Spanish Immersion Program

The Program

MLC’s 6-credit immersion program presents an exceptional opportunity to increase Spanish proficiency and to experience a Latino culture. All MLC Spanish majors and minors are required to participate in the program prior to graduation. Preseminary students who are serious about using Spanish in their ministry are strongly encouraged to attend.

The six-credit program includes the following:

• Five weeks of intensive small-group instruction (typically 5–6 students), mornings and most afternoons, at all levels — including specific MLC 3-credit courses for returning participants or those extending their stay
• Informal extracurricular activities: Recoleta, La Boca, Teatro Colón, San Telmo
• Optional excursions: El Tigre, the ESMA museum, Iguazú Falls, and more
• Five-week homestay with two meals per day (no Saturday dinners); hotel or apartment arrangements available at additional cost
• A tango dinner show and five professional tango lessons
• A day trip to a gaucho ranch, including two live shows
• Two airport transfers
• Plenty of weekend free time for exploring
• An “Asado” — a special invitation to a traditional meal at the Academia director’s home
• Small and/or large group dinners, depending on enrollment
• A public transportation card loaded with up to 10 rides
• Six MLC credits (up to nine total with an extended stay, at additional cost)

For preseminary men, this program fulfills the intercultural elective requirement and may replace Intermediate Spanish III and/or other required or elective Spanish courses.

The cost

$4,548
Airfare not included

Payment Schedule

Payment #1: $550 due upon registration (non-refundable).
Payment #2: Balance due March 15, 2027 (Please note that part of the balance may be non-refundable depending on reservations already made; language school or MLC penalties may apply.)

Funding options

• Because the Immersion Program is part of your academic program, it should qualify for financial assistance — talk to Financial Services for details.
• Preseminary men pursuing the Spanish minor may apply for the Preseminary Spanish Immersion Scholarship.
• Talk with family, friends, and your home congregation who might help finance the trip.
• Consider a student loan

Airfare

• Airfare is not included in the program cost. Early arrivals or late departures may incur additional housing expenses.

Program requirements/prerequisites/grades

• Professor’s permission
• Signed Spanish-only language pledge — speaking only Spanish throughout the program. Failure to abide by the pledge results in loss of credit. An adapted pledge is available for married couples and beginners.
• A daily, detailed reflective journal
• Attendance and participation in all classes, excursions, and activities for your selected option
• Satisfactory weekly examinations/evaluations
• Specialized programs may require additional coursework

Final grades are based on overall participation, final exams, journals, and assigned projects.

Documentation/Immunizations

• A valid passport
• Completed and signed MLC Immersion Program handouts
• No vaccinations are required for travel to Argentina. However, some are recommended, especially for travel to certain regions (such as Iguazu Falls). Talk to your doctor for details.

How to Register

• Turn in your signed registration form and release/liability form to Dr. John Meyer in the Continuing Education Office.
• Pay the $550 down payment when you submit your forms, or request to be billed.
• If billed, payment is due within 10 days of turning in your forms.

Want to support this program?

Donations can be made by mailing a check or by calling our office at 507.354.8221 x. 295.

Martin Luther College
1995 Luther Court
New Ulm, MN 56073

NOTE: On your check, write MLC Hoyer Spanish Project in the memo line.