GRISEL GARCIA-PEREZ
| Dr. Grisel Garcia-Perez Assistant Professor, Spanish Faculty of Creative & Critical Studies Arts Building, ART258 University of British Columbia Okanagan Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7 Phone: 250.807.9310 |
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Research Interests
Dr. García Pérez has been teaching languages for 30 years. She is the author of the series Building Through Writing and has a vast experience in teacher training and curriculum development. At present, her main research interest is the relationship between language learning and intercultural awareness.
Publications
Training Spanish Speakers to Perceive and Pronounce English Vowels, Dr. Garcia-Perez, Mellen Press 2011
Intercultural Exchange at the Universidad de Quintana Roo
A group of six students studying Spanish in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBC Okanagan joined Professor Grisel García Pérez to visit Universidad de Quintana Roo in Mexico during the month of July as a part of an intercultural program which was started last year by the two Universities. The intensive three week language-culture class included visits to Mahahual, Lake Bacalar, X-Hazil, Tulum, Kohunlich, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel where the students had the opportunity to interact with locals, thus enhancing their Spanish language fluency and intercultural competence. The academic council of the Universidad de Quintana Roo invited Dr. García Pérez to present her research regarding the advantages of intercultural learning programs. Her presentation, Curriculum Transformation in a short term study abroad program: A functional model, concluded that with these programs when students learn language “in context”, they can increase their intercultural awareness. When the classroom is extended to an international location, academic international connections are established among students and faculty members, and a rigorous and highly successful learning experience is facilitated. The highlight of the trip was the community service project carried out in the Mayan community of X-Hazil. Along with the Mayans, the students made breakfast, cut the church’s lawn with machetes, visited the milpa, played a four set volleyball game, and had lunch with the Cruz’ family. Everyone agrees that this was an exceptional learning experience they will never forget.
Last reviewed 
3/28/2012 2:15:00 PM
