|
"Spanish in Mexico!" Program
-
Who can enrol?
All non-hispanic clientele of all ages who are motivated and interested in living a linguistic and intercultural experience.
-
Where is the campus located?
The campus is located in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico.
-
Can we pay by credit card?
Yes, you can also pay by cheque, in Canadian currency. It is possible to pay by wire transfer through your banking institution. For any of these modes of payments, you must make a request to the secretarial office of the college. Administration fees apply.
-
Will there be someone waiting for me at the airport?
Yes, identified staff will be at the Mexico City airport to welcome you. A shuttle service will take you directly to Cuernavaca.
-
Can I arrive one day earlier?
Yes BUT you will be responsible for your own arrangements for transfer to Cuernavaca. For your own comfort and security, we will advise you not to modify the arrival or departure dates scheduled by our partner.
-
When exactly should I leave?
The program always starts on a Monday, so you must arrive on Saturday. The program ends on a Friday. Therefore, you should leave on Saturday to make room for the next studients who arrive on the same day.
-
What is the weather like in Cuernavaca?
Although Cuernavaca and surrounding areas are located in the tropics, the climate is moderated by the mountain location. Generally, the weather will be warm, but expect some variability. Daytime highs can be in the upper 80s, while night-time lows may be in the upper 50s. The summer months are the rainy season. The mornings and mid-day may be warm and somewhat humid. It is common to have tropical thundershowers in the late afternoon or evening, which will cool things down and give a fresh feel to the air. It’s best to have an umbrella or light rain gear handy at all times, but the showers seldom interfere with your overall enjoyment of the program. Also, please realize that Cuernavaca is land-locked and that the nearest beach is in Acapulco, about 200 miles (a 4-hour bus ride) southwest.
-
What kind of clothing is best for me to bring?
Pack light! Remember that you will be there for only four weeks. Ideally, you should be able to pack all of your things into one moderately-sized suitcase, bag or backpack, plus a carry-on. Think about limiting the total weight of everything you bring to 40-50 pounds. For convenience, you should be able to carry all of your things by yourself. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothes. Cotton shirts, t-shirts, pants, and shorts are all good. You will need a sweater and/or sweatshirt for evening. A light raincoat may be useful, as it may rain in the afternoons or evenings. Also, bring one semi-format change of clothes in case your host family invites you to dinner, to a party, or to church – a nice pair of slacks and a nice shirt, or a long summer dress will most likely do. You MUST also bring comfortable shoes!
-
Are there special rules to follow in order to participate into the program?
Yes. The documents are clear about that. For underage students, drinking alcohol on campus, in bars or in restaurants is forbidden as well as using drugs. These are serious reasons for expulsion. For adults, abusive drinking or use of drugs will not be tolerated. The same applies to your behavior. You have to communicate and show your effort in trying to speak Spanish at all times. A respectful behavior towards others is very important in our educational project; therefore, negative attitude will be referred to the person in charge of the program. You have to be aware of the fact that you will lose some of your freedom within your group. Some of the freedom that is accepted in your family or personal life will not necessarily be tolerated or accepted in the program. You will have to assume your responsibilities.
-
Is there a placement test?
Yes, on the Sunday, you will take a placement test and you will then be integrated in a group of a maximum of 5 students.
- Will I be able to change group if I find it too easy or too difficult?
Yes, on the first day of class, the teacher will do different activities in order to evaluate and make sure your placement test is adequate. If you have any doubts, you have to discuss this with your teacher. Your request will then be evaluated by your teacher and a pedagogical team. If you are not satisfied, the pedagogical counsellor will be there to listen and help you.
- Could I obtain some credits for my course?
You are responsible for keeping the course outline which will be given to you during the first school week. At the end of the program, you will receive an official attestation. With these 2 documents, you have to go to the registry office of your institution and the request for course recognition. It is your institution that will recognize your credits.
- Could I obtain a receipt for school fees?
Saint-Charles-Garnier College is not a postsecondary establishment therefore; school fees receipts cannot be issued for fiscal purposes. A 16 year-old student by the end of the fiscal year can insist upon his or her fiscal rights if the registration motive is to obtain the level of competency in order to practice a professional activity.
Note:
For adults: In quebec, this program is eligible for " La loi favorisant le développement de la main d'oeuvre (loi 90)".Ask your employer.
- If I am sick, what happens?
There is a Doctor available to students every morning, Monday to Friday, for minor needs. Of course in case of a serious condition, a staff member will accompany you to a medical consultation; the management of the program will immediately contact your family and together they will decide on the best action to take.
- Is the information about my physical and mental health confidential (only known by the person in charge of the program)?
Yes, of course! We ask the parents to inform us of any kind of problem; for the safety of the student. It is also important to give us the name of a third person we could reach in case of emergency. The parents will make sure that this person has all the important information (phone number and cell phone or address) if they go on vacation or away from home for a certain period of time during the program. This safety rule is mandatory in order to protect your child and the program cannot be held responsible in any case.
- What will be the most difficult for me during my stay?
From past experience, the most difficult challenge is to adapt to a new group life, a new culture. It is not obvious to accept the fact that our freedom is limited in the program compared to home. On the other hand, you have chosen to participate in a program and live in a homestay. You are responsible for inherent behaviour. The rules that appear in the information documents are clear and by registering, you accept the rules; we do not oblige anyone.
Also, the schedule for the meals and the food served may be difficult for you to adapt to. We have students from different nationalities and everyone knows that it can vary a lot from one country to another. You have chosen to live a few weeks in Mexico, in a program where the schedule for the educational and leisure activities may not suit everyone. It is difficult to conciliate everyone’s habits; you have to trust your judgement. Moreover, you will notice that some vegetables and main courses are more popular in Mexico than in Canada. Mexicans experience exactly the same when they travel to our country.
PLEASE FULLY READ THE INFORMATION KIT AVAILABLE ON THIS SITE. THIS INFORMATION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND USEFUL.
|
