Introduction The intensive Spanish language program at the Universidad Interamericana in San Germán, Puerto Rico, is one of a number of Education Abroad Programs conducted by The Pennsylvania State University in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Latin America, and Asia. More than 600 students from a wide variety of majors participate annually in these programs. The Office of Education Abroad Programs conducts the San Germán program in cooperation with the Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Objectives The Penn State Education Abroad program at the Universidad Interamericana in San Germán, Puerto Rico, functions within the context of the objectives characterizing all of Penn State’s study abroad opportunities, especially to: – enable students to receive instruction in several disciplines within the context of another culture and to enrich their general academic studies; – provide adequate professional training when a study abroad experience is especially desirable, and to add to the intellectual and professional development of students in specialized fields of study; – enable students to expand their knowledge of the culture of a country or region of the world by living and studying abroad and at the same time to gain a more objective perspective of the values and way of life in their own country; – promote the educational goals of the University by providing an overseas program designed to increase the international understanding of students. Specifically, the San Germán program aims to: – enhance the Spanish language proficiency of participating students; – provide an opportunity for Penn State students to study Spanish language and culture in an authentic Hispanic environment, while living in University residence halls with Spanish-speaking students; – afford students exposure to a Caribbean culture that is uniquely tied to the United States politically and culturally, yet has a distinct Puerto Rican heritage. San Germán Founded in the early sixteenth century by the Spanish Conquistadores, San Germán is one of the oldest towns in Puerto Rico. It has one of the oldest, permanent religious buildings in the New World — the chapel of Porta Coeli, built in 1606, which is now a museum of religious art that was restored by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. San Germán is predominantly a university town with a population of about 30,000 people. It is located thirty minutes from Mayaguez and an hour from two of the island’s loveliest beaches, near the town of Rincon. The city of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is only a three-hour bus ride from San Germán, and houses the ancient walled city of Old San Juan. Universidad Interamericana at San Germán The Universidad Interamericana is the largest private university in Puerto Rico, with more than a half-dozen campuses located throughout the island. The Recinto de San Germán, founded in 1912 and enrolling approximately 6,000 students, is the second largest of these campuses and has earned a reputation for high academic quality. Universidad Interamericana was the first university outside of the Continental United States accredited by the Middle States Accreditation Association. Program Description Participants in the San Germán program enroll during the Spring semester (i.e. from January through May.) This intensive Spanish-language program is designed for intermediate Spanish-language students. Students take 12 credits in Intensive Spanish (Spanish 110, 120, 200, and 410) and a 3- credit course in Caribbean Culture (Spanish 131). These courses are taught by faculty members of the Universidad Interamericana but have been specially tailored for Penn State students. Regular tutorials will be available for students who feel the need of additional practice. Daily class contact hours may be adjusted to incorporate excursions during the course of the semester. Students who have already completed two of the above listed courses have the option of enrolling into one or two regularly-listed courses at the Universidad Interamericana. Grading As with any course at Penn State, responsibility for assessing the students' academic achievement lies with the course instructors. Accreditation All select number of courses offered within the frame of this program are accredited under the course numbers indicated, as listed in the Penn State Baccalaureate Degree Programs Bulletin. No transfer of credit is necessary since the student remains registered at Penn State while enrolled in the program. Living Arrangements Students are housed in new University dormitories, with one Penn State student residing with three Puerto Rican students in a large, well- equipped room. Meals are available in the University cafeterias five days a week, with other facilities for weekends. In addition, the dorms have kitchens, laundry facilities, and recreational rooms, with full- time residence hall advisers on duty in each dorm. Eligibility Applicants must be regularly enrolled Penn State students in good academic standing, and must show evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation. Program Prerequisites Prior to departure students must complete Spanish 003. One or more of the following courses are highly recommended before going to Puerto Rico: Spanish 231 (Masterpieces of Spanish American Literature in English Translation), History 179 (Latin American History since 1820), or History 178 (Latin American History to 1820). Orientation A carefully designed orientation program, conducted during the semester immediately prior to departure, is intended to prepare participants for the adjustment to living and studying in Puerto Rico. Orientation aims to provide the background information required to maximize the educational and personal benefits to be derived from study abroad. Attendance at all orientation sessions is mandatory. Costs Tuition is the same as at the University Park campus and is payable at the Bursar's Office in accordance with the standard procedures and deadlines for regular charges at University Park. Students are also required to pay a $150.00 non-refundable program fee at the time of accepting an offer of enrollment in the program. Cost for residence halls is paid through Penn State but is based upon standard rates at the Interamerican University. Students are responsible for paying for their own food, and may need to purchase health insurance on site. Round-trip air transportation is an additional cost to the student. Group travel arrangements may result in significantly lower fares than those available on an individual basis. Textbooks and personal expenses are extra. The Office of Education Abroad Programs has a cost sheet that gives an estimate of overall expenses for each semester. Financial Assistance The standard forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since students remain registered at Penn State while abroad, financial aid packages continue during the time in which a student is enrolled in this program. The Office of Education Abroad Programs coordinates closely with the Office of Student Aid to help needy students obtain funds to cover the additional costs entailed by study abroad. The Office of Education Abroad Programs also has a modest grant-in-aid fund that can be drawn upon for exceptionally needy and qualified students. Health Insurance All participants are required to carry sufficient health and accident insurance. Students who do not have health insurance from an approved list are required to purchase Universidad Inter-Americana insurance upon arrival. Personal liability insurance is strongly recommended. Planning Ahead To exploit the many advantages and opportunities of a study abroad experience, it is essential that students, in consultation with their academic advisers, plan well in advance. With careful planning, every Penn State student, regardless of major, not only gains regular Penn State credit while maintaining normal progress toward graduation, but can often apply the credits earned abroad to general education requirements, electives, and language requirements. Like all of Penn State’s semester and year-long Education Abroad Programs, this program satisfies the University’s cultural diversity requirement. As part of the application process, students are required to check with their advisers or deans to discuss what impact study abroad may have on their progress toward graduation. For further program information and application forms, contact your campus Education Abroad Adviser or the: Office of Education Abroad Programs The Pennsylvania State University 222 Boucke Building University Park, PA 16802-5900 Tel: (814) 865-7681 For more specific information on courses, contact: Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese The Pennsylvania State University N351 Burrowes Building University Park, PA 16802-6203 Tel. (814) 865-4252