During the first semester, students must follow the course requirements of the semester program. During the second semester, students are strongly encouraged to take Written Composition and Stylistics, in addition to regular University courses. Academic year students have approximately a three-week break between the first and second semester. Of these special courses students are required to take either Latin American Culture and Society or Dominican Social Themes. In addition to this course, all Council students take a language course.
Students take a placement exam at the beginning of the program.
Based on the results, students with a weaker command of the language are placed in either Advanced Conversation and Grammar or Intensive Spanish Conversation and Intensive Spanish Grammar with additional contact hours to bring them up to the advanced level. All instruction is in Spanish. Readings are typically assigned in class. Second Semester Option in Santo Domingo Students participating in the Academic Year program may choose to do the second semester in Santo Domingo. Students with strong motivation, independence, and a high level of Spanish are ideal for this program.