Spanish Immersion at Kennedy Mountain Campus
CAHSS & KMC Language Immersion Initiative
The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the Center for World Languages and Cultures launch a new Spanish Immersion initiative at the University of Denver’s Kennedy Mountain Campus. Beginning in Summer 2026, participants can complete an accelerated academic course for credit or enroll in a continuing education immersion retreat for adult learners and K–12 professionals.
Two Pathways for Success
Undergraduate Academic Credit
SPAN 1001: Beginning Spanish (4 Credits)
SPAN 1001 is the first course in the three-quarter Beginning Spanish sequence. Designed for students with no prior Spanish experience, the course builds practical communication skills for meaningful interaction in real situations and prepares students to connect with Spanish-speaking communities in the United States and globally. Taking advantage of an amazing location, students will explore culture and practice their communication skills through interactive activities such as cooking classes, yoga, and hiking.
Students with more than two years of high school Spanish or heritage experience must complete the placement exam and enroll at the appropriate level.
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What You Will Gain
Foundational conversational Spanish skills
Cultural awareness and communicative confidence
Completion of the first course in DU’s language requirement sequence
Four academic credits in an accelerated summer format
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Program Format
June 14–19: In-person residency at Kennedy Mountain Campus
June 22–26: Online synchronous sessions Monday and Friday, 9:30–11:30 a.m., with asynchronous coursework in between
Residential, immersive model
Letter-graded academic course
Course cap: 19 students
Students may also choose to enroll in a guided Via Ferrata experience on June 19 for an additional fee.
This immersive format offers a distinctive alternative to a traditional classroom setting while maintaining full academic rigor. Students live in community cabins at Kennedy Mountain Campus and engage in a blend of structured instruction, task-based learning, experiential activities, and community interaction conducted primarily in Spanish.
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Housing & Logistics
Residential stay is required during in-person residency
Community cabins, bunk-bed style, gender-separated
Meals included
Transportation provided from DU to Kennedy Mountain Campus
Financial aid and tuition waivers apply
Continuing Education: Spanish Immersion Retreat
LANG 0600/LANG 0601: Spanish Immersion - A Restorative Journey
This non-credit Spanish immersion retreat is designed for working professionals, K–12 educators, and adult learners with little to no previous Spanish experience.
Participants engage in communication-focused instruction alongside cultural discussions, conversation circles, creative workshops, and guided outdoor experiences. The program blends language learning with mindfulness, community building, and restorative time in nature.
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What You Will Gain
Build practical conversational Spanish skills
Develop confidence using Spanish in professional and community settings
Engage in interactive, communication-centered classes
Participate in guided hikes and yoga sessions
Connect language learning with cultural understanding and well-being
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3-Day or 5-Day Program Options
3-Day Program: $950 or 5-Day Program: $1,245
This retreat offers immersive language practice in a focused and supportive environment designed for growth, reflection, and connection.
All-inclusive pricing includes lodging, meals, activities, and instruction
Participants earn 1 continuing education unit for the 3-day program and 3 units for the 5-day program
Course cap: 16 participants
Experience the Kennedy Mountain Campus
Located in the Colorado Rockies, the Kennedy Mountain Campus provides a residential learning environment that fosters focus, connection, and immersive engagement. Community cabins include shared living spaces and essential amenities.
Learn more about lodging and facilities at Kennedy Mountain Campus.
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Rocío Rubio Moirón
Instructor, SPAN 1001
Spanish lecturer and medieval literature scholar Rocío creates communicative, student-centered language-learning environments grounded in culture, fluency, and connection. With 18 years of teaching experience across the U.S. and abroad, she holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and specializes in guiding beginners and intermediate learners to find their voice in Spanish from day one.
Leah Becton
Spanish instructor at the University of Denver and the Community College of Denver, Leah brings experience leading outdoor and service-learning immersion programs in Peru, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. She is passionate about helping learners build confidence and cultural understanding through experiential and community-based learning.
Connect with Leah
Miriam Himes
Spanish instructor and certified yoga instructor, Miriam creates restorative and inclusive language-learning environments grounded in communication, mindfulness, and community. She has led immersive programs in Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Spain, and integrates cultural exchange with experiential education.
Connect with MiriamFrequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll in SPAN 1001?
Students are placed into SPAN 1001 or with no previous Spanish experience.
Is housing required?
Yes. The in-person residency is residential.
Are meals included?
Yes, during the residency.
Is financial aid available for the credit course?
Yes. Standard summer tuition and aid policies apply.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation from DU to Kennedy Mountain Campus is included.
Do participants need prior Spanish for the retreat program?
No. The retreat is designed for beginners and those with limited experience.
Is transportation provided for the retreat?
No. Participants use their own vehicles.
