The growth in the number of organizations serving non-English speaking populations has brought about a sharp rise in the demand for bilingual social workers. In response to this demand, as well as our commitment to promote cultural competence — understanding the specific cultural, language, social, and economic nuances of particular individuals and communities — Simmons offers a special Spanish language program that focuses on social work and human services.
Spanish Language Courses
S.W. 476-2 Clinical Social Work with the Latino Population {Prerequisite: fluency in spanish}
Studies typical and unique problems affecting Latinos in the U.S., including demographic characteristics, ethno-history and culture, stress sources and the utilization of services. Personal experience is analyzed in the context of theoretical social science frameworks. More culturally copetent methods of practice will be explored. The course is offered on Tuesday evenings in the Spring semester, is taught in Spanish and offered for bilingual clinicians.
S.W. 474-1 or 474-2 Conversational Spanish for Social Work and Human Services
Students are given the opportunity to develop conversational Spanish skills. There are twelve levels of proficiency ranging from beginning Spanish to fluent. Social Work specific vocabulary is introduced at levels 3 and 4 enabling students to learn useful vocabulary and phrases for their work. Classes are offered at SSW in the Spring, Summer and Fall on Wednesday evenings.
For current rates, tuition and registration information please contact JoAnn Williams at (617) 521-3903 or joann.williams@simmons.edu
Spanish Immersion Programs in Cuernavaca, Mexico
Students interested in studying abroad, have the opportunity to enroll at:
1. The Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Studies in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Students live with host families and can participate in educational excursions to learn about social services
in the respective countries. Students have the option of a 19, 24, 32 night stay. Arrangements can be
made for those interested in longer or shorter stays.
Students from other colleges that need transfer credit for their institution will need to register as a student adding to the total cost of their program.
The program can be arranged to meet the needs of those professionals already working in the field.
For students who cannot travel abroad, we offer an intensive two-week program in Boston that immerses students in conversational Spanish.
Upon arrival the students are assessed on their language level and will be placed according to their proficiency in a corresponding course: Beginners, Intermediate, or Advanced.
Universidad Internacional Cuernavaca, Mexico
Simmons School of Social Work language immersion program at the Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Studies in Cuernavaca, Mexico provides students with the opportunity to live with host families, attend classes and participate in cultural excursions to learn about social services in Mexico. Students demonstrate increased proficiency in language skills at the end of their stay. Students have the option of a 19, 24 or 32 night stay. Students who wish to take the course for credit or as an elective must enroll in the month long option. CEUs can be given.
Program I May — June 2010
Program II July —August 2010
After taking a brief entrance exam and oral interview with a Spanish professor, students are placed in small groups according to their previous level of Spanish fluency, their ability to communicate, and their interests. We subscribe to the "Group 5 System" in which no more than 5 students are assigned to a professor. This guarantees that our students receive the attention they need and encourages interaction among the group. This class focuses on 4 main skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
For current dates, tuition and registration information please contact Carlos Frontado, Director of Admissions and Coordinator Spanish Immersion Programs, at carlos.frontado@simmons.edu (617) 521-3920
For students who cannot travel abroad, we offer an intensive two-week program in Boston that immerses students in conversational Spanish.
Boston Immersion Program
C529-2 Spanish Immersion— Boston: For students who are not able to travel abroad, Simmons School of Social Work offers an intensive two week program. This two week program immerses students in conversational Spanish including social work specific vocabulary. The course is usually offered beginning the 1st or 2nd week of June.
For current dates, tuition and registration information please contact JoAnn Williams at (617) 521-3903 or joann.williams@simmons.edu
Student Experiences
Click here to read quotes and journal entries from students who have participated i the Intensive Spanish Program
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