Cal Poly Summer Spanish Language Immersion Program Recognized by State of Morelos, Mexico

Cal Poly Continuing Education and University Outreach and the university's Modern Languages and Literatures Department will be recognized by the State of Morelos, Mexico, for outstanding work in promoting the Spanish language and Mexican culture.

Cal Poly's Spanish Language Immersion Program has been held in Cuernavaca each summer for the last 12 years. The award honors a university or organization outside Mexico for continuous interest in and support of the Mexican culture.

"Awards are given to universities and organizations that embody the principles of exceptional teaching, learning and the broadening of students' worldviews through international education. This year, the Cuauhnáhuac Spanish Language Institute, Cal Poly's partner institute in Mexico, nominated Cal Poly for this prestigious award," said Margo Camilleri, marketing manager for Cal Poly Continuing Education and UniversityOutreach.

An award ceremony is scheduled in Cuernavaca on June 7, and Cal Poly plans to send a representative to accept the award.

"The State of Morelos is recognizing Cal Poly's commitment to student learning and its desire to broaden the life experiences of its students. Moreover, Cal Poly has an exceptional reputation in the educational community in the United States. By consistently bringing students to study at Cuauhnáhuac, Cal Poly has also shown its commitment to the City of Cuernavaca," said David Cano international relations and marketing director for the Cuauhnáhuac Institute.

Cal Poly Continuing Education and University Outreach, in cooperation with the university's Modern Languages and Literatures Department, have been offering the Spanish Language Immersion Program since 1993. During this one-month program at the Cuauhnáhuac Institute in Cuernavaca, participants attend Spanish classes daily and live with a host family. Participants earn 8 units of Cal Poly credit during the four week program.

Although most of the participants, whose language skills range from beginning to advanced, are Cal Poly students, the program is open to the public.

Professor William Martinez of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department is this year's committee chair. Professor Kevin Fagan, also of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department, is serving as resident director. Rose Whitworth of Cal Poly Continuing Education and University Outreach is the program developer and coordinator.

Contact:
Margo Camilleri, Cal Poly Continuing Education and University Outreach (805) 756-7136; mdcamill@calpoly.edu