INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE

UMD's office for study abroad

Study in Salamanca, Spain



PROGRAM TERMS Summer Term
CLASS STANDING Sophomore, Junior, Senior
DEADLINE
TO APPLY
Summer 2008: March 24, 2008
FEES $4,014* [2007-2008]
FINANCIAL AID Yes
GPA

2.85 in Spanish Coursework
Minimum 2.0 Overall

LANGUAGE OF
INSTRUCTION
Spanish
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENT

2 Years College Spanish - Intermediate Spanish II or equivalent
Essay in English
Two short writing samples (2-5 pages each) or one long writing sample (7-10 pages) from Spanish course work as evidence of critical thinking in target language

Apply now!

 

Program Information
A four-week, six-credit, language, literature and culture program at the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain. Students will have four hours of class instruction. Each student will also be enrolled in an additional class in Spanish dance, guitar, music or cuisine. Students will attend the University's summer film festival and there will be three full-day excursions requiring travel (Toledo, Madrid and Cuidad Rodrigo, La Alberca-Miranda) and those within the historic city of Salamanca. All excursions will be guided by professors in History and Art History. Furthermore, students will be housed with Salamantine families, to further cement language skills as well as to internalize daily life.

The group program will be led by Maureen Tobin Stanley, Associate Professor in UMD's Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.

The cost of the program includes the six credits mentioned above, round trip transportation from Minneapolis to Madrid, Spain, family stay with some meals, required cultural activities and field trips, and international health insurance.

 

Location Information
The city of Salamanca, with a population of 160,000, is in the region of Castilla y Leon and lies on a plateau by the Tormes River. Its history dates back to the Celts and Romans, yet is deemed to be among the most impressive Renaissance cities of Europe. Salamanca is home to the prestigious University of Salamanca, created by Alfonso IX in 1218. In its day, the University ranked among the best in the world alongside Bologna, Oxford and Paris. The university has been graced with the knowledge and intellect of scholars and writers such as Fray Luis de Leon and Miguel de Unamuno. The city's unique appearance is due in part to the sandstone which gives a golden hue to its buildings.  The Plaza Mayor is among the largest and loveliest in Spain.  UNESCO has given Salamanca the status of a World Heritage City.

 

Courses Available
Students will complete FST 3894 Study in Spain: Language & Culture, which is a 6 credit course. Associate Professor Maureen Tobin Stanley will provide instruction along with University of Salamanca faculty.

 

Eligibility
Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least 6 months after their return to the U.S. Students also should have two years of college Spanish (Intermediate Spanish II or equivalent) and be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.85 in Spanish course work and a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall. In addition, students must submit an essay in English and two short writing samples (2-5 pages each) or one long writing sample (7-10 pages) from Spanish coursework as evidence of critical thinking in target language.

 

Costs
The program package is approximately $4,014. A non-refundable deposit will be due upon acceptance to the program. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable.

The program package includes:

  • Tuition for 6-credit course
  • Roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN to Madrid, Spain
  • Family stay including some meals
  • Required cultural activities and field trips
  • Cultural Insurance Services International health insurance

Items not included are the cost of obtaining a passport and personal spending money. It is recommended that all participants bring additional money for personal and miscellaneous expenses.

Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience. Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student (6 credits is full-time for May/Summer). There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students. Additional scholarships may be offered through the UMD Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures. Please inquire with the program instructor about such scholarship opportunities.

 

Deadlines & Dates
The registration deadline is Monday, March 24, 2008. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program dates are August 2 to 29, 2008.

 

Orientation
At least one pre-departure orientation will be held. Pre-departure orientation will include information about financial aid information, international insurance, classwork, travel tips and a general study abroad handbook.

 

Housing
Housing is arranged by the program. It includes family stay with some meals.

 

What's Next?
Before applying, it is a good idea to follow the steps under steps to studying abroad. The IEO website also provides information on financing, health & safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When ready to apply, the UMD study abroad application may be downloaded from the IEO website. Please complete the application with required accompanying materials and return it to IEO.

Contact Maureen Tobin Stanley for program questions. For application/registration and location questions, contact Leigh Neys at (218) 726-7053 or email: lneys@d.umn.edu

 

Photos
[UNDER DEVELOPMENT]

 

Helpful Links for Spain and Salamanca