The Institute of Languages and Multicultural Studies of the Universidad Ana G. Méndez offers intensive language and culture courses in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese. The language courses range from beginner level to the professional level. The beginner and intermediate courses begin with an introduction to the cultural and historical aspects for the language, as well as the building of vocabulary, listening, speaking, grammar and the gradual progression to reading and writing. The professional level courses cover spoken and written language used in formal professional settings. They also include writing for research, cover letters, curriculum vitae writing, interview preparation and a number of other professional situations and customs.
We also offer courses in the humanities and social sciences which can complement additional studies in world cultures and civilizations. Additionally, we are able to tailor classes to the specific needs of groups. For example, the United States Army utilizes our facilities to teach English to future Army officers and military personnel. The San Juan Bautista Medical School has also used our facilities for introductory research courses in English.
Goals
- To appreciate one’s own culture and the culture of others.
- To express one’s ideas and thoughts verbally in another language.
- To express one’s ideas and thoughts in writing in another language.
- To increase listening and reading comprehension skills in another language.
- To engage in global thinking, analysis, and problem-solving.
- To respect the diversity of global society and individuals.
The Universidad Ana G. Méndez offers a Dual Immersion Program to first-year international students who do not speak Spanish. The program is designed to give students the basic Spanish language skills necessary to be functionally bilingual, while also providing them with support in their native language. While in the program, students must take three intensive Spanish language development courses, which include classroom instruction, and language laboratory, although the first-year courses in the program are taught in both English and Spanish, there is also additional support for speakers of Italian, French, Portuguese and Arabic.
After the first year, students are integrated into the regular university courses where the language of instruction is in Spanish; however, most of the textbooks are in English. Students who still need additional Spanish language development are allowed to use the language laboratory and the tutoring services available on campus.