Immersion Programs
Go full-in with learning another language and experiencing another culture by joining them for a summer.
These life-changing summer programs will not only accelerate learning the native language but continue to advance your degree as you take courses at sister universities in Costa Rica and Quebec. In the truest sense, this is the classroom in and of the world. Pack your bags Bulldogs, you've got a lot to explore.
COSTA RICA IMMERSION PROGRAM
A language immersion program can put you well on your way to understanding and being understood in Spanish. Conversing with locals in Costa Rica means you also get the opportunity to experience other aspects of the culture, too.
Students will study in Heredia, a medium-size town that offers the peace and rural beauty of a smaller city, while providing easy access to the activities of San Jose. All classes are held at the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, one of the most notable public universities in the country.
Students study for four to five weeks in May and June, and may take courses in Spanish, (elementary level to advanced) as well as Spanish composition courses. Ecology and tropical conservation courses in English will also be offered. Students will live with a Spanish-speaking host family and have the opportunity to add on different experiences such as dance classes or field trips/tours for additional fees.
Possible day trips & weekend excursions include: Visiting San Jose, La Paz Waterfall, a weekend on the Pacific coast in the rainforest, and a tropical biodiversity tour with hiking and zip lining.
Students may opt to extend their study with a summer-long session with additional courses and fees. Please see the Office of International Programs for more information.
ELIGIBILITY AND COST
To be considered for the program, you must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good disciplinary standing at Wingate University. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you also need a U.S. passport. If you’re a citizen of another country, check with the Costa Rican embassy for possible visa requirements.
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Tuition and fees
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Homestay and three meals/day
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USAC prearranged housing placement service
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Personalized pre-departure advising
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Parental support and advisement
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Scholarship advising and assistance
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Transcript assistance
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Student health insurance
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Group flight airport pick-up (subject to availability)
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Mandatory on-site orientation
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Host university student ID card
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24-hour local emergency staff support
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Free medical assistance on campus
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Program-organized field trips
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Local travel resources, tips, and suggestions
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
You may apply for USAC scholarships for this program. We also encourage you to learn about your financial aid options for summer enrollment at finaid@wingate.edu.
QUEBEC IMMERSION PROGRAM
Our International Studies program welcomes you to sharpen your French skills in the city of Quebec, a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site and the only walled city north of Mexico. While in Quebec, you’ll study at the University of Laval, the oldest Francophone university in North America. Wander through streets filled with European charm and international restaurants, stores and more. Experience all this multicultural city has to offer, including:
- Centuries old wall system encircling Old Quebec
- Cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and boutiques
- Hundreds of restaurants featuring foods from every corner of the globe
- The imposing St. Lawrence River, the gateway to America
- Montmorency Falls, a mighty waterfall 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls
- Rue du Trésor, Old Quebec’s open air art gallery
Eligibility and cost
To be considered for the program, you must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good disciplinary standing at Wingate University. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you also need a U.S. passport. If you’re a citizen of another country, check with the Canadian embassy for possible visa requirements.
Tuition covers:
- Breakfast and dinner everyday
- Campus facility access
- Class materials
- Daily language classes
- Homestay in a private home with a local family
- International health insurance
- Peer mentors
- Six credits of Wingate summer tuition
Keep in mind that other costs not listed above include:
- Airfare (around $400)
- Baggage fees
- Lunches ($5/day)
- Passport costs if you don’t have one (about $165)
- Spending money for shopping or other extra excursions and activities