PA students can choose to participate in a study aboard opportunity in the beautiful city of Antigua, Guatemala.  This optional experience takes place during the second semester of the program, over the week of JMU spring break in March.  There is no course credit for this experience. Interested PA students are accompanied by two JMU faculty members.

Typically, PA students who are interested in learning the Spanish language will attend; especially those who intend to travel to Peru the following year for the optional clinical rotation elective experience.  However, this study aboard opportunity is open to any PA student who wishes to attend.

While in Antigua, PA students have one-on-one Spanish language classes every morning, Monday-Friday from 8:00am – 12:00pm (with a 30-minute break at 10:00am).   Students stay with a host family in order to further develop their Spanish skills.  Host families also provide three meals per day.  There is flexibility each afternoon/evening for a variety of activities. 

Sample Schedule:

The city of Antigua is located within the Sierra Madre mountain range and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Until 1776, Antigua served as the capital of Guatemala for over 200 years.  It’s well-preserved Spanish colonial and baroque style buildings create a beautiful landscape that is contrasted with stunning backdrops of surrounding volcanoes and coffee plantations just outside of the city.  Antigua is a common destination for learning the Spanish language through immersion, due to many language schools in the area.

No prior knowledge or understanding of Spanish is required to attend this experience.  On-site language instructors will tailor classes to individual needs.  Cost for the trip will vary annually but is approximately $850 plus the cost of airfare.  The cost includes the language classes, the homestay, three meals per day (M-F), the coffee plantation tour, and the convent/museum tour.