One week: July 20-26, 2008

You know what a tortilla is, right? But do you know the difference between a tortilla in Spain and one in Mexico? What about the difference between palta and aguacate? (They're both names for the avocado, a word in nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs in ancient Mexico). Speaking of Mexico, what makes a Mexican restaurant authentic? And speaking of authentic, do they have Taco Bell in Latin America? (Yes)

Come get a taste of Spanish and Spanish American culture this summer at Furman in ¡Sabor hispano!, a week-long program designed to improve your conversation skills and knowledge of Spanish and Spanish American cultures and cuisine. In this course you will have the opportunity to use your Spanish in all sorts of fun and creative ways while strengthening your language proficiency and picking up new linguistic tools to help you express yourself better and understand others more thoroughly. Our emphasis will be on what are traditionally considered "out of the classroom" experiences: journaling, thinking and writing about art, listening to and discussing pop music, composing short poems, critiquing television and films, and, primarily, shopping for, preparing and eating authentic meals from Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica and Chile. We will visit shops and restaurants in Greenville, check out Furman?s Spanish Language House, work with video and create a portfolio of your work that you will be able to take with you when you leave.

This program will best suit students with one or (preferably) two years of high school Spanish. Heritage speakers are also welcome. No cooking experience is necessary, only a willingness to try new dishes and desire to have fun in a language immersion environment! Check out this website for information and photos from the 2006 program: http://alpha.furman.edu/~rfriis/sabor06.html

The course will be taught by Ron Friis, Associate Professor of Spanish. Dr. Friis teaches all levels of Spanish language and literature at Furman and has directed Study Abroad trips in Spain, Costa Rica and Chile (Winter Term 2006). Dr. Friis is currently at work on an intermediate level Spanish conversation textbook.

Program Dates and Tuition Cost
· The instructional program begins at 9 a.m. July 21 and ends at 4:00 p.m. July 25.
· Registration is scheduled from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20.
· The program fee is $800 including room, board, materials, field trips and activities.
·  Meals: Sunday, July 20 dinner through Saturday, July 26 breakfast.

Campus Housing and Amenities
· Participants will be housed in Lakeside Housing, one of Furman's residential complexes.
· Summer Scholars Program participants have access to campus amenities such as the James B. Duke Library, tennis courts, jogging trails, fitness trails, swimming pool, the University Center, and campus dining facilities. Bring casual and sports clothing for outdoor recreational activities.

Program Entrance Requirements
Summer Scholars programs are open to students entering the 11th or 12th grades who have strong academic skills and motivation. Rising sophomores may be admitted under special circumstances. Program enrollments are limited and qualified students are accepted on a first-come basis, so early application is recommended. Applications may be obtained from the Enrollment Office, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613 (864) 294-3231 or from the Summer Scholars Web site: http://www.furman.edu/summerscholars. Students may apply for one class each week. Once your application is approved, you will receive an admission letter and registration form requesting that you mail in your $150.00 non-refundable deposit. The deposit will guarantee your space in the program(s). If you plan to attend both weeks,  you will be required to pay a deposit for each class.