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Academic Credits in Sucre, Bolivia

Location


Sandwiched between Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Chile and straddling the Andes, Bolivia is known as the "Tibet of the Americas" because it is the highest and most isolated of the Andean nations located in South America.

About twice the size of Spain, Bolivia possesses nearly every possible climate and terrain from the snow capped peaks of over 21,000 feet to the to the semi-tropical lowlands to the steaming jungles of the Bolivian Amazon Basin. Unfortunately, the country became landlocked in 1880 when it lost its sea cost to Chile in the Pacific War.

Offsetting this one missing element is Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable inland sea in the world. Boasting crystal blue waters, reed boats and islands known for pre-Colombian ruins.

Besides great scenery, one has the opportunity to see various exotic birds, plants, insects, and animals due to Bolivia's relatively sparse population, lack of development and diverse geography.

In 1987 UNESCO designated Sucre as "Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad".

Sucre is the beautiful colonial judicial capital located in the Andean highlands of Bolivia. Known as the "White City of the Americas" due to its numerous colonial buildings, all of which are painted in white and topped with shiny red tile roofs. Set in a valley surrounded by low mountains, Sucre is small (pop. 150,000) so that it is very easy to explore on foot.

A university town, known as the center of learning and progressive thought within Bolivia, Sucre has many museums, a lively central plaza, shops and restaurants. The city has a youthful, energetic feel despite its old-fashioned look created by the numerous ancient mansions and colonial churches.

This charming colonial city and its nearby villages has a sizable Indigenous population who maintain their customs and colorful dress. Locals and visitors are attracted to the markets where food, textiles and other products are sold in barter fashion. Nearby is Potosi, which was one of the most important silver mining centers in the world with the largest and richest population in Latin America (SIGLO XVII). It is an integral part of Bolivian history.

School
 

Our school is located in the heart of Sucre, one block away from the city center (Plaza Central 25 de Mayo) within close proximity to virtually everything of interest within the city. Classes are held in a 2 story building with fourteen classrooms, kitchen, a salon (for videos, etc.) story building with colonial balconies, an interior patio, a small area to get sun tan, entertainment room, and a beautiful cafeteria "El Café Quito".The capacity is about 40 students at any one time and participants are about 50% from Europe and 50% from North America.

One of the important features of the Academia Latinoamericana de Español experience is that students with little or no Spanish may study for as long periods and begin to master to Spanish language.  The excellent testing program allows placement of students in classes at their exact level, and weekly evaluations make it possible to continue to move students through their weekly classes in such a way that they are continually challenged but not frustrated by being slightly ahead or slightly behind their classmates. The number of participants in any class is never over four, and is frequently less. Students move in and out of classes on a weekly basis depending on their ability and their motivation for outside study. Our teachers are all native Spanish speakers, who have received extensive training in  teaching their language to adult learners.
 

With the Academia  you can study Spanish at the heart of the white city of Sucre. It is an excellent program for those who wish to develop a working knowledge of Spanish and also learn something of the culture and customs of Bolivia, a fascinating Andean countries.

 

Accreditation:
 

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS - Study Abroad programs in Sucre
The Academia is registered with and recognized by the Bolivian Ministry of Education, and is partnered with Alma College to offer Undergraduate academic credits. Quality is the hallmark of participation in the Alma College program in Sucre. Alma College, a highly selective liberal arts college located in central Michigan, is recognized as a Baccalaureate I school by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. A Phi Beta Kappa institution. Alma College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Credit is awarded for all levels of study, from beginning to advanced levels of Spanish. All academic credit is fully transferable to other accredited colleges and universities. Students enrolling will receive from 12 to 18 semester credits for each completed semester in Bolivia. For most American institutions this reflects a standard load of four courses, three credits each. Summer students will receive at least three credits for each month of intensive instruction.

The Academia also offers credits for, or has relationships with the following Universities/organizations

University of Southern Mississippi, USA
New Mexico State University
Mary Washington University
University of Wyoming, USA
The Citadel University, USA
Virginia Military Institute (VMI), USA
Central University in Quito, Ecuador
Council for International Education, USA
International Society for Academic Research Expeditions, USA
South American Explorers Club, USA


Academic Courses

 

Spanish Courses

  Code

Level

Credits Weeks Hours
  SPA 111-112  BEGINNING SPANISH I-II 3 4 80  
  SPA 212-222  INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I-II 3 4 80  
  SPA 229  INDEPENDENT STUDY 3 4 80  
  SPA 311-312  SPANISH GRAMMAR I-II 3 4 80  
  SPA 313-314  SPANISH GRAMMAR III-IV 3 4 80  
  SPA 315-316  ADVANCED SPANISH LANGUAGE 3 4 80  

 

Additional Academic Courses

  Code

Level

Credits Weeks Hours
  SPA 335  SPANISH FOR BUSINESS & COMMERCE 3 4 80  
  SPA 344  REGIONAL LITERATURE OF HISPANIC AMERICA 3 4 80  
  SPA 352  HISPANIC-AMERICAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION 3 4 80  
  SPA 364  INDIGENOUS CULTURES 3 4 80  
  SPA 372  HISPANIC-AMERICAN LITERATURE SINCE 1888 3 4 80  
  SPA 374  REGIONAL HISTORY OF HISPANIC AMERICA (Ecuador-Peru-Bolivia) 3 4 80  
  SPA 385  INTERNSHIP 3 4 80

Additional Courses Available (can be run in conjunction with the academic program)

Volunteer Work

Two-four weeks preparatory classes, followed by a one month minimum of volunteer work After this requirement is met, students may extend their program with work only. The student will need to send us a resume of their studies in order to arrange part-time work according to their needs. Student will receive a certificate from the organization and the Academia Latinoamericana at the end of the course.

The volunteer program is for people interested in learning about sustainable solutions to poverty. All volunteers will work in partnership with local people in a variety of community-based projects. This unique program offers exciting hands-on work opportunities, meaningful cultural immersion, and enriching language program. 

click here for more info on Volunteer programs

Flavors of the Andes Program

A full day's fun is scheduled for this course, combining morning classes with lunch included with your own tutor at local restaurants in the city of Sucre, tasting the local cuisine while you continue practicing your Spanish. This way you will be surrounded by the warmth and joy of a true Latin culture is a culinary celebration of art, history, music, and folklore.  It is one of the most delicious and wonderful ways to experience a country in a most delightful way! The Andean region is a cornucopia to the international pantry and its list of gifts is impressive many times over: tomatoes, corn, potatoes, chocolate, exotic tropical fruits, corn and so much more.  Conversation and interaction soar around the table for everyone who is there to share and enjoy these memories of Andean cuisine and a true Spanish immersion all the way.
Price $390 per week (on off registration fee of $40)
includes 5 days of classes (from Monday to Friday), 20 hours of group classes and 3 hours of individualized tutoring while having lunch at a local restaurant, 7 days  with your host family (2 meals per day), laundry service, airport transfer upon arrival.  Mail service, money exchange, safety box, luggage storage, and use of sports facilities are also included.

 

Medical Program

ACADEMIA MEDICAL SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM is a language learning program giving medical students and Doctors the opportunity to learn Spanish while learning about another country's medical system. Students are exposed to different cultural practices and traditions and also have opportunities to establish relationships with others with the shared goal of healing and serving those in the community.

Programs are offered in Quito-Ecuador, Cusco-Peru & Sucre-Bolivia. Although each program’s specific itinerary varies, each program will place you in a variety of health settings and includes discussions/lectures to give you an overall picture of the medical practice in Andean countries. Many past participants on Academia Medical Service Learning Program were able to “witness surgeries and births, draw blood and suture, give shots, read films, take histories, and witness and help with physical exams IN SPANISH."

Each program also includes Spanish classes (some emphasis on medical terminology), lodging with local families, full board, cultural activities and some excursions to immerse you in the culture. We are sure what you learn by participating in Academia Medical Service Learning Program will be beneficial and needed in your medial practice in years to come

For further information please feel free to contact us.

 

 

Services Summary

Language taught: Spanish

Class Times: normally mornings

Average Class Size: 2-3

Maximum Class Size: 4

Nearest Airport: Sucre

Airport transfer  Yes

Location Type Historic City

Public Transport  Excellent

Buildings Historic Colonial

Garden / Terrace  Yes

Library  Yes

Newspapers / Magazines  Yes

Message Service Yes

Internet Access  Yes, several internet cafes (very cheap prices) within 5 minutes walk of the school

Course Materials Provided with course

Student Nationalities  USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Swiss, Japanese,

Holidays: National holidays only

Activities Available

As part of the language program, we offer 2-3 organized activities every week. In addition, students will find a daily schedule of cultural events in Sucre and surrounding areas, locations of theaters, museums, festivals as well as tickets prices are available. Activities include: Visits to local areas of interest, dance classes, cooking classes, parties & fiestas, Spanish languages videos & movies, seminars & discussion groups

Accommodation

Home stays

Includes two meals (breakfast and lunch), private room, bathroom, laundry service once a week
Families belong to Bolivia's middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Bolivia are much lower than Europe or North America. Family homes are located in neighbourhoods usually nor more than a 10 to 20 minute walk to school. Participants choosing to stay with a family should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility will be required to adjust to the Bolivian customs and way of life.
Overall, the homestay should be one of the highlights of your trip but sometimes problems do arise. Notify the director of the school of any problems or if you wish to change families (there is no charge for this).
You will receive a key to the outside door and will be able to come and go as you please. You are not obligated to eat your meals with the family, but you should notify them when you will not be eating at home. Food and drink served by your host family is safe.

Groups of families staying together: A few homestays can accommodate this.

Prices

Spring Quarter
12 weeks classes
Total cost for tuition, room and board:  $3,600 
Room and board $1,260 + tuition $2,340

Fall Semester
16 weeks classes, 1-week vacation (Sept 26 - 30)
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $4,800
Room and board $1,785 + tuition $3,015

Fall Quarter
12 weeks classes
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $3,600
Room and board $1,260 + tuition $2,340

Academic Year
32 weeks classes, 2 semester and Christmas vacations
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $9440 
Room and board $3,570 + tuition $5,870

Winter Semester
16 weeks classes, 1-week vacation (March 27 to April 3)
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $4,800
Room and board $1,785 + tuition $3,015
 
Winter Quarter
12 weeks classes
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $3,600
Room and board $1,260 + tuition $2,340

Summer Courses
Summer students may create their own program. Courses start every Monday. All prices includes room and board (private room, breakfast & dinner), laundry service, teaching material, airport pick up, weekly evaluations and certificate at the end of the course.

 

Term
Tuition
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
16 weeks
$ 1,320
$ 2,640
$ 3,960
$ 4,960

 

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