There is a non-refundable $500 registration fee for this program, due upon acceptance into the program. The cost of each language course (including course materials) is $315-$340 (based on 2012 fees). The cost for the business module, if taken as a tutorial on campus, is currently $750 with a minimum of 15 hours spent on campus. All fees are subject to change.

If a participant decides to take one of the Spanish Immersion programs or the business module in a Hispanic country the fees will change accordingly. The participant is responsible for all transportation expenses.

A minimum of five Spanish language courses, and a business module are required to be granted the certificate. Participants are assessed at each level in reading, written and oral skills. Instructors are native Spanish speakers with work experience in Spanish-speaking countries. Participants have up to two years to complete the requirements of the program.

To complete the UBC Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture, participants are required to complete 150 hours of course work plus assignments and a final project. The language courses are designed to be taken in sequence; each course builds upon knowledge gained in earlier ones.

Spanish Language Courses
The first part of the program consists of a minimum of five Spanish language courses, plus assignments and tests. If you have previous Spanish language experience you will be placed in the level appropriate for you, but will still be required to complete a minimum of 150 hours (including the business module) to achieve the certificate.

Business Module
This module focuses on the terminology of a particular field of work as well as effective communication in general business and professional situations, such as telephone conversations and correspondence. The participants engage in discussions, role-playing and oral presentations that they have chosen according to their areas of expertise.

Hispanic business magazines and Latin American and Spanish newspapers are used to help students acquire new, authentic vocabulary from the business world and professional settings. Cultural videos are shown and discussed to give students an in-depth understanding of Latin American life and sociocultural differences.

This module may be taken at the participant’s workplace, on the UBC campus or in a Latin American country as a participant in a specialized class for business people.

Assessment Methods
Assessment methods include two assignments and a final exam after each course. There is also a final proficiency exam after the fifth level. This exam covers the curriculum from levels one to five. A mark on oral abilities will also be part of the final mark; this assessment comes from the instructor’s observation during class periods. Students must complete each course with an average grade of no less than 75%. If the grade is lower, participants are encouraged to repeat that specific level.

Before applying to this program you must read and understand the terms and conditions in the Program Handbook .

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Participants can apply to the program at any time. Prospective students are accepted provided they have passed the preliminary interview with the coordinator of the certificate program and have completed high school.

The program application form can be found by downloading the handbook and faxing or mailing in to our office.