Brochure Spanish Program, EAFIT University by Jaime Naranjo

A world class program for Spanish proficiency

WELCOME LANGUAGE CENTER DELE exam center

Internationally accredited by:

Welcome! ¡Bienvenido!

A warm welcome awaits international students at EAFIT University in Medellín. People come from all over the world seeking a place to learn Spanish at an affordable price and in a comfortable environment; a place where beauty and excellence come together. • Class sizes between 2 and 9 students, guarantees participants individualized attention from instructors. • A highly qualified teaching staff that hold advanced degrees in education and have extensive experience working with international students. • A Conversation Partner Program that provides its participants with the opportunity to practice the language with native speakers on a one-to-one basis. At the same time, students meet a variety of people, and have the opportunity to attend undergrad classes. • Cultural Orientation programs that familiarize participants with Colombia’s diverse culture. • Extra curricular activities such as swimming, football, rugby, music, theater, concerts, etc. • Full access to the facilities and resources of a private university: sports fields, a language laboratory, the university library and a 600-seat auditorium. • A university campus located in a city large enough to offer a variety of activities where students can easily become acquainted with the Colombian culture and its people. • Classes in an undergraduate and graduate environment allows students to experience a Colombian university firsthand.

We invite YOU to become part of EAFIT University’s international community.

1. Medellín

The city of eternal spring Founded in 1675, Medellín is the urban heart of a metropolitan area set in a large valley. At 1,538 mts. (over 5000 ft) above sea level, its wonderful year-round climate of 24°C (76°F) has earned its international recognition as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’. Medellín is a green city, with well-designed streets and avenues adorned with many kinds of trees, including fruit trees, which give shelter to more than 150 different species of birds. It has a rail-based mass transit system (the Metro) that crosses the city from north to south and from east to west. This modern means of transportation is, at present, a one-of-a-kind in Colombia and an example to the entire world in regard to order, cleanliness and safety. The local public utilities are the best in South America, with a 98% coverage provided by Empresas Publicas de Medellín (the municipally-owned multiple utility company), proudly standing out as one of the best in both North and South America.

People from the Medellín metropolitan area and surroundings are hospitable by nature – this is the great quality perceived by those who enjoy the privilege of visiting the city. Medellin’s sophisticated system for collecting and treating home and industrial waste water ranks third behind Monterrey (Mexico) and Sao Paulo (Brazil) for environmental sanitation in Latin America. Throughout the city´s malls and factory outlets, one can easily find reasonably priced textiles, quality shoes and clothing of varied design. For this reason, Medellín is considered the fashion capital of Colombia.

Medellin is also a city with a large number of tourist attractions. There are a great number of hotels, and a convention center where important events such as the fashion fair and the book fair are held every year. The downtown area has been renovated and developed into what is now called “Botero City”. Many tourists visit “Plaza Botero” to see the numerous statues world renowned artist Fernando Botero graciously donated to the city.

The most important tourist event of the year is the flower festival. The highlight of this is the parade of the Silleteros, where flower growers from the rural areas around Medellín create the SILLETA, a heavy chair-like structure with an intricate flower arrangement made to be carried on a person’s back. The bearers parade through the streets exhibiting their creative art. People from all around the Medellín region are renowned for their natural hospitality – something greatly enjoyed by those privileged enough to visit the city.

2. EAFIT University

It is a private university well known in Colombia for its faculties in Management, Engineering, Science and Humanities. With over 12,000 students, the campus offers different environments for learning and recreation. The University has an infrastructure that supports research as well as educational and cultural activities. The Founder’s Auditorium, Lab Center and the “Luis Echavarría Villegas” modern library (www.eafit. edu.co/biblioteca), greatly reflect EAFIT’s determination to establish itself as a center of knowledge and culture in the city. In fact, EAFIT´s Symphonic Orchestra and art

exhibits show how it contributes to the development of arts in Colombia as a whole. The University’s place in cultural and social progress has fostered the creation of new academic spaces that respond to Colombian needs within a globalized world. Consequently, it has opened branches in Bogotá, Pereira and Llanogrande, offering graduate and continuing education programs, research and consulting services known for their academic excellence.

3. EAFIT Language Center Founded in 1991, the Language Center is an important part of EAFIT University and responds to its commitment to the Colombian society. It makes part of our Continuing Education Department and offers high quality language programs that provide students with optimum learning environment of foreign languages. In addition to the Spanish Program, the Language Center offers English, German, Japanese, French, Italian, Portuguese, Colombian Sign Language, and, in the near future, Mandarin. The Center is able to serve a student population of 5,000 with a professional and highly-trained faculty encompassing an academic research and teacher’s training unit, specialized pedagogical resources, and multimedia labs. The Direction of Languages is the only institution in Colombia to hold the international quality accreditation of ACCET from the United States.

3.1. Methodology The EAFIT University Language Center adheres to the communicative approach to teaching a language leading to the acquisition of communicative confidence on the part of the participant. This approach demands an eclectic yet informed use of teaching practices. A foreign or second language is acquired through: comprehensible input, interaction among the participants, focus on meaning as well as on form, use of authentic materials, use of language learning strategies, recognition of learner differences, creation of language by individuals through trial and error and giving of ample time for cognitive processing of the concepts presented. There will be a strong emphasis on autonomous learning, on the teaching and practicing of language learning strategies, and on the recognition of learner differences. The skills that are developed simultaneously in the program are: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The areas of grammar, vocabulary and culture are studied and included within the development of these skills.

4. Spanish for Foreigners Program The EAFIT’s Spanish for Foreigners Program began in 1995 with few occasional students. Through these years, it has gained a valuable experience and has consolidated its curriculum so that more and more students from different walks of life have learnt to communicate and excell in the Spanish speaking communities. Nowadays, the program receives more than 500 students a year from more than 60 different countries. Our program was the first Spanish for foreigners accredited program in Colombia (2010) by the Instituto Cervantes (Spain) in recognition to:

• • • •

Curriculum quality Teacher staff Organization Resources & location

4.1 Program’s academic curriculum 4.1.1. General objectives To promote the acquisition of Spanish as a Second Language through the development of oral and written skills by way of a communicative approach. To immerse participants in an authentic University environment that allows them to participate in academic, cultural and social activities that will enhance their language learning process.

To immerse participants in the local culture.

4.1.2. Levels and courses The SPANISH PROGRAM is structured around the three levels of proficiency defined by the “Common European Framework”: Basic user, Independent user and proficient user. CEF Basic user

Breakthrough (A1)

Waystage (A2)

Independent user

Threshold (B1)

Vantage (B2)

Proficient user

Effective operational proficiency (C1)

EAFIT Course

No. hours

Spanish for business

DELE Preparation course

Total of hours

532

BASIC LEVEL: courses 1, 2, 3, 4. At the end of the BASIC LEVEL, foreign students will be able to comprehend and use the language produced in predictable and controlled social and learning environments aimed at satisfying concrete needs. They will be able to describe experiences and events, dreams, and give reasons and explanations for plans. Students will also be capable of writing personal letters and e-mails as well as understanding standard speech on daily and familiar matters.

INDEPENDENT LEVEL: courses 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 At the end of the INDEPENDENT LEVEL, participants will be able to interact with a certain degree of fluency, explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, write an essay or report, understand extended speech and lectures and present detailed descriptions.

PROFICIENT LEVEL: Courses 10, 11, 12, DELE Preparation, Spanish for Business. At the end of the PROFICIENT LEVEL, students will be able to understand and produce the language to satisfy the demands of academic and professional environments. They will be able to understand and interpret structurally complex literary and non-literary discourse. They will have an excellent command of idiomatic expressions so as to communicate spontaneously, fluently and with a high degree of precision. They will also be expected to maintain a high degree of linguistic accuracy.

5. Placement Students with previous knowledge of Spanish must take a placement test before the registration process begins. This placement is free of charge and does not take part of class time.

6. Course schedules Our course schedules respond to studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. So we offer three possibilities, according to the number of hours per week.

Intensive Courses

7. Complementary services ORIENTATION Upon arriving at EAFIT University to begin the academic program, the participants will receive an orientation session of the Language Center and University campus and will be informed about the facilities available in the city. There will also be information on immigration issues. Conversation Partner

Four hours a day, Monday through Friday (with a 20 minute break). These courses are completed in a twoweek period.

Each student has the opportunity to have a Colombian conversation partner (a University teacher or a student) to practice the language at no extra cost. At least two hours per week are given for this activity.

Semintensive Courses

Multimedia Language Laboratory

Two hours a day, Monday through Friday. These courses are completed in a four-week period.

The Language Center has a language laboratory that is available to all foreign students. In this facility, students can find language related software as well as other software that may be used to support classroom activities and complement individual language practice. Besides this, students can access Internet and check email.

*Immersion time may be increased by auditing undergraduate courses on campus (see Complementary Services) Class hours will also respond to studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs and interests. These mostly are: Intensive: 8:00 to 12:00 n. Semintensive: 10:00 to 12:00

Attending Undergraduate Courses (non-credit) Participants are given the opportunity to attend undergraduate courses on a no-credit basis, at no extra cost. The range of courses that students can choose from is based on their language proficiency. Most of the courses available come mainly from the faculty of Social Science and Humanities. Students who have a basic level of proficiency are not able to take advantage of these courses but can take sports or art related courses.

Extracurricular Activities The Language Center, permanently schedules planned visits to museums, amusement parks, historical sites and other places of general interest at a low cost paid by the student. A guide will be with students at all times. EAFIT University has diverse cultural events, concerts, films,

fairs, art exhibits, most of which are free of charge for the students of the Language Center. Participants may find more complete information in a monthly bulletin called Agenda (www.eafit.edu.co/ agenda/). Students are also invited to attend all University sponsored sports events.

properly settled in their housing accommodation. This service has an additional cost of US$ 60.00 and has to be booked before departure from the country of origin.

Student Health Services

To improve reading skills, the student may borrow books from the Central Library at no cost by showing their Language Center Student ID.

International health insurance is required before departure from the country of origin. In addition, a fulltime nurse, doctor and dentist are available on campus several days a week. EAFIT is within a fiveminute walking distance from a major clinic if further treatment is required.

Banking

Housing

Each student will have assistance in opening a bank account in a financial institution located on campus.

There is no on-campus housing, but modestly-priced housing is readily available within walking distance of campus. Many students share apartments with fellow students or find rooms in the homes of Colombian families previously visited by a University member. The student may be provided with a private room and bathroom but meals and laundry services are optional. The Language Center Office will assist you in locating housing that is convenient and affordable. The student is in charge of paying housing costs directly to the landlord.

Library Services

Social Integration The Spanish Program at EAFIT also places great importance upon SOCIAL INTEGRATION of its students. There are different activities throughout the courses to allow students to interact with Colombian culture and daily life.

Airport Pick-up University personnel will pick up students at the airport and will serve as mentors for students until they are

8. Budgeting Cost of living for foreigners is reasonable due to the low cost of transportation, food and shopping in the city. The following information can be used as a guide for monthly budgeting (in U.S. Dollars):

DAILY COST

MONTHLY COST

HOUSING Host Family (room + board + laundry)

$350 to $550

Host Family (room + laundry)

$300 to $450

Furnished Apartment/Flat

$800 to $1200

Hotel (Breakfast included)

$50 to $150

Hostel

From $15

FOOD University Cafeteria

$ 4.50 a meal

Average Fast Food

$ 7.00 a meal

Restaurant

$15.00 a meal

TRANSPORTATION Buses & Metro Train

$ 2.00 round trip $ 3.00 short ride

Taxi

$ 5.00 average ride $ 15.00 long ride

AIRFARES WITHIN THE COUNTRY Medellín - Bogotá - Medellín

$200 to $300

Medellín - Cartagena - Medellín

$300 to $400

Medellín - San Andrés - Medellín

$500 to $600

9. Admissions and visa information Admission • A registration form completely filled out is required two months prior to traveling to Colombia. • A copy of the HEALTH INSURANCE is required for the admissions process. • Two photographs (4 x 5 cm.) • Two photocopies of the students passport and visa. • A student visa is required for foreigners planning to stay in Colombia for more than three months. If the student plans to stay for less than three months, it is required that they obtain a Temporary Visitor’s Stamp (not a

tourist visa). If such is the case, it is required that the student notify the Language Center at EAFIT so that the proper paperwork can be prepared. • Payment of admission cost or registration. After the student has completed all the paperwork, they must send it with full payment of the program to EAFIT’s local bank affiliate. If no affiliate is available, the student needs to send all previously mentioned information to the EAFIT e-mail address. Without the payment being processed, the applicant cannot being the course.

Student temporary visa To obtain the student visa in their country of origin, the students will need the following:

• A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION which the Language Center can supply, though prospective students should send the registration form in advance.

11. Reactions from our alumni

• The EAFIT University legal document sent with the Certificate of Registration.

10. Fees Awiti Maurice, Kenya For course fees please see the attached page. Fees must be paid in full prior to arrival. The admissions process has a cost of US$50 dollars (non-refundable). Please make a wire transfer for this payment: INTERMEDIARY BANK Citibank N.A. New York ABA: 021000089 SWIFT: CITIUS33 PAYMENT BANK BANCOLOMBIA, COLOMBIA SWIFT: COLOCOBM CHIPS UID: CH002511 BENEFICIARY NAME: UNIVERSIDAD EAFIT ACCOUNT BANCOLOMBIA #00190138912 CITY: MEDELLÍN COUNTRY: COLOMBIA PHONE: (57) (4) 261 95 00 ext. 9439 ID: 890901389-5

NOTE After completing a wire transfer, please fax or email EAFIT the name of the student whose payment is being made, the course in which the student has enrolled, and the date the student plans to begin. FAX number (574)2682599. email: mcubillo@eafit.edu.co After the student has paid the admission cost, another wire transfer can be made to bear the course cost or via web at: www.eafit.edu.co/idiomas/matriculas

I have been studying Spanish for that last three months in EAIFT: fairly a long time but I have liked it all. The university’s “Centro de Idiomas” has well prepared innovative and flexible instructors or professors well put and personnel. This is a power house for any study of a language. The Spanish classes are personalized, therefore providing the possibility to learn fast and have a one to one contact with the professors. The center personnel also have a very professional approach, which in turn creates a very conducive environment for foreigners and all those that visit the center. Interaction (subordinate, students, and professors) at the language center is another advantage for those that are learning as they have the possibility to meet and talk to the natives. This makes it possible to practice what one learns in the class. The physical facilities at the university campus are well developed and I guess are in tune with world standards. The university has a library, bookstores, restaurants, sporting, internet, banking facilities offered at the reach of the students. The location for the university is also strategic transport wise – one has the possibility to use the bus, metro or taxi – and it is all at a walking distance. Medellin as a city is friendly and welcoming. The people in general are generous, open and assist where possible. In conclusion, EAFIT Language Center is most likely one of the best language cente rs in Colombia and maybe in the whole of Latin America. Keep up with the standards and aim even higher.

Diana Ardehali, United States of America At first sight I knew Medellin was where I wanted to spend my six months in Colombia. It is a clean, modern city, with great weather, immense culture, incredibly kind people, an extensive transportation system, where safety is a priority. Upon arrival, I found this city to be a comfortable living environment, easy to adjust to, no matter what country you come from. Likewise, EAFIT University represents the culture and future of the country. Its beautiful, fully equipped campus is ideal for anyone wanting to study in this city. Students from all over the country come to EAFIT due to its elite reputation. The EAFIT Spanish Program consists of individuals of all ages, from various backgrounds who come to study Spanish for both professional and personal purposes. This unique program is perfect for anyone wanting to study Spanish in a flexible learning environment capable of accommodating individuals from novice to advanced levels. Professors use a diverse array of multimedia educational tools and activities rather than standard teaching methods used by other programs. Additionally, EAFITs Spanish Program provides a better return on one’s investment as students are able to utilize all campus resources available to full-time students at EAFIT University. The program coordinators and language center staff go out of their way to accommodate new students and make sure they enjoy their experience in Medellin as well as EAFITs Spanish Program.

Peter Low, England I studied in EAFIT for 6 months and had an excellent time there. I was extremely impressed by the quality of the teaching and the friendliness of all the staff in the language centre. The university is a very pleasant environment to study and Medellin is an incredible city to live in. I met loads of people and made a lot of friends here who I hope to stay in contact with for a long time to come. I was just sad to have to leave Colombia at the end of my six months!

Svetlana Alashinova, Rusia I crossed the half of the world to come from Russian Siberia to a beautiful city of eternal spring - Medellin. My choice to study Spanish language in EAFIT University was obvious. Only here you can find well structured, flexible Spanish program, experienced teachers and big library with all the kind of video, audio sources about the language. EAFIT provides many activities for all the students – concerts, workshops, salsa classes and many others. In Medellin I met a lot of people from different counties, different religions and different ages, but we had one goal in common – we came here to study new language and new culture. This experience is unforgettable and valuable for me.

For additional information Spanish Program Coordinator Language Center Universdad EAFIT jnaranjo@eafit.edu.co Phones: (+574) 261 95 00 ext. 9669 Carrera 49 7 Sur 50 Avenida Las Vegas MedellĂn, Colombia. Spanish Program Logistic Assistant spanish@eafit.edu.co Phone: (+574) 2 61 93 99 Office Hours Monday- Friday 8:00- 12:00 and 14:00-18:00 Languages for Attention to students: English and Spanish