Trading places

Some say the best way to learn a new language is to travel in that country.

But, high costs can often deter multilingual status seekers from fulfilling their dream in such a way.

That is, unless you take part in UTPB's and Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua's international exchange program.

For a mere $343.50, meals, tuition and outings for a three-week trip are paid for - and the dream of learning another language while traveling the world becomes more palpable.

 "There's a theory in second language acquisition: there's a linguistic level, a cognitive level and, most importantly, an aesthetic level that includes surface codes and cultural sensitivity and awareness," Rey Lascano, UTPB director of continuing education, said.

"This program exposes them to our culture, which is a blend of many cultures," he said.

Some activities the exchange students have participated in include visiting museums, going to baseball games and, next week, the group will go to San Antonio.

Third-year international exchange program participant Miguel De Leon said he's making progress in the program.

"The first time I came here, I didn't understand many words, and I couldn't speak English very well," he said. "I've been here a total of three months, and I think I'm better at speaking English, and I understand it better. I can study at home and read and understand some articles written in English."

The program differs from studying English in Mexico, said De Leon.

"It's more intense here - I can't speak Spanish. In Mexico, the teachers always speak Spanish. Your classmates always speak Spanish. And, when you leave class, you speak Spanish," he said.

"Here it's different because if you go to ask something or you go to the mall, you're practicing English," he said.

The exchange students also take advantage of UTPB's resources.

"We had a barbecue at the ranch house, and we play a lot of games - I like to play racquetball - and we go swimming," De Leon said. "Even at the barbecue, I had to know the names of things and different vocabulary like different drinks, different meat or ‘napkin.' "

But the program isn't limited to students of the University of Chihuahua.

Miguel Islas is a computer science engineer for the university and said the program helps greatly.

"The most helpful thing is learning expressions and new words," he said. "Learning English is very helpful because in my work, all the manuals are in English."

Grammar teacher Griselda Baeza said she's noticed progress among the students since they've been in the course.

"This is a wonderful experience, and we've seen a positive outcome," she said. "They're responding well and we're trying to facilitate learning and answer any questions or doubts they may have."

Knowing another language is also beneficial, Baeza said.

"Overall, being bilingual is an asset," she said. "The students here are learning English based on their career requirements. Some of them go into business law and others will go into the medical field. So this program increases their ability to acquire a second language to help them achieve success."

THE BASICS

>> What: Three-week intensive Spanish class

>> When: July 6-26 at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua

>> How much: $687, unless you enroll in a freshman or sophomore level Spanish class, in which case, tuition's 50 percent off.

>> Students can also opt to take 4389 International Studies and Border Issues for 90 continuing education credits.

>> High school students can also take the courses for dual credit, in which the student will receive one year of Spanish credit for both high school and college.