Language and Culture Experience in Mexico
for Faculty and Staff
INFO SESSION Wednesday, JAN. 18, 2012
Brown Hall Room 2033 
Downtown Queretaro, Mexico
Offered for the fourth consecutive year, the Language and Culture Experience in Mexico for Faculty and Staff program is planned for June 29 to July 14, 2012 in Queretaro, Mexico and is open to all faculty and benefits-eligible employees.
Twelve grants of $1,750 each are being offered to qualified employees to offset the expenses of this program. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012. The Language and Culture Experience in Mexico for Faculty and Staff program will run during summer II 2012 at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. Participants will study the Spanish language and the culture of Mexico and will take part in two field trips. Eligible applicants will have completed Spanish 1010 or have completed the equivalent language skills test by the end of the summer I, 2012 semester. Evening and lunch-hour sections are available for Spanish 1010.
WMU’s International Education Council reviewed ideas to support faculty development as a key component to further internationalize the learning experience at WMU. Its working group on this topic recommended developing training opportunities for faculty and staff. The Faculty Senate International Education Council and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education are offering this program in collaboration with the Spanish Department.
“We can only prepare our students to be global citizens of the 21st century by assisting individual faculty and staff in their work towards the same objective,” says Dr. Donald McCloud, dean of the Haenicke Institute.
Located 6,000 feet above sea level, Querétaro has moderate daytime temperatures (65-85 degrees Farenheit) and cool nights. It is a medium-sized city 135 miles north of Mexico City and is capital of the state of the same name. Founded in 1531, is has magnificent baroque churches, beautiful public buildings, harmonious and spacious plazas and parks, and excellent museums and theaters. Found within three hours of the city are the colonial churches of Guanajuato and Morelia, the museums and galleries of Mexico City, and the spectacular ruins of several ancient civilizations. Those participating in Spanish Language and Mexican Culture program are encouraged to take advantage of the abundant historical and architectural treasures located in Querétaro and neighboring cities and states.
Querétaro is the site of numerous colleges and universities. The Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, a WMU Study Abroad partner for many years, is the largest. University employees participating in the program will attend classes on the main campus of the comprehensive public institution, which is within walking distance of the city center, and is well served by public transportation.
For more information about this and other faculty development programs, visit the Haenicke Institute online, or contact Dr. Jane Blyth Warren at (269) 387-5890 or via e-mail: jane.blyth.warren@wmich.edu
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