JMU in Argentina

Summer 2012: June 13 - August 7 (tentative dates)

Program Location

This 9-credit study-abroad program is designed to introduce students to the dynamics of the 5th largest country in the Western Hemisphere – Argentina. The program is housed in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, one of the world’s most vibrant cities with a population of 12 million people. Group activities and excursions in Buenos Aires and beyond provide multiple opportunities to learn about Argentine society from a variety of angles. The group will also travel to Misiones province in northeast Argentina to visit Iguazú Falls and the Jesuit ruins in San Ignacio.

Academic Program

The program is open to students of all majors. It is also open to non-JMU students. Program participants will hone their knowledge of Spanish in a two-week intensive language instruction course while they solidify those skills in everyday life throughout the program. A course in Argentine politics and society explores Argentina’s past and present with an eye toward its political and economic future. A course in Argentine literature will give students an opportunity to read works by a variety of world famous writers while they also explore cafés and restaurants frequented by generations of Argentine artists. IBUS majors should note that this program fulfills the international experience requirement for the IBUS major at JMU.

Itinerary/schedule:

• On-Site Orientation in Buenos Aires – Wednesday 6/13/12 through Sunday 6/17/12
• Intensive Spanish Course (SPAN 300, 320, or 400) – Monday 6/18/12 through Friday 6/29/12
• Group trip to Iguazú Falls region of Argentina – Saturday 6/30/12 through Tuesday 7/3/12
• FREE TIME for student travel in and outside of Buenos Aires – Wednesday 7/4/12 through Monday 7/9/12
• Argentine literature (SPAN 446 or GHUM 200) and Argentine politics & society courses – 7/10/12 through 8/2/12
• Closing Program Meal – Friday 8/3/12
• FREE TIME for students and student departures – Saturday 8/4/12 through Tuesday 8/7/12
  
• NOTE: Local excursions in Buenos Aires will include local theatre and films, visits to various art and historical museums (including the Evita Perón museum, attendance at a tango performance, and a visit to a local ranch.

Instructional methods include lectures, guided tours, class discussion, reading, etc.  Student performance will be assessed via a mix of tests, written work, and in-class participation.

Tentative course offerings:
SPAN 300: Grammar and Communication, (3)
SPAN 320: Oral & Written Communication, (3)
SPAN 400: Advanced Conversation, (3)
SPAN 446/GHUM 200: Great Works: Argentine Literature, (3)
POSC 371: Argentine Politics & Society, (3)

Prerequisite: SPAN 232 or equivalent

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Argentina, but they will need to pay an entry fee to the Argentine government upon arrival in Argentina. In 2011, that fee was 140 U.S. dollars.  Once paid, the entry fee is valid for travel to Argentina for 10 years.

Accommodations

Students will reside in residence halls and hotels in Buenos Aires. Students will receive a board allowance as part of the program costs. There will be 10 to 15 group meals.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

Applicants must have completed SPAN 232 or equivalent, a minimum GPA of 2.0, and a foreign language proficiency of SPAN 232 or equivalent.

For More Information

For additional information about the JMU in Argentina program, please contact the program director:

Dr. Charles Blake
Professor
Department of Political Science
Tel: 540-568-6344
Email: blakech@jmu.edu

Dr. Kristen McCleary
Department of History
Tel: 540-568-6142
Email: mccleakl@jmu.edu

Or go to:
http://www.jmu.edu/polisci/bios/blake/baires/