SPANISH COURSES SPONSORED BY THE G.I. BILL – US DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS.
We offer immersive Spanish language courses. These courses are available in 4-month terms and can be taken alongside any art class. Upon successful completion of these courses, you will receive a transcript or certificate as proof of your proficiency and accomplishment. Furthermore, by completing our Spanish courses, you pave the way to pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts.
FIND US ON THE DVA'S LIST AS: FUNDACIÓN DE ARTE ENRIQUE FERNÁNDEZ MARTÍNEZ, AC
Instituto Allende, incorporated with the University of Guanajuato, has worked with the US Department of Veterans Affairs since 1950. Through the G.I. Bill program, you are able to apply your VA benefits toward our University, enabling yourself to live a personal, intellectual and academically rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a wide scope of arts and handcrafts, as well as in the Spanish language, which, according to One World Nations, is the world’s third most spoken language.
We are located in the charming city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a splendid climate, spring and summer all year round, and a relaxing artistic-cultural atmosphere. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Mexico. The school is a historic building and has been a central part of San Miguel de Allende for generations. Our facilities feature large gardens filled with art, sculptures and fountains. The school also has an in-house restaurant and study area for students to gather as a community. We have an excellent location in the downtown area of San Miguel.
Spanish Full Immersion Program
Our program offers mastery of the Spanish language within one year of total immersion. The program is divided into two semesters and, depending on your current level of Spanish, you can choose to take both or just one of them. Our Spanish program with the VA is 250 hours over a period of 19 weeks, with 12 hours of class (8 grammar/4 conversation) each week on an individual basis, one instructor to one student. You will work at your pace and at your level, taking into account your personal and professional objectives. Your class schedule can vary with classes only between 8am and 5pm, you may have between two to four hours of class per day. You will have one instructor for grammar and another for conversation.
Areas of focus throughout the semester:
-Learn and understand structured grammar, reading and writing.
-Learn to sound like a local, with a focus on speaking, pronunciation and even slang.
-Your text book is provided, with an access code to an online platform including a variety of
exercises and material for an advanced learning experience.
-Visit archaeological, ecological, cultural and artistic sites within and nearby San Miguel that will
complement your language experience. Immerse yourself in Mexican culture and the rich diverse culture of San Miguel de Allende.
Exploring Beyond:
Take part in class day trips or occasionally a weekend trip to practice your new language skills and enrich your cultural and historical understanding of the region. You might visit the captivating cities of Guanajuato, Querétaro, the majestic Peña de Bernal, or the serene Mineral de Pozos. Perhaps you will travel to see the migration of the Monarch butterflies in Michoácan, the pyramids of Teotihuacan or the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City. These excursions are scheduled periodically to complement your learning experience.
Art Workshops to complement the Spanish program:
We have a variety of art workshops available such as Acrylic and Watercolor Painting, Stone Sculpture, Ceramics, Photography, Jewelry Making and Printmaking. You can combine any of these workshops with your Spanish courses, but with less Spanish hours, or in a second semester with us. All of these art courses are bilingual.
Mexican Holidays and Celebrations:
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture by participating in local festivals and holidays. A calendar of
these events will be provided upon arrival, ensuring you don’t miss out on the vibrant local
celebrations as on those days there will be no classes. This will also enable you to plan ahead for day trips or traveling.
Start Dates:
August 26, 2024
January 13, 2025
Arriving in Mexico:
For your entry into Mexico, ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. American citizens can enter Mexico without a visa for stays of up to 180 days for tourist purposes, including
educational programs like ours. A student visa is not required if you plan to be in Mexico for that time frame. The school will provide you a copy of your official acceptance letter to show customs and immigration officials at the airport. If you plan to stay longer than 180 days we recommend you consult an immigration specialist. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) to fill out.
Housing in San Miguel:
There are at a minimum two long standing reputable realty companies in San Miguel. Realty San Miguel (https://sanmiguelrealestate.com/real-estate/for-rent/long-term) or San Miguel Rentables (https://www.sanmiguelrentables.com/longtermrentalssanmiguel/) You can look on their websites or work with a realtor for your specific preferences. You can also use platforms like Airbnb or Booking for accommodations, but be appropriately cautious. Many people book something for a short stay to look for further places in person upon arrival, but this isn’t required. These various platforms offer a range of options to suit various preferences and budgets.
Weather in San Miguel de Allende:
Enjoy the mild climate of San Miguel de Allende, with most days being sunny. Classes are
conducted in gardens or classrooms that mirror the temperate outdoor conditions. Here’s what to
expect:
Spring: Warm days and cool evenings. Light layers recommended.
Summer: Rainy season, with afternoon showers. Warm, but not overly hot.
Fall: Similar to spring, with cooler evenings.
Winter: Crisp days and chilly nights. Warm clothing is advisable.
Enrollment
In order to enroll please fill out this form. Please enclose your certificate of eligibility for the G.I.Bill program in addition to the form.
https://forms.gle/FZJiXsjdiBd2bTNg8
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
JESÚS IBARRA
direccion@instituto-allende.edu.mx