The Spanish Experience is a one-month, six-credit, immersion learning experience spent living and studying in Spain. The program is centered for four weeks in the city of Valladolid whose university (UVA) was founded in the early 13th century by Alfonso VIII, king of Castile. The Centro de Idiomas of the university is well known for its summer Spanish as a Second Language program for foreign students. In addition to providing intensive practice in all four language skills in Spanish, The Spanish Experience introduces students to the various facets of contemporary life in Spain as a means of gaining a basic understanding of past and present Spanish society. Students participating in the Spanish as a Second Language program also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of cultural and academic activities organized by the university.

CREDIT: Credit for The Spanish Experience may be earned at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. All participants enroll in Summer Session II at The University of Akron, for one credit ( 1 credit ). Each participant also enrolls at the Universidad de Valladolid in one of the various levels of the Spanish as a Foreign Language program, for which they receive 6 transfer credits. Participants devote approximately six hours per day five days a week to formal study of the Spanish language and its culture. At each level, course work includes the study of grammar (generally 2 hours per day), conversation practice (generally 1 hour per day), and culture (generally one hour per day). Classes also involve the development of reading and writing skills, and the cultural component includes the study of Spanish daily life, customs, gastronomy, festivals and traditions; art, music, film, and history; geography and political, commercial and economic characteristics of modern Spain. At the Advanced and Superior levels other course options are also possible, such as Business Spanish and literature courses.

In addition, all students keep a critical journal in Spanish describing daily activities, cultural visits, overall impressions of notable differences between the United States and Spanish customs and mores, and a record of the student's experience in Spain in general.

ELIGIBILITY, ADMISSION, ENROLLMENT: Participants in the program must have completed successfully three semesters of college Spanish (Spanish 201 at UA) or the equivalent to enroll in The Spanish Experience. Enrollment is for summer session II at UA, with tuition paid to UA corresponding to the fee for one (1) summer credit.

The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in good standing and other qualified individuals. Space in the program is limited and the program director reserves the right to select students. All participants must demonstrate evidence of personal maturity and serious commitment to the purposes of the program.

UA FINANCIAL AID : Students who will be participating in summer study abroad programs should contact the financial aid office as soon as possible to explore their options. Those that apply for summer financial aid will not receive any funds until June. Students may call Stefanie Kozy directly at 330-972-6473 or contact anyone in the financial aid office (Spicer Hall, room 119) at 330-972-7032 or toll free at 1-800-621-3847.

Several $500 scholarships also are available from the DISSTA Scholarship Fund. These awards are made selectively, with priority given to UA Spanish majors who are enrolled int he teaching licensure program in the College of Education. More information can be obtained from the program director.

MADRID TRIP: Following the academic program in Valladolid, an optional group trip to Madrid is organized contingent upon a sufficient number of participants. The trip occupies most of the fifth week and involves organized cultural activities both in Madrid and in nearby sites of particular historical and cultural interest.

ORIENTATION: During the semester preceding the program, all participants are required to complete a few assigned readings and to attend one or two orientation sessions held by the program director at The University of Akron.

Upon arrival, there is a special introduction to the city and to Spanish daily life. This introduction involves walking tours and demonstrations of how to use the different means of transportation, group discussions, and individual reports based on planned activities such as visits to different kinds of stores, cultural landmarks, recreation/entertainment facilities, familiarization with the news media, and with telephone, banking, and postal procedures, etc. The program director is available to meet with and assist students on an individual basis throughout the program.

HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION: While in Valladolid, students generally are housed in single rooms in carefully selected Spanish households, one or two per household. Housing is within walking distance or with easy access to public transportation to classes. The program fee for lodging in a Spanish household includes three meals per day and laundry once a week. Alternative housing in a university residence or an apartment may be arranged in special cases.

ACTIVITIES: While in Valladolid, the program includes weekend excursions organized by the Centro de Idiomas. These excursions are led by expert guides and go to places of artistic or scenic interest. The cost of these excursions is included in the basic program fee. The UVA also sponsors a wide ranging program of regular cultural events, including literary discussion sessions; a contemporary Spanish cinema cycle; traditional Spanish dances; traditional Spanish songs; concerts and theatrical activities; parties; guided tours to museums; and varied sports activities.

Likewise, the excellent modern facilities of the UVA include a library and video library; up-to-date language laboratories; athletic facilities; individualized tutorial assistance; and native-speaking conversation partners.

The city offers ample opportunities for dining out, night life, and enjoyment of the countryside. During the post-program stay in Madrid, there are visits to museums and scenic/historic locations in the capital city as well as trips to nearby locations outside Madrid, such as the city of Toledo and the palace/monastery of El Escorial.

Opportunities abound for sightseeing and enjoyment of Madrid's night life, outdoor cafes, parks, movies, theatres, musical events, restaurants, and myriad other activities. Students are free to pursue independent travel following the program. Because of the variable return dates, the duration of such travel depends on the individual and need not be restricted to Spain.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Professor Christopher Eustis
Department of Modern Languages
304 Olin Hall
Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325-1907

Tel: 330-972-7486
E-mail: eustis@uakron.edu
Fax: 330-972-6908

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