When and how do I register for this course?

An application process is necessary for participation on THEO 4620, Interpreting the City - Buenos Aires. Once accepted, we will guide you through the registration process.

For application information and forms, click here.

Are there any prerequisites for this course?

Oh yes! To participate on the Interpreting the City – Buenos Aires course, you must have successfully completed THEO 2620, Introduction to Global and Urban Ministries. If you are not a student at Seattle Pacific University, you must take a similar course and explain the correlation.

Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in this class?

No es necesario hablar español para participar en esta clase. No, you do not need to speak Spanish to participate in this class. The lectures will either be in English or Dr. Nüesch-Olver will translate them. However, you are strongly encouraged to learn a bit of the language to be able to greet people, thank folks, ask where the bathroom is, and order an alfajor de dulce de leche.

How are students selected for this course?

Students will be selected based on the following criteria:

- Successful completion of THEO 2620, Introduction to

        Global and Urban Ministries
      - Priority will be given to seniors, as this will be their last             opportunity to participate in the class.
      - A good ratio between Sophomores and Juniors. Obviously,         incoming Freshpeople do not qualify since they have not

        taken Intro to GUM
      - At least 2 students who speak Spanish fluently
      - Students who are in good academic and judicial standing
      - Positive letters of recommendation, which are part of the
        application process

If I cannot go this year, can I go in 2009?

If all goes well this year (and why wouldn’t it?) the course will be offered again next year in Buenos Aires, probably at the end of Fall Quarter in December 2009. Otherwise, it will be taught at SPU every other year.

Has this course been taught before?

Yes, this class was offered in Nicaragua in 2005 and Buenos Aires in September 2007. Click here to read reflections of students who participated in that class.

Who will teach the course?

Dr. Nüesch-Olver will be the main professor, and highly qualified Argentinean lecturers will also participate. Where needed, Dr. Nüesch-Olver will translate.

How many students will go?

The class will be made up of 16 students. There will be a waitlist in case someone withdraws from the class.

Must I arrange my own transportation to Buenos Aires?

We are working with a travel agent who specializes in study abroad programs and whose services are used by other SPU groups. Once you are accepted, you will make your arrangements directly through this person. To extend your stay in Argentina, it is possible to plan your arrival prior to the official starting date of the course or to stay after the group leaves; however, all arrangements must be made through the provided travel agent. Believe us, this will benefit you.

If you make separate arrangements and do not arrive with the rest of the class, you will be responsible for meeting the group no later than August 29th at 10AM in Buenos Aires.

Where will students live?

We are making plans to have you stay at Residencia Universitaria Mayor. Click here for a link to the residence webpage. http://www.resmayor.com/ing/home.htm

Will we see much of Buenos Aires during the two
weeks of class?

Absolutely! Part of each day will be spent in an actual classroom setting. The rest of the time will be spent visiting institutions and contexts where you will be able to observe the expressions of what you studied in the lectures. For instance, we will visit schools, hospitals, Shanty town 31, La Feria de Matadero, Protestant and Catholic Churches, Museums, and Art Galleries.

When will my coursework be due?

Your final paper will be due December 1st to Dr. Nüesch-Olver by 9AM. Grades will be posted with the rest of Autumn quarter grades in mid-December.

Will this course count toward my Autumn quarter course load of 12 to 18 credits?

When you return you will still be able to take 12 to 18 credits at normal tuition costs.

How much will this cost?

This course is offered to you at the 2008-2009 tuition price of 5 SPU credits. The cost of this course will be your tuition for 5 credits – $3,680. T

Your tuition will cover most of your expenses including round-trip air fare to Buenos Aires, residence living, in-country transportation related to planned class activities, insurance, class manual, fees and some meals. Excluded in the cost are most of your meals and personal expenses such as side-trips on your days off.

When is the tuition due?

After being accepted to the program, there will be three payment deadlines. A deposit of $ 300 will be due April 11th along with a letter of acceptance to the program in order to make flight reservations. The remaining two payments will be due June 27th and July 27th.

Can I receive financial aid for this trip?

Everyone will be able to receive their normal financial aid package for Autumn Quarter. Beyond that you will need to individually contact Heidi Seivert at Student Financial Services.

What do I do if I don't have a passport?

You must apply for one immediately. If you are accepted for this class and do not receive your passport by mid-July, you may be asked to give up your spot in the class and make room for someone from the wait-list. The State Department says travelers should allow eight to 10 weeks for a passport, but it often takes longer. Generally, after three weeks, travelers can track the status of their passports online. To apply for a passport, travelers must show proof of U.S. citizenship or a birth certificate, proof of identity, a Social Security number and two photographs.

In Seattle, the passport office is in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Ave., Suite 992. For more information, go to:

www.travel.state.gov/passport

For application information, click here.

Click here to read former students' reflections.