Study Abroad

Mexico

Puebla Internship Program

PUEBLA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Puebla Internship Program is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the Spanish language and experience Mexican culture. Designed as a capstone experience, this program was originally designed for Spanish and Spanish Education majors intent on receiving a significant work/teaching experience while improving their Spanish language skills. It has been expanded to include students from other areas of the university (Business and Marketing, Social Work and Criminal Justice, Political Science, Archaeology and Anthropology, etc.) who have studied Spanish through at least Intermediate Spanish (SPA 303/304) or who are native speakers of the language.

PUEBLA
Known as “the city of tiles,” Puebla is Mexico’s sixth largest city with more than a million inhabitants. At an altitude of 7050 feet, Puebla has a unique climate. From late April until early November afternoon showers are common, but the days are always warm and the nights cool. It is located near the snow-capped mountain known as “Popocatepetl” which means “the Kneeling Warrior.” The Puebla region is an important anthropological and historical repository. Here, the battle of Cinco de Mayo was fought against the French. It is a town of quaint charm, and hidden convents with Spanish-style patios, flowery arches and “cantera” fountains. A short distance from Puebla is the city of Cholula, famed for its pyramids and many churches.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The internship in Puebla will be for five weeks—with a weekly seminar—offering the Mexican Civilization course as well as the Current Events course. However, both courses will include an assignment for the final four weeks in the Nahua village described below.

The last four weeks of the program will be spent in Cuetzalan in the Sierra Norte of the state of Puebla. Located in the midst of beautiful mountain and surrounded by Nahua indigenous villages, Cuetzalan is a picturesque county seat of about 30,000 in habitants.

Participants in the program will be housed in a hotel run by a cooperative of indigenous women. They will be teaching ETL (English as a Third Language) to young people in San Miguel Tzinacapan. In San Miguel, Nahuatl is the language of the home, Spanish is learned as children enter primary school. In addition to teaching English four hours a day, students will be able to enter into the life of the village, getting to know the people, eating in their homes and sharing their lives. It is possible to receive ESL credit for this part of the program.

Advanced Spanish Language Courses (3-4 credits)

• Mexican Civilization (taught in Spanish) 3 credits
• Current Events 1 credit

Practical Work/Classroom Experience/Internship (2-3 credits)

• SPA 450 International Internship in Spanish 2-3 credits
• C-I 445 Refining Teaching Skills/Level III Clinical Experience 3 credits
• INS 450 International Internship 3 credits
• Department 450 Internship

A Modern Languages Advisor  for the Puebla program has been identified:

Program	Advisor	Office	Email
Puebla, Mexico	Hindson	311B GMH	hindson.jean@uwlax.edu

COURSE EQUIVALENCIES
The course equivalencies spreadsheets have been compiled from past approved Academic Plan forms.  They show when the course was last approved and how it transferred back to La Crosse.  You may notice that some classes satisfied several UWL options.

This list is not comprehensive nor does it take the place of  meeting with your advisor for final approval!  They are meant to be a guide of what courses may be appropriate for your studies abroad.

DIRECTOR AND FACULTY
David Brye, Director of the Puebla Teachers’ Internship Program, has lived and worked in Mexico since 1981. He has taught at the University of the Americas-Puebla, the University of Monterrey, and the Institituto Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM). Before relocating to Mexico, he received his M.A. and Ph.D. in History from Harvard University and taught at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, for 16 years. He has created and directed many programs in Mexico over the last dozen years.

The faculty for the program will be chosen from Puebla universities and language schools. Most will have Ph.D.’s or Master’s in their fields. The language teachers will be native speakers of English.

HOUSING AND MEALS
Students in the program will be housed with middle class families who are experienced in working with international programs. Normally, only one student is placed with each family to allow for maximum exposure to the language and culture.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Before you travel abroad, you will need to obtain a passport, which will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship. A passport may allow you to gain entry to (and exit from) other countries. Depending on the country to which you're traveling, a visa may be required as well. Entry requirements vary from one country to another. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings specific to certain countries, and offers tips and publications relevant to travel abroad generally. Well in advance of your departure, you should also familiarize yourself with international travel health issues, and health recommendations specific to your destination.

PROGRAM FEE
The program fee includes the following:

• Tuition (6-7 credits)
• University and Administrative Fees
• Homestay with meals, hotel, and meals on field trips
• Ground Transportation from Mexico City to Puebla upon arrival
• Visit to Cuetzalan and San Miguel Tzinacapan (an indigenous village)
• Study Abroad Health Insurance (mandated by UW System)
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
• Study Abroad Graduation Sash

All program fees subject to change. Valid for undergraduate Wisconsin residents only; out-of-state students pay Minnesota reciprocity or a non-resident surcharge.

Airfare is not included in the program fee.

Financial aid is applicable.
Refer to Program Fees for the most current program fee.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

• 2.5 minimum GPA
• The desire to experience the world and receive academic credit for doing it!

ORIENTATION
All students will be required to attend a pre-departure orientation. The orientation will help you prepare for international travel in general, and for the experience of visiting Mexico. Program alumni will be on hand to answer your questions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tips and Advice from Program Alumni

 

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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

Telephone: 608-785-8016

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E-Mail: studyabroad@uwlax.edu

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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State St. La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-8000