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Mexico Teenager Study Abroad
Morelia Independent Teen
Diversity is the word that best describes Mexico's people and geography. Over 50 different indigenous groups, each with its own language, comprise 28% of Mexico's 83 million inhabitants. Divided by the Tropic of Cancer into the temperate North and the tropical South, the country boasts snow-capped volcanoes, jungle clad beaches, deserts, archeological ruins, modern cities, upscale resorts, and isolated villages.
Located about 4 hours from Mexico City or Guadalajara, Morelia is a university city with about 80,000 students studying at one of the four universities. Despite its size (pop. 800,000), the city is fairly compact, with everything of interest within walking distance of the central plaza. A climate of perpetual spring makes Morelia a welcoming destination.
School Facilities: The school is a remodeled colonial house with 13 classrooms. There are outdoor patios where students take classes and socialize. It is located near downtown just a few blocks from the main plaza, a large park, a post office, banks and various businesses and cafes. Capacity is 80 students/day. Students will have a private room with 3 meals daily provided by the host family.
Activities/Excursions: During the summer time the school offers about 2 activities per week. These activities can include but are not limited to: a walking tour of Morelia, visits to historic sites, theater performances, discos and a night out with other participants to a local restaurant. Students will be responsible for paying their own entrance fees and meals during outings. Every day the conversation club (Intercambio) is offered free of charge and is an excellent way to improve language skills and meet locals. Weekend excursions are offered approximately 2 times per month for an extra cost. The most common destinations can include: Patzcuaro, Tzinzuntzan, Quiroga (indigenous craft village), Guanajuato, Mexico city and the Pyramids.
Lodging & Meals: Homestay with 3 meals/day
Supervision: Please note this is an UNSUPERVISED PROGRAM. Morelia is an adult program that will accept teenagers between the ages of 16-18. This program is for mature, independent teens who understand, along with their parents/guardians, that supervision will not be provided and that they will be treated like adults by school staff and host families. In our opinion, Morelia is an excellent destination for an Independent Teen program. What we like the most about this program is that there is only one student assigned to a host family unless otherwise requested. This means the teen is truly part of the family and that even though there is no formal curfew, the family’s focus is on their only guest. In addition, the on-site staff is extremely responsive to their students’ needs and concerns. Morelia is a college town. This means two things in Mexico, a much broader middle class and many resources for free or low cost activities such as art shows and dancing.
To/From School: Participants travel unaccompanied either via short walk or ride on public transportation.
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Program (included in tuition):
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- 4 hrs/day classes (20 hrs/week)
- Group classes (max 6)
- Private room in host family
- 3 meals daily
- Some organized activities (2 per week during June-August)
- Intercambio (paired with Mexicans, take turns speaking English/Spanish
- Travel Assistance Program
- Emergency message service
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Possible Options (extra cost):
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- Airport pick-up in Morelia
- One-on-one classes
- Occasional weekend excursions
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Prices/Dates (for 2010):
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1
Week |
2
Weeks |
3
Weeks |
4
Weeks |
Add'l
Weeks |
Add'l 2
Weeks |
Start Dates |
| Independent Teen |
430
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805
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1180
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1555
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380
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n/a
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6/27, 7/4, 8/1
Program ends: 8/28
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Airport Pickup: $40 (drop-off included). Airport pick-up and drop-off offered from Morelia airport, not Mexico City.
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Program Notes:
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- High season supplement if studying 5/31-7/30: ADD $24/week
- Extra homestay nights: $26/night
- Private Lessons: $17/hour and from 6/1-7/31: $19
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