We have exceeded our capacity to accept guest students into Alma College International Study programs. At this time only students enrolled at Alma College may apply for admission to these programs.
If you are not currently an Alma College student, we wish you all the best
To submit an application directly through the program provider, visit the Academia Latinoamericana's website at http://www.latinoschools.com. Knowledgeable staff at the school will assist you with the application process for direct enrollment in their program or in identifying a suitable host institution as you pursue your interest in study abroad.
Alma College students: If you're interested in obtaining more information about this or any other off-campus study location, visit Off-Campus Studies in the lower level of the Kehrl Library, next to the Registrar's Office.
Why Sucre?
Sucre is a beautiful colonial judicial capital located in the Andean highlands of Bolivia. It is known as the White City of the Americas due to its numerous colonial buildings painted in white and topped with shiny red tile roofs. Set in a valley surrounded by low mountains, Sucre is very easy to explore on foot.
The many museums, lively central plaza, shops and restaurants give the city a youthful, energetic feel. Its old-fashioned look is created by the numerous ancient mansions and colonial churches. This charming colonial city of 150,000 people and surrounding villages have a sizable indigenous population who maintain their customs and colorful dress. Locals and visitors are attracted to the markets where food, textiles and other products are sold in barter fashion. Nearby is Potosi, once one of the most important silver mining centers in the world with the largest and richest population in Latin America.
Sucre Application Deadline
Applications for off-campus study in the summer or fall semester are due by the second Friday of classes in February. Applications for Off-Campus Study in the spring semester are due by the second Friday of classes in September. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Program Dates & Cost
Summer 2006 prices will be published soon. Program fees include pre- and post-advising, tuition, airport arrival, books, private room and bath, breakfast and lunch, on-site orientation, laundry, official excursions, an international student ID card, handbooks, limited insurance, and permanent academic records and an Alma College transcript for credit transfer.
2007 Prices to be post soon!!
Summer 2006
PROGRAM LENGTH COST
FOUR WEEKS $2,200
EIGHT WEEKS $4,150
TWELVE WEEKS $5,300
Summer Program Beginning Date
- May 6
- May 20
- June 3
- June 17
- July 1
- July 15
- July 29
- August 12
- August 26
The School and Facilities
The Academia Latinoamericana is located at Calle Dalence Nro. 109, Entre Bolivar y Nicolas Ortiz. One block away lies the heart of Sucre, Plaza Central. Classes are held in a two-story building that holds seven classrooms, a kitchen, a salon (for videos), colonial balconies, an interior patio, an entertainment room and a beautiful cafeteria "El Cafe Quito." Students are made up of Europeans and North Americans.
Admission Requirements
The Sucre program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above or graduates who want to enroll for undergraduate credit. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA or the equivalent at their respective colleges or universities in order for their applications to be considered for review. A 3.0 GPA or equivalent and four-semesters of college level Spanish is required for internship applicants.
Class Structure and Credits
Bolivia Academic Information includes language course descriptions, credit information, and placement test details.
Students should refer to the Academic Information Sheet for specific course descriptions and number of credits earned.
Following placement test and on-site orientation, students begin their language studies through classes offered in sessions Monday through Friday. Required textbooks are provided as part of the program.
All intensive language courses are in groups of four students maximum per class, 20 hours per week.
The highly structured grammar lessons include interactive activities, conversation and written exercises, daily homework assignments, and weekly evaluations and testing. All courses conducted in Spanish are 55 minutes in length. Classes are held in the morning or afternoon, leaving free time for cultural activities or half-day excursions. Classes end on the Friday prior to departure.
Grades are recorded at Alma College upon completion of the program, though it depends on each student's institution if the grades transfer. It is important for students to follow the procedures of their home campus to have courses pre-approved for transfer prior to departure for Sucre.
Internships
An internship complements classroom learning, provides chances to participate actively in an international community, furnishes valuable career insights and provides academic credit. Academic internships and volunteer programs are available during semester and quarter programs.
Interns are evaluated on-site and by the academic director and are graded based on a report of the experience written in Spanish. Most placements require that the student have a good knowledge of spoken and written Spanish while some placements require the student speak the second language exclusively.
Participants enroll in classes in addition to their unpaid internship. Specific placements vary from semester to semester and new placements are regularly added to the list. Internship placements are not confirmed until after arrival. The internship program is the same price as a semester or quarter program.
Travel Documents
A passport is required for study abroad and must be valid at least 180 days beyond the end of the program. An U.S. citizen can stay in Bolivia for 90 days without a visa. Thirty-day extensions can be attained in Sucre for $25-$40. Additional information on immigration requirements is sent upon acceptance to the program. Students need to contact the on-site Director prior to travel outside Bolivia. During orientation in Sucre, students are notified of any additional visa requirements.
Arrival Information
Students need to arrive in Sucre on the beginning date of the program as indicated in the acceptance packet. This is the date housing becomes available. Students need to return the Airport Meeting Request Form to OCS if they want to be met by a host family at the airport. For arrivals before the beginning date of the program, fees associated with housing and transportation from the airport are the student's responsibility. Students need to provide Alma College with their flight information at least two weeks prior to departure so that host families can be informed of arrivals.
Orientation
An on-site orientation is held on the Monday after arrival in Sucre. Host families provide directions to the Academia. During orientation, a placement exam determines oral and written Spanish levels. Students also receive information on courses, Bolivian cultural norms, the transportation system, Internet access, excursions, medical facilities, post office, etc. A city tour is conducted in the afternoon.
Administrative Staff
Alma College staff is available in the event of an emergency 24 hours a day. Students can call 989.463.7055 to reach an OCS staff member. The on-site Academic Director is Sandra de Maldonado and the on-site Student Services Coordinator is Leonardo Maldonado. Both are available throughout the program to answer any questions. They can be reached by calling 591.646.0527 or by e-mail at latinosucre@cotes.net.bo.
Excursions
Cultural excursions vary by semester and have included trips to Potosi, the Salt Lake of Uyuni, the Vista Los Hoteles de Sal, La Isla del Pescado, visits to the Dinosaur Footprints and to the Asur Textile Museum. In addition, students will find a daily schedule of cultural events in Sucre and surrounding areas including locations of theaters, museums and festivals. Activities include visits to local areas, dance classes, cooking classes, parties, fiestas, Spanish language videos and moves, seminars and discussion groups. Students must pay for their own transportation, entrance fee, etc. for excursions not included in the program.
The school does not organize weekend trips, but on-site staff can assist with arrangements.
Vacation
Personal travel can be done on weekends but should not interfere with class work. Extended vacation plans that do not fit into these vacation periods should be conducted before or after the semester of study. Semester programs have a one week vacation from school. Dates will be provided upon acceptance to the program. Academic year Christmas vacation is from Dec. 17, 2006-Jan. 5, 2007.
Computers/E-mail
Internet and e-mail access is not offered at the school. An Internet cafe near the school and many throughout Sucre offer reasonable rates.
Transportation
Transportation costs are not included in the program. The school provides students with city transportation details.
A local network of Micros (buses) and Trufis (mini-buses) can be found within each department of the country. The inter-departmental buses are called Flotas. The Flotas leave from the bus terminals, and although they can be reserved by phone, they are less expensive when tickets are purchased at the terminal. Some bus companies have luxury services such as toilets, videos, reclining seats, etc.
Students should always agree on a price before riding in a taxi. Taxi prices are higher during nights, weekends and at airports. Drivers may try to charge foreigners more. When traveling, ask locals about the prices. In the main cities, students can call for a cab. Although more expensive, it is reliable and safe.
Housing and Meals
Host families belong to Bolivia's middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Bolivia are much lower than Europe or North American. Participants should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility is required to adjust to the Bolivian customs and way of life. Details are provided during the on-site orientation.
Family homes are located in neighborhoods usually no more than a 20-30 minute walk to school. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Refunds are not given for meals not taken. Laundry once a week is included. Local or international phone calls are not permitted from a homestay. Incoming calls are acceptable at reasonable hours, but should be discussed with the host family in advance.
Telephones
Telephone rates are extremely expensive in Bolivia. Collect calls can be made to the U.S. and some European countries at the Entel Offices. Students can buy tokens and phone cards for international and long distance calls at the Entel Offices. Most public phone boxes are for local calls only; tokens can be bought from street kiosks and stores. Faxes can be sent from the school and major Entel Offices.
The mail service is reliable but slow, taking 7-10 days to arrive. Mark parcels "muestra sin valor" and state a zero value. Parcels up to two kilos do not pass through customs if they are so marked. Parcels that pass through customs may be taxed beyond their actual value.
Family or friends should not send correspondence to a homestay address. Mail should be sent to the following address:
Student's Name
Academia Latinoamericana de Espanol
Calle Dalence Nro. 109
Entre Bolivar y Nicolas Ortiz
Sucre
BOLIVIA
Health Insurance
Limited health insurance is provided as a part of the program cost. It is recommended to keep existing U.S. medical insurance active while abroad to provide for continuous coverage. No refunds are given for dual coverage. A copy of the insurance policy and an insurance card is enclosed in the acceptance packet. The phone number of the MEDEX representative is listed on the insurance card.
Alma Travel Agent
Airfare is not included in the cost of the study abroad program and all students need to purchase their own plane ticket. Students may purchase airline tickets at rates below regular airline prices using the International Student Identification Card provided with the program. STA Travel Agency provides student discounts with the card; view their website at www.statravel.com. Also available for purchase at student rates are Eurail, Britrail, and other country rail passes. Students may work with any travel agent to find airfare. Travel Jems in Midland, MI has serviced many Alma College students in the past. Call them at 877-914-6700 or email to bookmetravel@sbcglobal.net.
