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WHAT TO
EXPECT
FROM OUR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
Study abroad programs provide university students with an excellent alternative to traditional university courses. Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, with immersion into different cultures and languages, and the opportunity to move beyond your comfort zone and expand your world view.
Choosing to study abroad is a big decision that requires both foresight and planning. Moving abroad can be nerve-wracking to say the least and many people are anxious about the unknown. But that is our job at Maximo Nivel… to help you plan for and embrace the experience! We take you out of your comfort zone, while keeping you comfortable.
Depending on your program, your classes are taught in either English or Spanish. Many of our programs are available for students who have zero or only basic Spanish language skills and all course material is taught in English. We strongly recommend incorporating classes from our Spanish Immersion Program and taking part in our free Tandem Conversation Program. Most university students join our programs to help improve their Spanish language skills, in which case you will not be disappointed! For students focused on building their Spanish speaking abilities—you will definitely speak a lot of Spanish both inside and outside the classroom.
TALK TO YOUR ADVISOR
Check with your academic advisor to make sure attending a study abroad program makes sense for your academic career. Get the program pre-approved before going overseas and make sure the classes count toward your graduation.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Background research is important. Read up on the history, culture, and societal norms of your destination country. Be sure you understand current events, exchange rates, and safety issues before you leave. Remember, you are a guest in another country, so honor their way of life. You should represent yourself and your university in a respectable manner. The more you know about where you are going, the easier it is to be there!
GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER
Get your passport and be sure it has at least 6 months before it expires. Be sure to get medical insurance that covers you while you are traveling abroad. The great news is that you do not need any special visas to attend Maximo’s programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.
INTERESTED?
REQUEST UNIVERSITY INFORMATION & LEARN ABOUT TRAVEL GRANTS!
Sample Itineraries
| Week 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Welcome Dinner | – |
| Program Orientation | – |
| Safety Review | – |
| Cohort team building | – |
| Meeting with Academic & Cultural Advisor | – |
| City Tour | – |
| Weeks 2-7 | Credits |
| Social Responsibility & Social Justice (6 weeks; 45 hours) | 3 |
| History of Latin America (6 weeks; 45 hours) | 3 |
| Spanish 101, 102, 201, 202 (3 weeks; 60 hours) | 3 |
| Spanish 102, 201, 202 (3 weeks; 60 hours) | 3 |
| Week 8 | Credits |
| Cultural tour | – |
| Weeks 9-14 | Credits |
| Service Learning course (6 weeks; 120 hours) | 3 |
| Reflection Workshops (5 workshops; 10 hours) | – |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15 |
| Week 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Welcome Dinner | – |
| Program Orientation | – |
| Safety Review | – |
| Cohort team building | – |
| Meeting with Academic & Cultural Advisor | – |
| City tour | – |
| Weeks 2-7 | Credits |
| Introduction to Sustainability (6 weeks; 45 hours) | 3 |
| Intercultural Communications (6 weeks; 45 hours) | 3 |
| Spanish 101, 102, 201, 202 (3 weeks; 60 hours) | 3 |
| Spanish 102, 201, 202 (3 weeks; 60 hours) | 3 |
| Week 8 | Credits |
| Cultural tour | – |
| Weeks 9-14 | Credits |
| Service Learning course (6 weeks; 120 hours) | 3 |
| Reflection Workshops (5 workshops; 10 hours) | – |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15 |
| Week 1-4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Program Orientation & Safety Review | – |
| Meeting with Academic Advisor | – |
| Choose 2 of 3 courses: | – |
| University course (4 weeks; 45 hours) and/or Spanish 101, 102, 201, 202 (4 weeks; 80 hours) and/or Service Learning course (4 weeks; 100 hours) |
3-6 |
| Reflection Workshops (5 workshops; 10 hours) | – |
| Weekends 2 and 4: Cultural tours | – |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 3-6 |
* The above itineraries are sample itineraries only. Your study abroad program is based on the specific courses and programs you choose. Please contact our Program Advisors to plan your program abroad.
