Masters Degree in Spanish Language Teaching

The Spanish Program curriculum has three types of courses:

• Core required courses in areas such as second language acquisition theory, assessment, and teaching for proficiency.
• Language and culture electives.
• Pedagogy courses which accompany each language or culture elective and focus on practical application of various pedagogical practices.

Please visit our curriculum page to view this summer’s course offerings.
You may also view our curriculum via SOU’s catalog.

Guanajuato and the Homestay Experience
The Summer Institute for Spanish Teachers is held at Southern Oregon University’s sister university in Guanajuato, Mexico – Universidad de Guanajuato. Founded in 1559 as a center of the silver and gold mining industry, the colonial city of Guanajuato is located in Central Mexico. With its many historic buildings, charming architecture and busy cultural life, it is a popular site for tourists and students from all over the world. Classes will be held at the Departamento de Lenguas at the top of a university building that looks out over the city and its surrounding green hills. Students will be able to live in Mexican homes with families where they can further enhance their Spanish. Guanajuato was recently chosen as one of the eight safest places to travel in Mexico by Lonely Planet.

For many students, living with a host family is one of the most fulfilling parts of the Summer Language Institute. Our students frequently form lasting bonds with the family, return to the same family each year, and have unique cultural and linguistic experiences. Beyond the obvious cultural advantages, living with a family is advantageous when you are studying in an intensive program, as you don’t need to prepare your own meals, do grocery shopping, or take care of daily living responsibilities associated with your own apartment.

Homestays in Mexico cost approximately $35 per day. They include three meals a day Monday through Saturday, and breakfast on Sundays. Some families offer laundry service for an additional $2 per day, and special dietary needs can be accommodated for an additional $3 per day.

We especially recommend living with a host family during your first year in the program, as it will help you get acclimated to the culture and adjust to the rigors of the program. If you do not wish to live with a host family, you will need to find living accommodations on your own.