Study Abroad

Argentina

Spring 2012
UCEL

The faculty director for the Spring 2012 Argentina program will be Professor Allison Wolf, and the program will be based at Simpson's partner institution, the Universidad del Centro Educativo Latinoamericano (UCEL) in Rosario, Argentina.

Simpson College's Spanish-language semester-long study abroad experience for students is based in Rosario, Argentina, a city of about 1 million people approximately 180 miles from Buenos Aires. Argentina is a very eclectic country with diverse climates, geographical features and foods. From the staggering beauty of the Iguazú Falls in the north, to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier in the south, from the impressive Andes Mountains in the west to the lights of the charming capital city of Buenos Aires in the east, there is no shortage of intriguing places to explore.

All Simpson students, regardless of major, are welcome to participate in this program. Given that Spanish is the language of communication in Argentina and the language of instruction at UCEL, participation in the program carries a prerequisite of SPAN 102: Spanish for Proficiency 2. Even this minimal language background will prime participants to make faster linguistic progress in country.

ArgentinaStudents on the program take a daily 2-hour "Spanish as a Foreign Language" class, with 2 of these days in Spanish lab sessions for 6 credits. In the afternoons, students will take two classes (3 credits each) out of three possible options on a MWF rotation. The content of the subject areas will vary from one academic year to the next and will be offered specifically for international students by UCEL professors. In addition, Professor Wolf will offer "Ethical Issues between the U.S. and South America" (4 credits) which will be taught in English and will be open to both UCEL students as well as Simpson students who can take it as an elective. Professor Wolf will also lead a 2-credit reflection course (required of all Simpson students in the program), which will allow the Simpson group to debrief and help each other better understand the cross-cultural experiences they are having. Simpson students will also be permitted to enroll in regularly offered classes at the University with the instructor's permission, as per their language level, academic interests, and curricular needs.

Students will live with host families and the students' morning and evening weekday meals, as well as all of their weekend meals, will be provided by their hosts. A stipend will be provided to students cover the cost of their weekday lunches on or near campus.  Additionally, this program offers field trips, excursions, and cultural activities throughout the semester which provide students the opportunity to learn even more about Argentina and Argentine culture.

Cost of the program
To participate in the program, students pay their regular Simpson tuition, room and board (as if they were living on campus) plus a program fee of between $2,900 - $3,400. In addition, students are also responsible for covering their air transportation costs to and from Argentina which will be approximately $1,650.

Requirements
Students must take a one-credit hour orientation course during the fall semester preceding the semester in Argentina. Students must also have a grade point average of at least 2.5 both at the time of application for the program, and at the time of departure in order to be able to study abroad. And as mentioned previously, students must have successfully completed SPAN 102 Spanish for Proficiency 2.

To apply for admission to the program, the following items need to be submitted by Wed., Mar. 30, 2011 to the Office of International Education (located in Maple House at 705 North D Street, across from the BSC parking lot):

  • Two copies of the completed study abroad application form
  • A 1-2 page personal statement explaining why you're interested in this semester program and how it fits into your educational goals.
  • A copy of your current degree audit.
  • The names and contact information for two people who could serve as references (neither of whom are related to you and at least one should be a Simpson professor).
  • A copy of the data page from your passport, if you already have it, but if you don’t already have a passport, then provide a copy of your completed passport application (with your SSN blacked out).
  • Proof of having made a non-refundable $200 deposit payment to the Business Office

When you drop off your application materials, you will be asked to sign up for a 15-minute interview with the Program Director and the International Education Coordinator, which will take place during the week of Apr. 4, 2011.

Students will be notified of their status in the Argentina program during the week of Apr. 11, 2011.   A second deposit payment of $300 will be due by October 14, 2011.

Final program payment is due to be paid with Spring Semester tuition, room, and board prior to December 31, 2011.

For more information, contact:
Allison Wolf
Associate Professor of Philosophy
 (515) 961-1223
allison.wolf@simpson.edu

or

Jay Wilkinson
International Education Coordinator
Simpson College
701 North C Street
Indianola, IA 50125
(515) 961-1288
toll free (800) 362-2454, ext. 1288
jay.wilkinson@simpson.edu

Last Updated: 11/18/11