We created WORKING Spanish™ for MBAs and working professionals who are motivated and committed to learn Spanish and for those who realize that learning another language and understanding the cultures where that language is spoken can give them a distinct advantage personally and professionally.
It takes work – consistent, methodical work – over a period of time to function in the target language. Our method of teaching language uses a unique combination of business-focused teaching materials, instructor-led workshops, interactive technology, conversation hours with native speakers and an immersion component that produce culturally sensitive speakers who function effectively and comfortably in the target language’s workplace.
Beginner and Intermediate Levels
Working Spanish is offered at two levels:
- Beginner – for people with little to no background in the language.
- Intermediate – for those with one to two years of prior language training.
For UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students, the courses are considered second-year electives; however, first-year MBA students may apply for special permission to take either course by completing an application form and returning it to , director of WORKING Languages.
Both beginner and intermediate levels run in two parts: Part A offered in the fall and Part B, a continuation of part A, offered in the spring. All enrolled students in part A are encouraged to continue with part B, which includes an immersion to a country where the target language is spoken, such as Costa Rica or Spain. Students not enrolled in Part A who are interested in taking part B only may do so with approval from the course instructor.
Course Credit
For UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students. Working Spanish Part A offers 2.5 credits. Part B, which includes the immersion, provides 4.0 of academic credit towards the MBA degree: 2.5 credits for the unit and 1.5 credits for the immersion. Students taking Working Spanish for credit receive grades of H (high pass), P (pass), L (low pass), and F (fail).
For UNC Kenan-Flagler BSBA Students. A BUSI 200 WORKING Spanish intermediate class is offered in the spring only and includes a language immersion to Costa Rica over spring break. The class carries 3.0 credits. Students must participate in the immersion to receive credit for the class. Scholarships are available through the BSBA office.
Under certain circumstances, participation in the immersion may be waived for individual students. Please discuss your particular situation with Maria Elena Rodriguez at the beginning of the course.
In general, MBA students must complete a full semester or both in order to receive credit for each part (A or B) of the course or both parts for a total of 6.5 credits. For the BSBA students, a total of 3.0 credits will be awarded for the spring semester, plus required immersion.
In-Country Immersion
The in-country immersion is held during spring break and usually lasts 10 days. The immersion gives Working Spanish participants a chance to practice what they have learned in context.
Classroom sessions are in the mornings and debriefs are given on a daily basis to orient the students on their activities around town and provide information and discussion on business-related topics.
During the immersion, participants are given a "Misión Imposible" – a series of tasks to accomplish individually or in small groups around town on their own and on organized excursions. The immersion also includes company visits, some sight-seeing and a community service activity.
In 2010, the WORKING Spanish for Intermediates immersion class traveled to Costa Rica (see sample immersion booklet (PDF XMB), which includes the itinerary).
Course Materials
The course e-textbooks in CDs are exclusively produced by the UNC CIBER. They are available at the first workshop of each semester. Students also make extensive use of an Internet classroom on UNC's Sakai for weekly deliverables.
Technology Requirements
- IBM compatible or Apple computer with built-in capacity to play MP3 files
- Internet access (MAC operating system 10.2 or better, Internet Explorer 5.2 or better or Netscape 4.78 or better.
- Speakers
- A microphone (built in or attached)
Course Fees for MBA and BSBA Students
- Instructional fees: The course is covered by tuition.
- Activity Fee: A $90 nonrefundable fee for special course activities is due at the beginning of each semester.
- Immersion fees (not including airfare) are approximately $2,500 (subject to change). For BSBA students, scholarships are available through the BSBA department.
Enrollment and Course Fees for Others
- UNC faculty/staff, spouses, and others may be allowed to enroll on a space-available basis.
- Course fee: $300 per semester (includes a $90 nonrefundable amount allocated to special course activities)
- E-textbook: Course participants as well as students will receive the e-textbook in a CD at the beginning of the course
- Immersion fees (not including airfare) approximately $2,500 (subject to change)