Program Overview
Wheaton in Querétaro is an eight-week summer program that combines intensive language study and practice, cultural immersion, academic excursions and coursework, and service learning. It provides students a unique opportunity to live in and learn about the cultures, peoples, and principal language of Latin America: Spanish. Students travel to different regions of Mexico to explore course themes and engage the diversity of the region. All applications received before the application deadline will be held for review. Applications received after the application deadline will be reviewed pending available space and in the order received. Student participation will be limited to 12 students.
This program fulfills the study abroad requirement for the Spanish major at Wheaton College.
- Sponsoring Department: Modern and Classical Languages
- Program Leaders: Dr. Timothy Klingler and Dr. Stephanie Gates
- Term: Anticipated Summer 2021
- Anticipated Travel Dates: May 20 to July 16, 2021
- Estimated Cost: TBA (airfare not included)
- Prerequisites: SPAN 331: Spanish Conversation. Students must also complete the required B quad course (SPAN 352) in Spring 2021.
- Eligibility: Participation will be limited to 12 Wheaton students in good standing.
- Highlights: Live with a host family and actively participate in community life as you learn about the social, cultural, economic, political, religious, and historical issues of a Latin country from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
Program offering is subject to internal approval, minimum enrollment, and ongoing evaluation of local conditions, including enhanced health and safety reviews in light of COVID-19.
Course Offerings
Required Spring 2021 B-quad course
SPAN 352: Orientation to Wheaton in Querétaro (2 credits)
The course introduces students to basic categories of cultural difference, elements of intercultural competency, challenges common to cross-cultural sojourns, strategies for language learning, as well as the general contours of Mexico and its society - basic historical, cultural, political, economic and demographic elements.
Required Program Courses
Students earn 8 credit hours toward the Spanish major or minor during the program.
SPAN 338: Intensive Advanced Spanish (4 credit hours)
Students develop their linguistic proficiency (speaking, writing, listening, reading) in Spanish as they are immersed in Latin American culture and explore culturally significant themes and authentic texts. The course is taught collaboratively with a local Spanish professor and will include daily assignments and intensive class discussions covering diverse contemporary topics. Students will acquire common phrases and vocabulary and will explore similarities and differences between regional Spanish. Course activities require students to engage with host families, guest speakers, local church members and others they encounter in the community.
SPAN 353: Engaging Mexican Cultures and Contemporary Society (4 credit hours)
Engaging Mexican Cultures and Contemporary Society is a required integrative seminar for students participating in the Wheaton in Querétaro program. Building on themes introduced in Orientation to Wheaton in Querétaro, the course aids students in maximizing learning and personal growth—cultural, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual—during the semester study abroad experience. The course fosters integration of learning in the other WIQ course and experiences and facilitates the process of cultural adaptation. The course pushes students to further develop and apply the knowledge, concepts, attitudes/postures, and skills of intercultural competency in order to facilitate appropriate and effective interpersonal interactions and to develop meaningful relationships. Students consider and employ the concept of culture and engage in participant observation and ethnographic interviewing to explore multiple dimensions of Mexican culture.
Elective Program Course (an additional per credit hour tuition fee is charged at the standard summer tuition rate for Wheaton College.)
SPAN 495: Independent Study (2 credit hours)
Reading and individual study of selected aspect of Hispanic culture, literature, or language. Students may complete an independent study if approved in advance by one of the program leaders.
Program Fees
The estimated program fee covers tuition, fees, orientation materials, most texts, transportation to and from the airport in Mexico, group land travel in Mexico, excursions, lodging, and all meals. Program fees do not cover the cost of airfare to/from Mexico, airport exit fees, passport or visa fees, nor any other personal expenses. We recommend a minimum of $400 for personal expenses and souvenirs.
Estimated Additional Expenses: Students are responsible for the cost of airfare to/from Mexico, airport exit fees, or any other personal expenses. We recommend a minimum of $400 for personal expenses and souvenirs.
| Expense | Estimate |
|---|---|
| International airfare | $600.00 |
| Personal expenses | $400.00 |
Learn More
If you have questions or would like to know more about the Wheaton in Querétaro program, contact Dr. Timothy Klingler, Associate Lecturer of Spanish, for further information.
How to Apply
To apply, visit GoGlobal, Wheaton College's registration system for off-campus study and international travel, research, and internships.