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UNIVERSITY SPANISH
COURSES
EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR COLLEGE
Maximo Nivel’s university Spanish courses are available in Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Winter Term, and Summer Term, according to our academic calendar. University Spanish programs are also available on an open enrollment basis and new courses begin every Monday, year-round. University courses are offered in short-term, semester, quarter, and summer term formats, ranging from 3-14 weeks. University students can study part-time or full-time.
Maximo Nivel has a variety of university courses to meet students’ Spanish learning objectives. 100 to 400 level courses are available in small group classes and 1-on-1 private classes. Medical Spanish, Spanish for Business, remedial tutoring, and other Spanish programs for specific purposes are offered on as needed basis.
Academic credit is available for Maximo Nivel’s university Spanish courses through our official School of Record. The School of Record has approved our courses for equivalency and validated the programs for U.S. higher education credit. The School of Record provides enrolled students with an academic transcript and credits are eligible for transfer into any 4-year university in the United States. Alternatively, we work directly with your home university to help you get credit for your Spanish course. Academic credits can be used to fulfill major, minor or elective requirements.
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Why I Maximo Nivel
I stayed in Cusco, Peru for 6 weeks. I did 4 weeks of Spanish classes through Maximo Nivel and traveled throughout Peru. I LOVED every part-the homestay, the classes, teachers, school, and all the facilities. The school is super helpful in any recommendations and safety tips, and the travel agency they work closely with enhanced the stay!
100 LEVEL COURSES
“BASIC SPANISH”
Spanish 101 is a first-level language course designed for students who have not previously studied Spanish or those with a low-basic level. The course creates a foundation in grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills, with additional exercises in reading, writing, and listening while exploring Latin American culture. Course methodology is based on the communicative approach, emphasizing conversation in Spanish.
Spanish 102 is a continuation of Spanish 101. Students at this level have a very basic working knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language. The course builds upon the elementary grammar, vocabulary, and other language skills learned in Spanish 101. Course methodology is based on the communicative approach, emphasizing conversation in Spanish.
200 LEVEL COURSES
“INTERMEDIATE SPANISH”
Spanish 201 is an intermediate level Spanish course. The course reviews the fundamentals of Spanish grammar as well as introduces new grammar, vocabulary, and other language skills. Course methodology is based on the communicative approach, emphasizing conversation in Spanish and the development of reading, writing, and listening skills.
Spanish 202 is a continuation of Spanish 201. Students at this level have a pre-intermediate to intermediate working knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language. The course builds upon the grammar, vocabulary, and other language skills learned in Spanish 201. Course methodology is based on the communicative approach, emphasizing conversation in Spanish and the development of reading, writing, and listening skills.
The purpose of the Spanish Service Learning course is to foster a sense of civic responsibility and community, to expose students to local culture and language, and to create an opportunity for students to broaden their global perspective and identity. Students are placed at local community projects where they help in the everyday work of the project and aid in contributing to the project’s long-term goals. Outside of their volunteer work hours, students reflect on the experience and examine the local culture and society, their home culture and society, themselves, and the role of service learning. Guided reflection takes place through required Reflection Workshops utilizing a combination of observation, writing, reading, and group discussions.
300 LEVEL COURSES
“HIGH INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED”
Spanish 301 is designed for the high intermediate to advanced Spanish student. The course focuses on speaking and writing in Spanish. This course incorporates different techniques for speaking and writing: formal/informal, presentational, narrative, descriptive, professional, conversational, etc. The course makes constant use of brainstorming, organizing ideas, drafting and editing, and presenting spoken and written Spanish, which means active class participation is necessary.
Spanish 350: Latin American Literature is designed to introduce students to Latin American writers. Through stories, essays, poetry, music, and theater, students explore political, economic, and cultural aspects of Latin American societies. Students read, discuss, and analyze assigned readings every day and students must actively participate in class. Students are also required to complete daily reading assignments and write their own short stories and poems in Spanish.
Spanish 360: Latin American Civilization & Culture examines the history of Latin America from Pre-Columbian civilizations through the present. It is intended to complement the student’s concurrent immersion experience. Pre-Columbian and colonial periods are analyzed as a historical background for the postcolonial development of Latin America. The course explores economic, political, intellectual and cultural trends throughout history.
Spanish 361: Modern-Day Latin America is designed for the intermediate or advanced Spanish student who already has a foundational understanding of major historical events in Latin America. In this course, students examine regional case studies to increase their understanding of the characteristics of Latin America’s political, economic, and cultural institutions and systems. Students also analyze major modern events and headlines, learning to interpret them within the modern political and cultural contexts.
Spanish 370: Medical Spanish is designed to expand the student’s vocabulary and proficiency in Spanish for healthcare. The course focuses on building medical vocabulary and developing speaking, writing, and presentation skills in Spanish within the context of healthcare and medicine. This includes study and research on various healthcare topics, role-play scenarios, research, significant vocabulary acquisition, and, when possible, guest speakers and visits to local clinics or hospitals.
In Unit 4: Medical Specialties, the instructor tailors discussion of medical specialties to 4 areas that most interest or apply to the students’ area(s) of study (e.g. pediatrics, physical therapy, cardiology, etc.).
Spanish 371: Business Spanish is designed to expand the student’s vocabulary and proficiency in Spanish for business. The course focuses on building business vocabulary and developing speaking, writing, and presentation skills in Spanish within the business context. The course also examines topics on business protocol and etiquette in Latin America and Spain.
Spanish 380: Intercultural Communication focuses on learning about culture through people’s daily practices in order to apply culturally-relevant communication techniques in a practical way. Students develop an understanding of Latin American values in social and linguistic practices as well as common greetings, excuses, and requests. Students are required to participate in the Tandem Conversation Program, and submit a final reflection paper, comparing their own experiences in Latin America with the theories and techniques discussed in class.
400 LEVEL COURSES
“ADVANCED SPANISH”
Spanish 420: Advanced Grammar is designed for advanced-level Spanish students. In this course, students analyze and practice advanced grammar topics and apply their learning in both speaking and writing contexts. Special attention is paid to idiomatic expressions and colloquial usage. The Avanzando text includes periodical and literary excerpts to present advanced grammar topics and activities.
Spanish 480: Advanced Spanish Conversation is designed for advanced-level Spanish students. This course combines linguistic study with cultural exploration of Latin America, and is intended to accompany the student’s immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking country. The emphasis of the course is on conversation and vocabulary acquisition. Other language skills, including grammar, writing, and reading help to provide context for speaking activities. Students also learn common idiomatic expressions, slang, and other conversational features to help them achieve “native-sounding” Spanish.
This course is designed to prepare students for the DELE Exam (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera). The associated Diplomas earned upon passing the various exam levels are official titles certifying degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language, and are granted by the Ministry of Education, Culture & Sport of Spain. The Instituto Cervantes organizes examination sessions, while the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain designs the exams, and is in charge of corrections and the final evaluation of all exams.
TANDEM CONVERSATION PROGRAM
Maximo Nivel’s Tandem Conversation program is a free, optional language and cultural exchange. As an international Spanish student you are matched up with a local student who is studying English at Maximo Nivel. Conversations are open, informal, and natural—taking the pressure off and allowing you and your tandem partner to bond and help one another move forward in your Spanish and English acquisition. This is a great way to meet new friends, develop your conversation skills, and increase your cultural understanding. The Tandem Program gives all participants unequaled access to the most important resource for learning a language—native speakers!
WHY LEARN SPANISH WITH
MAXIMO NIVEL?
Maximo Nivel is an internationally-accredited institute of higher learning. Our institutes and campuses provide a very unique experience compared to traditional Spanish schools. Maximo Nivel institutes offer a wide range of study abroad programs including Spanish, Service Learning, Internships, TEFL certification, and University courses. Maximo Nivel is also an active English as a Second Language learning center for local students in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. This means there is always an excellent mix of international and local students that make the institute come alive with language and cultural exchange.
- Choose from small group or private classes
- Professionally-certified, native Spanish-speaking instructors
- Spanish programs available from 3-14 weeks
- New open-enrollment Spanish courses begin Monday, year-round
- See Academic Calendar for short-term, semester, and other class formats
- Excellent home base institutes and campuses
- 24/7 in-country support
Maximo Nivel’s university Spanish courses provide formal Spanish studies along with authentic immersion activities that take you beyond the classroom. Academic credit is available for courses at the 100-400 levels. Schedule a call with a program advisor today!
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