Students who DO NOT need to take additional academic coursework for credit or who are NOT using financial aid are encouraged to consider CCL for their practicum experience.

Read letters from students who did their practicum in Morelia

Program Overview at the Centro Cultural de Lenguas

CCL, a language institute that offers classes in Spanish and English, has a monthly average of 700 students.  Class size is from 6 to 16 students, ranging in age from 13 to 30.  TESOL practicum students may be placed as assistants in basic, intermediate, or advanced English classes.  Generally, students are very motivated when they come to CCL.  Most of them attend not out of obligation, but because they are interested in learning the language and the culture as well as in meeting foreign students and teachers.  In addition to English classes, CCL also offers classes in  Spanish language and Mexican culture to students from around the world.  The TESOL practicum program at CCL includes Spanish classes, giving TESOL students an opportunity to meet a variety of people from other countries while completing the practicum.

Teachers at CCL use a communicative approach, allowing students to practice the four basic language skills through readings, interactive CD ROMs, and exercises in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.  Some English classes also use videos, allowing students to learn about important aspects of American and British culture.

CCL provides foreign students with a one-day excursion for groups of five or more practicum students.  If there are fewer than five students, CCL will provide information about travel to nearby areas of interest.

The City of Morelia

Morelia is located about four hours from both Mexico City and Guadalajara.  Morelia is a former colonial city sometimes described as “stately and majestic,” with a relaxed pace of life.  For more information about Morelia, visit your local travel agent or call 1-800-44-MEXICO.  The CCL website also contains information about the city and about Mexico in general.

 Accommodations

Homestays will be arranged through the school for those who would like to experience living in a Mexican household. This is probably the best living option, as there are few apartments in Morelia.  Those that are available are often expensive and without furniture or appliances.  It is also difficult to arrange short-term rentals. Accommodations other than homestays selected by CCL must be arranged by individual students. 

Insurance, Passports and Visas

Personal medical and emergency insurance is required as part of participation in this program. In most cases, you can use your U.S. medical insurance while in Mexico. You should check with your insurance company carefully to verify the policy’s out-of-country coverage, both for medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation services. The International Programs and Exchanges Office at WWU (650-3298) has information on overseas insurance options that are available either for complete coverage or to supplement your existing medical insurance policy.   It is very important for you to understand clearly the terms of coverage available through your insurance carrier, as neither WWU nor CCL will take responsibility for providing medical or other emergency assistance.

You should carry a passport any time you travel to another country, even if it is not required.  For passport information and application / renewal forms, go to the main post office in Bellingham or to the State Department website at http://travel.state.gov.  Obtaining or renewing a passport takes about two weeks for expedited processing (at extra cost) or about six weeks for regular processing, so plan ahead.

For the time you spend in Morelia at CCL, you will only need a tourist visa, which you will obtain when you enter the country.  You will need either your passport or you driver’s license and birth certificate to obtain a visa.

Ì     Program Dates and Fees
(combine two non-intensive 4-week sessions to make one 8-week practicum)

Dates for 2008:
Fall                         10/1/07 - 10/26/07
                              10/29/07 - 11/23/07
                              11/26/07 - 12/21/07

Winter                    1/7/08 - 2/1/08
                             2/5/08 - 2/29/08
                             3/3/08 - 4/11/08 (includes 2 week vacation period)

Spring                    4/14/08 - 5/9/08
                             5/12/08 - 6/6/08
                             
                            
Summer                 6/9/08 - 7/4/08
                             7/7/08 - 8/1/08
                             8/4/08 - 8/29/08

Summer Intensive:  9/1/08 - 9/29/08

Fall                         9/29/08 - 10/24/08
                              10/27/08 - 11/21/08
                              11/24/08 - 12/19/08

CCL Tuition:  US $750.00  (It's $250 if you do not want Spanish classes)

√  $100.00 deposit sent to arrive one month in advance

√  $650.00 due upon arrival (plus homestay fees – see below)

√  Payment in cash (dollars or pesos) or traveler’s checks

√  NO credit cards accepted

Fees include:
                    -  Practicum Program
                    -  40 hours of Spanish classes (material included)
                    -  Information Session
                    -  Meetings with local coordinators (to check on the practicum
                       experience)
                    -  One-day excursion for groups of five or more practicum
                       students

Homestay Fees:
            ·    $20.00 per person per day for a shared room
            ·    $22.00 per person per day for a private room
            ·    Three meals included
            ·    Homestays arranged by CCL
            ·    Limited information on alternative housing available on request

Tuition for the TESL 430 course must be paid to WWU in addition to the CCL program tuition and fees.  Currently the tuition for the 4-credit course is $696.00 ($174.00 per credit).

For advising on the practicum options in Morelia, contact the TESOL Director, Trish Skillman at 650-4949 or trish.skillman@wwu.edu

Application Checklist
•  Begin the application process at least two months ahead of time, and plan extra time if you do not have a valid passport.

•  Meet with the TESOL director (Trish Skillman) to discuss your plans and to make sure that the option you have chosen is appropriate for you.