Destination Mexico -- Students gain opportunity for culture, travel, class credit
by KC Jones, reporter

    By immersing themselves in Mexican culture and language, students can change their world-view, make new friendships and even get college credit from Tarrant County College.

    Students of Jim Palmer, NE instructor of Spanish, know about the summer semester Spanish course that goes to Cuernavaca because he directs the Spanish in Mexico program. Every summer, up to 35 students fly to Mexico City and transfer 50 miles south to Cuernavaca, “the city of eternal spring.”

    This city is the ideal place to study Spanish because of the hospitality of its people and the wonderful weather, Palmer said. Most days are sunny and the temperature averages 69 degrees.

The course in Cuernavaca also includes field trips to Mexico City, Teotihuacán, Taxco and Xochicalo. Even if one cannot say the names now, one can imagine ancient Aztec and Mayan pyramids, delicious cuisine and colorful crafts.

    Not only is Cuernavaca a beautiful place to visit, but more importantly to students, they can earn college language credits. Two programs are offered: SPAN 1412 and 2311 or SPAN 2311, 2312 and 1100. Students choose the program based on how much previous Spanish they have taken and how many more language credits they need for a degree.

    The fees start with the TCC tuition of $28 per credit hour. Airfare is approximately $450. The Mexican Immersion Center’s fees of $1,470 includes tuition for four intense weeks of Spanish instruction with classes containing only five students.

    Students stay with a Mexican family of middle class or higher and share a room with another student. Three meals a day are provided. Other fees and expenses make the course cost total at least $2,100 before tuition.

    Registration has already begun, and with only 35 openings, space is limited. The last day to pay in full and sign up for the trip is March 30.

    Spanish in Mexico has been a life-changing experience for many students, Palmer said.

    “Many students go to Mexico with preconceived ideas and prejudices. During their time in Cuernavaca, lasting friendships are made, an appreciation for the culture is fostered and the students leave more worldly and accepting of others,” he said.

    Palmer also explained how much of an impact being at the Immersion Center in Mexico has on the learning curve of students.
    “It is truly amazing,” he said. “Students that were previously having trouble learning Spanish turn right around once immersed in and saturated with the language in school and surrounded by the culture.

    “The improvement is almost miraculous; the students come back with confidence and understanding,” he said.

    Interested students can obtain a brochure and registration packet from Palmer in FAC 325 or 336.

    For more information, call 817-515-6932 or 817-515-6406.