Study Abroad Library

CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Managua, Nicaragua

While broad in its academic scope, the Liberal Arts program is particularly appropriate for students with an interest in social sciences, social justice, and development studies. The program enables participants to refine their Spanish language skills through an intensive Spanish language course prior to the regular semester; to enhance their understanding of contemporary Nicaraguan society through the CIEE core course; and to take courses in a wide variety of academic interests through direct matriculation at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua. Academic Program The Liberal Arts program provides a supportive environment for students who have at least five semesters of college-level Spanish, and wish to continue language study while enrolling directly in a Nicaraguan university. The program allows students to approach academic interests, such as social justice and development, through a variety of academic disciplines in the social sciences and humanities fields Academic Culture At Nicaraguan universities, students take courses related to their major from the very beginning of their academic studies. They continue to enroll in more focused concentra- tion courses as they progress through their academic career. Courses outside of the general education requirements are equivalent to upper-level courses in the United States. CIEE students should be prepared for a style of teaching that relies primarily on lectures and student presentations, which often encourage academic debate among students. Class size ranges from 20 to 55 students, with most classes averaging 20 to 30 students. The first semester of the academic year in Managua begins in early February and ends in mid-July, and the second semester begins in mid-July and ends in early December. An academic year program of study in Managua can begin either during the North American fall or spring semester. Academic year students who begin their study during the North American fall semester have a two-month break between semesters. There is a break of about two weeks between the spring and fall semesters.