GL/SP 2051 6.00: Spanish Conversation in the Field- A Cultural Immersion Practicum

 

Country: Mexico
City: Taxco
Instructor: Dr. Alejandro Zamora | azamora@glendon.yorku.ca
Eligibility:

  • The course is open to all York students with an intermediate level of Spanish. Students must be in their second year at York or above.
  • Pre-requisites are AP/SP 1000 or GL/SP 1002 or permission from the instructor. If you do not have the pre-requisite but you speak the language or have taken Spanish language courses elsewhere, you may be required to complete the Spanish Placement Test. Please contact the course instructor for further instructions.
Language: Spanish
Program dates:

  • In person/ On Campus: 01, 03, 05, 08, 10 & 12 June, 2026
  • Abroad Dates: 14- 26 (inclusive) June, 2026

Course Overview

This intensive course enhances students' conversation skills from intermediate to advanced levels through immersive, culturally rich experiences. It begins with six in-person sessions at York University (Glendon), followed by an in-depth, 12-day cultural immersion in the historic town of Taxco, Mexico.

Students will participate in a variety of full-day, supervised activities organized in collaboration with our host institution, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), at its Taxco campus.

Both the UNAM-Taxco campus and the town of Taxco are renowned for their historical and cultural significance. The program is designed to foster continuous engagement in Spanish while deepening students' intercultural awareness and communication skills.

Click here for a virtual campus tour of UNAM-Taxco.

Program Highlights

  • Archaeologic visits
  • Ancestral eco-gardening and cooking
  • Historical (guided) visits of Taxco and the region
  • Talks and interviews with local artists and community leaders
  • Participation in cultural events
  • Daily lessons with local faculty
  • Social activities with local students

Local undergraduate students participate in many of these activities.

Application

Deadline:

  • First-round: December 1, 2025 
  • Second-round: January 23, 2026 

Applications will close if the maximum number of students is reached following the first application deadline.  

Application Form

Program Fee

Program Fee: TBD*

Includes:

  • Accomodation and breakfast
  • Excursions/ Field Activities

Not Included:

  • Airfare to and form Mexico
  • Tuition fee (payable to York University
  • Any personal expenses including meals (except breakfast)
  • guard.me® insurance 

*Subject to change, program fees will depend on the final number of participants

Deposits and Payment Deadlines

To secure a spot in this course, you'll need to submit a non-refundable deposit of $500 to York International. If selected, you will receive an email with instructions to pay your CAD500 deposit and program fee before the deadline. 

A $500 non-refundable deposit per course must be submitted by the deadline listed in the email. These fees are non-refundable once charged and are taken as a commitment that the student will participate in the study abroad course. All courses are capped, and spots are considered based on the course instructor’s decision. 

PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to come to York International Office. All payments will be conducted online. We only accept Visa and Mastercard. No cash or cheques. 

Financial Support & Budget Planning

All participants of this course will receive up to CAD500 York International Mobility Award (YIMA) upon completion of the Pre-Departure Training and Travel Risk Requirements. 

Online Information Session

Date: October 23, 2025 (Thursday)
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration Link: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/GBiw3YGUQzSxYTG_WE5uYQ