appropriate level will be earned.
I am a non-traditional or non-WSU student. What is the make-up of the group?
Each summer is unique. Wichita State University has a diverse student body which is reflected in each summer's group. Typically the group is comprised of about two thirds WSU students and one third students from elsewhere. About two thirds of the entire group is traditional college age students and the remaining third are non-traditional students.
I live in another state. May I participate, and how much will it cost?
Yes, both undergraduates and MA students are welcome to study in Puebla with the group from Wichita State! Undergrads should apply through the WSU Office of Admissions, and graduate students through the WSU Graduate School. Cost is the same for all students: approximately $5,200 for undergraduates and $5,700 for graduate students, for 6 credit hours.
What are the housing arrangements?
You may live with a Mexican family (two to a room) for three weeks and in the Hotel Colonial (two or three to a room) for three weeks or you may choose to stay in the hotel all 6 weeks.
Are the homes close to classes?
Most of the homes are not located near the Hotel, and most participants plan on taking a taxi or a city bus to get to the hotel for classes, although some don't mind a 20-30 minute walk some days.
What's included?

The fee which you will pay includes room and board for 40 days starting with the evening meal on Sunday, June 21st, and ending with the noon meal on Friday, July 31st. It also includes six hours tuition at Wichita State and the trips to Teotihuacán, Cholula, Tlaxcala, Mexico City, and Oaxaca.

Those of you who choose to live in a private home for 3 weeks will have some extra expenses for travel to and from the Hotel every class day.

What is the weather like in Puebla?
Puebla has a very moderate climate year round. In the summer, the high for the day is around seventy-five or eighty degrees and the evening temperature drops to about sixty. It usually rains each afternoon - some summers are wetter than others - and then things cool off. After all, at 7,200 feet, the sun is rather strong!
Do I need any special immunizations to travel to Mexico?

No, just those required in the U.S. to enroll in public school.

Still have questions? Contact Dr. Chavez at cuitlahuac.chavez@wichita.edu.

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