Program Courses

What program courses does IFSA-Butler offer?
The following courses are specially designed for IFSA-Butler students on the Language and Cultural Studies in the Yucatán Program. You are required to enroll in a mandatory Spanish language class. Additionally, you can choose to enroll in one or two of the other program courses.

Please note that courses are subject to availability and enrollment minimums.

Read the following information carefully and return the course preference form on the Forms tab to the IFSA-Butler U.S. office.

Click here to download all course syllabi, or click on a course title below to download an individual syllabus.

Intermediate Spanish Language or Advanced Spanish Language (4 U.S. semester credit hours)
This is an intensive intermediate- or advanced-level language course conducted in Spanish by Mexican professors. It meets for 60 contact hours over the course of the summer.

Introduction to Medical Spanish (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Medical terminology is the term used to communicate information about illnesses and medical conditions in the health care system. It is a universal language based on Latin and Greek roots and etymologies utilized daily in the medical field. While this course will study the vocabulary used in the medical field, its emphasis is on applied Spanish language not only from a linguistic competence but also to learn how to interpret meanings of medical terminology according to the local cultural context. This is a theoretical/practical course. It includes a series of visits to local rural communities, as well as visits to a medical facility, where students will be in direct contact with real patients. 

History of Mayan Culture and Civilization (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
This course will cover material from pre-Hispanic Mayan cultures, analyzing archaeology, epigraphy and history of the Mayans. You will visit important Mayan archaeological sites as part of the course. Through the course you will also explore how Mayan society was organized and sustained, while at the same time examining the socio-political structure. This class is conducted in Spanish and meets for 45 contact hours.

Introduction to Underwater Archaeology (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
The diversity of the region and the importance that water and cenotes had in the Mayan culture provide a perfect setting for studying and discovering the great number of archaeological remains in the Yucatán. At the same time students will learn the important influence these elements had for the pre-Hispanic Mayan world. This class is conducted in Spanish and meets for 45 contact hours. This course is theoretical.

The underwater archaeology course offers an optional 3-day excursion to the “Inframundo” for an additional cost. This includes transportation, entrances to sites, accommodations and all meals.

Mexican Anthropology (3 U.S. semester credit hours; advanced track only)
Through a series of ethnographies, the course will review the most important aspects of Mexican anthropology. It will cover different aspects taken from periodicals, such as gender differences, art, architecture, food, politics and contemporary issues to discuss the current realities of Mexico. This class is conducted in Spanish and meets for 45 contact hours.

Please note that partcipants on this program may not cross-enroll in classes offered on the Beginning Language, Culture and Medical Spanish program, which runs concurrently with this program.

University Info

What is the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán like?
The UADY is one of the top universities in Mexico. It is especially renowned for archaeology and anthropology, thanks to its location among many of Mexico’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

University Courses

Students on this program do not directly enroll at the Universidad Autónoma del Yucatán. All program classes are specially designed for IFSA-Butler students only. Program classes meet on the UADY campus and are taught by UADY faculty.

Registration

How will I register for courses?
Course registration will not take place until you are in Mexico. You, along with the help of the IFSA-Butler staff, will plan your course schedule during orientation.

What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler, which is 7-10 U.S. semester credit hours for the summer. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. summer course load. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.

All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. Students are not allowed to register for on-line, distance education or hybrid courses. See the “Academics” and “Program Fees and Financial Aid” sections in Preparing to Study Abroad for more information.

Exams

What do I need to know about exams?
You are not permitted to reschedule exams, request alternate assessment or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler will not be able to assist you in conducting an academic record query on the class in which you made this arrangement. Additionally, all academic obligations, including final exams, must be complete before leaving Mexico.

Transcripts

How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you return to the U.S., IFSA-Butler will send a Butler University transcript to your home university. The transcript reflects the courses taken, credits attempted and grades earned at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán during your summer abroad. We will also send an official transcript to your permanent home address.

Academic Tutors

What if I need academic help during the semester?
In addition to the formal Spanish class, our program organizes tutoring sessions for students throughout the summer. These may be scheduled at various times during the week, when students meet with the tutor on an individual basis. Please meet with the IFSA-Butler resident staff if you would like the assistance of a tutor.