Cultural Embrace's summer program for teens (ages 13-17 years old) is designed to make the study of the Spanish language fun and meaningful. We offer an excellent program for teens that encourages them to learn, live and love the Spanish language and Mexican culture.

Students will be studying Spanish for up to 30 hours per week with no more than five other participants in a group. Participants will be grouped within the same age and language skill level. Safety and good health are our main priority, and adult supervision is included throughout the whole program. The week activities include academic and recreational sessions with local Mexican students, cooking, learning cultural dances and art, and attending lectures. Once a week students may participate in recreational activities and field trips that expand their cultural experience. Shared housing (with carefully selected roommate based same age and gender group) will be included in safe, conveniently located home-stays with three meals per day. Special dietary diets and meals can be prepared on request. 

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

A practical experience learning Spanish through native and professional Mexican teachers 
A fun way to experience the Mexican culture and traditions with friendly and qualified adult supervision and staff
An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
An opportunity to participate in and learn Mexican cultural activities (e.g.: language, cooking, crafts)
Discover Mexico with memorable travel experiences and ways to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe 
A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills 

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Spanish language lessons (Up to 30 hours/week)
  Daily class schedule typically includes: 3 hours of Spanish classes with no more than 5 students, 1 hour of functional Spanish, 2 hours conversational Spanish workshop.
• Room & Board
  Participants will stay with carefully selected host families. Rooms will be shared with another student that match with your same age, gender, and interests. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners will be provided by the family. On weekend excursions, students will be sharing hotel rooms with same-gender/age participants. Special dietary/allergy needs will be met upon request.
• Classroom Materials
  Study materials for class are provided (textbook/workbook and photocopies of exercises).  
• Social Activities and Excursions
  Social activities and excursions are available.  
• Travel Insurance:  Comprehensive Medical Coverage 
  Our program includes a comprehensive international traveler's medical coverage. 
• Arrival Assistance 
  An airport pick-up and drop-off are included with your program.   
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of traveling abroad.
• 24-Hours Full-time Representation & Supervision
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and Mexico prior to, during, and after your placement.
• Certificate & Academic Report
  Upon completion of the course, you will receive an accredited certificate and academic report if requested.

MEXICO: Cuernevaca

Cuernavaca is a resort city and capital of the state of Morelos 75 kilometers (50 miles) south of Mexico City. Its near perfect climate has attracted vacationers since the days of the Aztec emperors. Today its narrow streets host a strange mix of local residents, Mexican vacationers, foreign students, international jet-setters, and Hollywood stars. Filming conditions are so agreeable that the Valley of Morelos has become a favorite of the U.S. film industry.

The program takes place from June 3 to August 19, 2007 in beautiful Cuernevaca, Mexico. Students aged 13 to 17 years old will have an unforgettable summer, as they are exposed to new friends, community, environment, language, activities and sites. 

Students will live with carefully screened host families. They are typically placed with another participant of same gender, age and interest. The host family will prepare breakfasts, lunches, and dinner while the participants are in Cuernevaca. On weekend field trips, the group will eat in local cafes/resturants. There will be adult chaperones at all times during the program.
  
A Typical Week of Activities in Mexico:                                                                              
Monday - Friday
  8:00am - 10:55: Spanish lesson
10:55 - 11:15: Break
11:15 - 12:00pm Functional Spanish
12:00 - 2:00 Conversational Spanish Workshops
  2:00 - 3:00 Lunch
Afternoon Recreational & Social Activities
Typical Thursday afternoon & weekends - field trip 

Summer Dates: From May 5 - August 29, 2008
                               Sunday preferred arrival date to start on Mondays

Duration	Price (in US$)
1 week	$860
Each Add'l week	$425

*Prices subject to change based on currency exchange rates
**Can$, Aus$, Br£, Euros€ can be accepted with an additional service charge for currency conversion
***Fee includes: Up to 30 hours Spanish lessons, home stay, all meals, airport pick up and drop off, activities and tours.

1. Obtain the Cultural Classes Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Cultural Classes Form (PDF).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US/Canada toll-free) to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Cultural Classes Program Application
• Signed Cultural Classes Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back

• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee)
  
  Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minutes phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program.
  
  We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 12-16 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your placement.
  
  *Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received less than 8 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US/Canada toll-free).