Summer in Querétaro, Mexico
Spanish Immersion Program

Purpose
A summer program designed for seminarians, combining immersion, instruction, liturgy and prayer to prepare them to minister to the largest, youngest, and fastest growing Catholic population in the United States. A large percentage of the growing Hispanic population in the United States are from Mexico, the majority Catholic. An ability to speak Spanish and familiarity with Mexican culture is of great value to future priests. This program offers seminarians who have already begun to learn Spanish the chance to perfect their language skills and to get to know the people and culture of Mexico.

Immersion
Seminarians live eight weeks in Querétaro with a Mexican family (one per family) in Querétaro’s unspoiled historic core. Housing is in walking distance of the school and Querétaro’s twelve beautiful churches.

Instruction
Classes in Spanish language – grammar, conversation, Mexican culture and history – are held three hours per day at the Organización Lingüística de Español. Class sizes are small (five students or less). All instructors are native speakers. A placement test determines the level of class best suited for the student.

Liturgy and Culture
Participants meet daily for Mass at local parishes. Weekend excursions include points of interest such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the mountain mission parishes founded by Fray Junípero Serra. Students enjoy contact with Mexican seminarians, priests, and Catholic youth groups in the city.

Location
Santiago de Querétaro is a beautiful, historic, and peaceful city in the foothills of the Sierra Gorda, about 100 miles north of Mexico City. It is off the most beaten tourist track, a good thing from the point of view of language learners. Its temperate climate, tranquil atmosphere and civilized pace of life make Querétaro an ideal place to spend a pleasant two months learning Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this program only for seminarians?
  While the program is primarily for seminarians, priests and deacons may also apply.
• Who may apply?
  Students who have completed at least one year of Pastoral Spanish at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary or at least one year of college-level Spanish.