For information on Cuernavaca 2008 Study Abroad Program

For those who are interested in participating in the 2008 Summer Study Abroad Program in Cuernavaca, go to: http://utacuernavaca2008.wordpress.com. There you will find applications procedures, the application form along with the Student Budget Estimate. If you have any questions downloading these documents, please contact me at: elliott@uta.edu.

Study Abroad in Cuernavaca–Study, Live, Interact, Learn and Experience! July 5th-August 4th, 2008!

Come to the Study Abroad Fair

Wednesday, September 26th, from 11:00am-2:00 pm

PALO DURO LOUNGE

 

 

All good things must come to an end!

The time finally came when we had to leave Cuernavaca–with mixed feelings. The last month has flown by and I was so fortunate to have a great group of students. This was the first time I had ever directed a study abroad program and I couldn’t have handpicked a better group of students. Each and every one of you had your own story to share and all of you enriched my life in some way, both professionally and personally. At the beginning of the program, some of you spoke only a few words of Spanish but as time went by, I saw you develop your speaking skills at a superhuman rate and gain a sense of confidence that was unprecedented. In my final meetings with the administrators and professors at the institute, they complimented me for having brought a group of students who were motivated, open to experiencing a new culture, and very eager to learn. I take my hat off to all of you who participated in program and congratulate you on your achievements. Thank you for making this one of the most positive experiences of my life. I hope you can say the same.

I dedicate this one last entry to the following people whom I will always remember fondly:

Diana: I am so proud that you stuck to it in spite of everything that was going on at home. I was very worried at first, but was thrilled when everything worked out. You owe your sister a night out on the town. Very few people have your strength and determination.

Gerald: Your inquisitive nature about language and linguistics kept all your professors on their toes. You’re a real pleasure to have in class. What language will you tackle next? Hold on to Ida, she’s a great person to have!

Shawn: You get the award for the most improvement in Spanish. Don’t just take my word for it, talk to your professors at the institute! They were amazed, too!

Michelle: Your smile and sense of humor made every day brighter. As Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, “Scarecrow, I think I will miss you the most!” Sorry your trip home wasn’t the most pleasant one. I was glad to be there to help! Cuídate, from “Chime I”. (pronounced “chee-may”)

Celina: “Hey, has anyone seen my cellphone???? Wait a gosh darn minute! –¿Dónde está la pila de mi teléfono?” Can’t wait till the next party at the institute. ¿Margaritas, anyone?

Ida: To the future president of Norway! Thank you for our long talks in the courtyard of the institute.

Tiffany: You came to remember how important “mamá” can be! “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” You have a great smile, don’t lose it along the way!

Kelyn: Thanks for helping out and being my “right-hand woman” on our bus trip to the airport! I couldn’t have done it without you!

Lucy and Amanda: You two are so lucky to have each other as friends. I now know the true meaning of “cuates”. Good friends are hard to come by. What a great support system!

Samantha: “Good-night, sleep tight, don’t let the chinches bite!”

Mateo: Remember us when you get your prime-time comedy show and are rolling in the dough. Jerry Seinfeld has nothing over you!

Citlali: To the only student in the group who could NOT have a change of family! I’m so glad you got to learn more about your cultural heritage.

Jessica: You receive the award for being the person who had the most calming effect in the group. You’re level-headed and approached every problem with a “we can solve it” attitude…no need to get upset. Are you and Sherry polar opposites?

Sherry: From one Type-A personality to another, don’t lose that bag I gave you! Thank you for having an open mind and letting someone else take the wheel. I know it was hard to understand why things happen the way they do in other cultures, but you learned to roll with the punches. From now on, I will always affectionately think of you as “Cassius Clay, número 2″. Hey, anyone want to go to the “Caca Inn” in Acapulco?

One last thought: I hope Matt’s email titled, “People you will never talk to again” is not prophetic. Let’s hope that the friendships you made will be long-lasting. I wish each and every one of you the best of luck. If you’re ever on campus, or simply want to talk, you all know how to get in touch with me.

Un fuerte abrazo,

Su profesor.

P.S.  Feel free to add comments!

Pictures of Cuernavaca

Click on the vodpod icon on the right hand side to see some pictures of the group in Cuernavaca.

The BIG day is HERE!!!!

Today’s the day we’ve been waiting for.  See everyone at the airport!!!  Or should I say, “Nos veremos en el aeropuerto”?

Accepted forms of payment at the Institute:

The Institute just informed me that they accept American Express Traveler’s Checks; Pesos and Dollars.  They just informed me that they do not accept credit cards.  ATM cards used at local machines are limited to $300.00 per day.  This might vary depending on your bank!

Un mensaje del director del Instituto: Dr. Francisco Ramos

Queridos estudiantes,

Estamos en el proceso de hacer todos los preparativos para su llegada al Spanish Language Institute en Cuernavaca. Antes de venir, quería enviarles la siguiente información sobre los costos actualizados del programa. También encontrarán información sobre el pago, uso del Internet y el Cybercafé, etc. Pronto recibirán una lista de las familias donde van a vivir mientras estén en Cuernavaca.

Los costos por estudiante serían :
REGISTRO $100 US
COLEGIATURA $720 (4 semanas)
HOSPEDAJE $620 (31 noches)

TRANSPORTE
AEROPUERTO $60 (redondo)

TOTAL : $1,500

Incluye descuento del 20% en la colegiatura. La habitación sería compartida.
El transporte es en grupo, y transporte de la escuela.

No incluye lavandería, libros, excursiones o gastos personales durante su
estancia en Cuernavaca.

Todo los pagos podrán hacerlos en Cuernavaca con Cheques de Viajero American
Express, pesos (¿ATM?), dólares.

La asignación de las familias las hacemos cerca de las fechas de llegada,
pues los estudiantes llegan (nuevos) y salen cada fin de semana. Cuando
damos nombres con mucha anticipación, a veces las familias cancelan o
deciden viajar, etc. Te enviaremos una lista con los nombres y número de
teléfono. Sería difícil dar un perfil de la familia para cada estudiante
pero acomodaremos a los estudiantes de acuerdo a sus peticiones y
necesidades, asi como lo de las dietas, alergias y preferencias de compañero
de cuarto.

Tenemos dos computadoras. También hay un Cyber Café a la vuelta, muy cerca.
El costo es de $10.00 pesos por hora. Hay varios de estos cafés en la
ciudad. En la escuela tenemos la conexión inalámbrica (WiFi), para las
portátiles (Laptops).

Yo daré una orientación de casi dos horas, en inglés. Hablaré del programa,
actividades opcionales, la salud, transporte, uso del teléfono, actitud,
etc.

Te mando un saludo y seguimos en contacto.
Paco

U.S. is more laxed on the Passport rules:

Dear students,

As you already know, the United Stated government passed a law requiring all U.S. citizens to have a passport in order to be admitted into the United States.  Very recently, the laws regarding passports has been lessened, however, you should be aware of certain restrictions.   Below you will find a posting that I copied from http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.   For more information, please refer directly to the government’s website.  If you have any questions, as always, feel free to contact me.

_________________________________

TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS ANNOUNCED:  

The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced Friday, June 8, that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air. This accommodation does not mean that Americans are exempt from meeting the entry requirements of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, some of which require a passport, certified birth certificate, or other evidence of citizenship for entry.

We have reached out to the governments of countries affected by WHTI to consult with them about our announcement. Many of them have agreed to take a flexible approach toward their own entry requirements. For the most current information on entry requirements at their destination, travelers should contact their airline.

U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.  The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was mandated by Congress in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors. WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007.

Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child’s proof of application status. Children traveling alone should carry a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record of birth in the United States in addition to their passport application status documentation. This accommodation applies to all American citizens who apply for passports, until September 30, when this accommodation period ends. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.

Since implementation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has and will continue to exercise its current authorities in unique circumstances to allow individuals subject to the WHTI requirements into the United States based on other evidence of identity and citizenship.

Travel document security remains a top priority for the U.S. Government.  Both the 9/11 Commission and the U.S. Congress urged strengthening of travel documents to prevent entry of terrorists across our borders, reduce use of fraudulent documents, and speed up entry procedures.

Countdown to Mexico

Countdown To Cuernavaca

Money makes the world go ’round: From Dollars to Mexican Pesos.

As you get closer to your trip to Cuernavaca and the Spanish Language Institute, it’s always nice to have a general idea about the local currency–the Mexican Peso. In 1993, Mexico issued “Nuevo” pesos (new pesos) in order to stem inflation, and the last two zeros were removed from the value – in other words, an “old” peso coin with a face value of $1000 was worth what a $10 nuevo peso coin is worth today. Currency prior to 1993 is very common, and is no longer accepted for exchange. The only value of Mexican currency from 1970-1992, should you happen to have some, is as a souvenir or novelty.

CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE:  1 US DOLLAR = 10.78 MEXICAN PESOS (As of Saturday, June 15th, 2007)

These are images of Mexican coins currently in circulation. Anything prior to 1993, has no monetary value. The Mexican peso coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 pesos. The 20 peso coin is relatively rare. There are also coins in denominations of cents: 5, 10, 20, and 50, called “centavos”.

Below are the Mexican peso notes in circulation. The 1000 Peso bill is very rare and may not be accepted at all places. Guard your change well as nobody seems to have it and you are almost always asked for an odd peso to round up or down.