Programs for Teachers

Many of your fellow teachers have joined us in Costa Rica and in Mexico for language and cultural enrichment experiences. Most have come as a group; some traveled independently. Either way, our institutional goal is to provide access to cultural understanding and we have worked happily with teachers across the US community because helping teachers grow cross-culturally is a basic part of our institutional goals.

If you would like to expand your knowledge of latino culture and language, here are several options to consider:

1. Our Summer Spanish programs in Mexico. Intensive classes with our best Mexican teachers. 8 quarter hours of credit at the graduate level are available through the University of Oregon. There are three sessions each summer (Choose a five or six-week program.). This is the best option for someone seeking to improve their Spanish proficiency. Live with a Mexican family, take language and history at your level, and join us on some great field trips.

2. Our Independent study for Mexico and Costa Rica. We would be glad to help you plan a study adventure for two weeks or longer. You may begin any Monday. Classes not larger than five students. Home stay, field trips and introductions to local teachers and schools.

3. Taking a group of your students abroad. We can help you plan a program: we will make the arrangements you desire, and you and your students can enjoy Costa Rica or Mexico for a week or longer. You receive a stipend as well as all travel and living expenses. IUSI takes care of pre-departure orientation, on-site instruction and family housing and whatever travel your program involves. Call us to discuss your plans.

4. IUSI Workshops in Literary Translation. Mundo a Mundo/World to World is our binational workshop in translation. Your mastery of Spanish will increase greatly.

5. Go with a group of your colleagues! We have hosted many groups, and love to do so. It's fun for us to work with dedicated teachers (and their families). Give us your wish list with clear goals and we'll help you make it come true.

We can accommodate family groups with Mexican and Costa Rican families, so if you have a child or children or spouse or any combination you might want to bring along, we can arrange things for you.

IUSI Spanish Scholarship to Outstanding Teacher 2007
IUSI's Spanish Scholarship for Teacher Development for a high school Spanish from the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching will be presented this year at the annual meeting of the SWCOLT to Julie Rivera  from Legacy High School in Las Vegas, Nevada.