FAQs About SALA

Q: What is SALA?

A: The San Antonio Language Academy (SALA) is a returning joint initiative between the Department of Modern Languages and the student organization La Comunidad that will provide Spanish immersion experiences comprised of courses, and activities led by local faculty. For 6 hours a day, program participants will have the opportunity to experience a unique cultural experience and improve the language of their choice right here in San Antonio. SALA is an experiential learning opportunity that will be offered to intermediate speakers of Spanish right before the academic semester starts ends.

Q: Who should enroll in this immersion program?

A: SALA experience was designed for intermediate level speakers that would like to: become fluent Spanish, pursue a study abroad opportunity, build their resume, and/or would like to have a unique cultural experience. SALA welcomes UTSA and non-UTSA students.

Q: What is the program itinerary?

A: Typically, program participants will start their day at 9 am with 3 hours of language instruction. At noon, program participants will enjoy lunch and conversation with their peers in Spanish language. For the final part, from 1 to 4 pm program participants will do a cultural activity that will support their language acquisition. The schedule may be subject to slight changes.

Q: What makes SALA different?

A: Besides quickly improving your Spanish, the unique cultural experiences! Can you imagine being taught art of different Hispanic artists? Or rediscovering our multicultural city through a global lens? How about creating cultural artifacts with your own hands? Only SALA will give you this amazing and global experience without leaving home.

Q: Do I receive a certificate or academic credit upon completion of this immersion?

A: All participants who complete this program will receive a micro-certificate. This badge will go on their LinkedIn page.

Q: How do I register and pay for this experience?

A: To register, please fill this form. If you would like to pay with cash, check, or any other form that the online system is not accepting, please stop by the Office of modern languages and literatures [McKinney Humanities 4.01.06] and ask for a SALA payment slip at the front desk. Then, go to Fiscal Services [JPL 1.02.02 if you are on the main campus OR Frio 2.424-1 if you are on the DT campus] pay and send a photo of your receipt to sala@utsa.edu.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: From March 20th to April 9th, a discounted rat of $249 if offered for UTSA students that pay between that time frame. From April 10th to May 1st, the rate is $299 for UTSA students that pay between that time frame.

Q: I can’t make the immersion time anymore. What is the refund policy?

A: Refunds and withdrawals are processed according to the following rules:

• A full refund (minus $50 processing fee) will be processed when an email request to withdraw from this experience by May 1st.

Please send your request to withdraw to sala@utsa.edu

Full refunds are NOT allowed after May 1st.

Refunds are processed ONLY in the format payment was received. Payments made by credit cards will be refunded ONLY to the card used for payment.

Q: If I am not a UTSA student, can I still participate in this program?

A: Yes, SALA is open to the whole community! The only difference will be the price. We have to offer a higher rate because of the processing fees associated with non-UTSA students.

Q: What are the program requirements?

A: Intermediate proficiency in the language Spanish is important to avoid burnout. Once the program participant is accepted we will provide an assessment tool to recommend the level of proficiency and place them in the right immersion. We are offering 2 levels in each language. Intermediate and Intermediate advance.

Q: Don't see your question answered here?

A: We would be more than happy to help with any of your questions or concerns.

Office Phone: (210) 458-4373
Email: sala@utsa.edu