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What level should I start at?
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Within the course description page for each Spanish for Communication course there is a link to a self-placement exam. This exam is self-graded (answers are at the end of the PDF) and is meant to be a guide to assist students in placing themselves in the correct Spanish level. The exams test some of the vocabulary and grammar points covered in each level. Students scoring an 80% or higher are recommended to advance to the next level. For example, if a student completes the exam listed under Spanish for Communication 1 and scores a 90%, they should then review the exam listed under Spanish for Communication 2. If they then score a 60%, then Spanish for Communication 2 should be a good starting point in their language learning.
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What if I am starting above level one?
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The Spanish language certificate requires 27 credits. For students new to the Spanish language the sequence is Spanish 1-6 followed by three higher level electives. If you are starting above level one you would then need to take an additional higher level electives to meet the credit requirement. For example, if you start at level two you would then complete Spanish 2-6 followed by four higher level electives.
Students can also transfer in up to two college level Spanish courses. Please email ahl@ucsd.edu for more information about transferability of previously completed Spanish language courses.
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In what order should I complete the classes?
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- Spanish for Communication 1-6 should be completed sequentially. Students should not complete any of the 1-6 courses concurrently.
- Spanish: Advanced-Beginner Conversations is an optional lower level conversation class. Students should enroll in this class after completing Spanish for Communication 3, either by itself or concurrently with Spanish for Communication 4. This class does not count towards the Spanish Language certificate and is an optional additional class.
- After completing Spanish for Communication 6, it is recommended that students advance to a Refining Fluency course:
- Spanish Refining Fluency: Spain & the Caribbean
- Spanish Refining Fluency: Mexico & the Southern Cone
- Spanish Refining Fluency: Andean region and Central America
- After completing at least one Refining Fluency course, students can then advance to the Conversation courses:
- Spanish Conversations: Practical Dialogues
- Spanish Conversations: News and World Issues
- Spanish Conversations: Literary Café
- Spanish Conversations: Film
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How long does it take to complete this certificate?
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You officially have five years to complete all requirements for the certificate, although students can usually complete the entire program in 2 1/4 years by taking one course per quarter.
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Can I transfer in any courses?
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Students can transfer in up to two college level Spanish courses. Please email ahl@ucsd.edu for more information about transferability of previously completed Spanish language courses.
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When does enrollment open for each quarter?
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Our classes post to our website and become open for enrollment about two months prior to the new quarter starting.
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When should I enroll in a class?
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We recommend enrolling as soon as possible. Each quarter we offer an early enrollment discount of $25 if you enroll by the discount deadline (usually 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the new quarter). Additionally it is good to enroll early because occasionally classes will reach capacity.
*Note: The $25 early enrollment discount does not apply to For Travelers workshops.
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How do I enroll in a class?
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To enroll in a class, click on the class link in the course matrix above and that will take you to the specific class page. On the class page you can find additional details about the course such as start date, time, classroom number, instructor and textbook info. To enroll click on “Add to Cart” which will lead you to complete the registration/payment process. You can also register over the phone with Student Services at 858-534-3400.
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When does enrollment close?
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Enrollment in a class may be blocked in the following three situations:
- The class is at capacity. If the class is at capacity you will only be able to join the waitlist. Students on the waitlist are contacted in the order they joined the waitlist.
- The class has already met for two class meetings. We close enrollments the morning after the second class meeting for all language classes. Students are expected to enroll and attend no later than the second class meeting.
- The class is cancelled due to low enrollments.
For all three of these reasons we recommend students enroll early in the class they are interested in.
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What is the cost of these courses and certificate?
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The Spanish language courses cost $295 each. Each quarter we offer an early enrollment discount of $25 if you enroll by the discount deadline (usually 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the new quarter) which brings the class fee down to $270.
The approximate cost of the program is estimated at $2,750 (include course fees and certificate enrollment fee) and is paid incrementally as students enroll in courses, rather than up front. Early enrollment discounts can reduce the cost to $2,525. Cost does not include textbooks, materials, or parking.
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When is the refund deadline?
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The refund deadline for the language courses is typically two days after the first class meeting. This allows students to enroll in a class, attend the first meeting and then if needed either transfer their enrollment to a higher or lower level or submit a drop request if they don’t feel the class is a good fit for them. The exact refund deadline for each section is listed in the section notes.
*Note: The refund deadline for For Travelers workshops is the day before the workshop starts.
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What are the attendance and participation requirements?
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Students are expected to attend all class meetings, participate in class, and complete all homework assignments. Typically students can miss one class meeting without it impacting their final grade as long as they still complete their homework. Missing more than one class meeting can result in a lower grade or a non-passing grade. Students who know in advance that they will have to miss two or more meetings are encouraged to either take the class Not for Credit or wait until a quarter in which they will be able to attend all class meetings. Students who miss a class meeting should always reach out to their instructor regarding late work and homework.
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What are the grading options?
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Students can take classes for one of three options: Letter grade, Pass/No Pass, or Not for Credit. Students taking a class towards the Spanish Language Certificate or Spanish for Healthcare Professionals certificate need to complete their classes for credit (i.e. Pass/No Pass or Letter grade) and receive a C-/Pass or higher grade. Grades below a C-, No Pass, and Not for credit do not count towards certificate requirements.
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Where are the foreign language classes held?
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All of our foreign language classes are held at our La Jolla Extension complex at 9600 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037.
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Do I need to pay for parking?
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If your class is on a weeknight and you plan to drive to campus you will need to pay for parking. We recommend purchasing a quarterly night parking permit (~$43). If you are taking a 9-10 week class it is more affordable to buy this permit rather than use the hourly permit machines ($3 per hour). Quarterly night permits can be purchased online at: http://ow.ly/DnTP302mth0. Parking on Saturdays is free.
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Do you offer any language classes online?
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At this time all of our language classes are held exclusively on-campus. We do not offer any language learning classes online. Some classes may utilize an online component such as Blackboard or Connect for students to submit homework, but all of the class meetings are on-campus.
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What class materials are used in Spanish for Communication 1-6?
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The Spanish for Communication 1-6 series uses the 9th edition of McGraw-Hill’s Puntos de Partida textbook and Connect materials.
All students must purchase access to Connect's online platform for submitting homework & quizzes (~$43). Students also need a textbook for in class. An ebook is included in the Connect ~$43 access fee. Those opting for the ebook should bring a laptop or digital device to class. Students may opt to also purchase a physical textbook if preferred. Materials & Connect log-in info will be discussed in more detail during the first class meeting. All students will submit homework online via Connect.
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Are these classes transferable?
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UC San Diego Extension is not a degree granting institution, however many UC San Diego Extension courses can be transferred to other colleges or universities.
The transferability of credit is determined solely by the receiving institution. Students should discuss how your individual courses will transfer with the Office of the Registrar at the receiving institution prior to enrolling.
Quarter to Semester Unit Conversion
If the receiving institution operates on a semester system, credits will be converted to semester hours during their evaluation. As a general rule, quarter credits are converted to semester credits by dividing the number of quarter credits by 1.5. For example, if the student completed a course worth 4 quarter credits at UC San Diego Extension, the course would be worth 4 ÷ 1.5 = 2.66 semester credits.
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I am in high school. Can I take any of the Extension language courses?
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If you are interested in taking courses at UC San Diego Extension, you will need to obtain written approval from your school principal or counselor. The approval must be signed and printed on school letterhead, and must be included with your registration. If you are homeschooled, your approval needs to be signed by your contact in your local school district.
The letter should verify that you, the student, have the maturity and academic readiness to attend a post-baccalaureate level or college-level course.
Approvals can be faxed to 858-534-8527, emailed to unex-reg@ucsd.edu, or mailed to:
UCSD Extension Student Services
9500 Gilman Dr., Dept. 0176-H
La Jolla, CA 92093-0176
We are unable to accept letters signed by your parent, even if your parent is your teacher and/or school administrator. If you have taken community college courses, an official transcript from that college verifying coursework will be accepted in lieu of a letter from your high school or district. College transcripts must reflect a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
**Please note that the advanced Spanish Conversation courses may contain adult themes and the Spanish Film class may use rated R movies.
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Why don’t you offer classes in X language?
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If we don’t have the language you are looking for, please let us know what language you’d like to learn so that way we gauge demand for new programs. Also, if you let us know what classes you are looking for that we don’t currently offer we may be able to point you in the direction of other local educational institutions that do offer the language you are looking for.
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Additional questions?
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For questions regarding our classes and certificates, please contact us at ahl@ucsd.edu or 858-534-5760.
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APPLICATION FEE: $0
There will be a $95 fee upon acceptance into the program