CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Barcelona, Spain
Spain
Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Dates: Fall: 16 weeks: early September-late December; Spring: 16 weeks early January-late April; AY: 31 weeks early September-late April
Description:
The goal of the Liberal Arts program is for intermediate/advanced level Spanish language students to further develop language skills and competency while studying Spanish history, art history, politics, and culture. Hispanic Studies courses at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) focus on the emerging European Union and Spain, giving students a deeper understanding of the European Union and Spains role in it. Through Spanish university courses, students not only learn about language, history, and culture, but also learn to see the world from a different perspective. Academic Program The Liberal Arts program is designed for students with four or more semesters of Spanish who are interested in significantly improving their language skills while taking classes in Spanish history, politics, literature, and culture taught in Spanish. Students complete an intensive Spanish language course that meets for the first three weeks of the semester and then choose among advanced language electives for the remainder of the semester. In addition, students select three courses from a selection of Hispanic and European Studies Program (HESP) courses, taught in Spanish, specifically designed for international students and regular, direct enrollment UPF courses. All students must take at least one direct enrollment course at UPF. All courses are taught in Spanish. Academic Culture CIEE language classes are held either in the CIEE Study Center or at UPF. The CIEE Study Center is located in International House, a historic Art Nouveau building near Plaza Urquinaona and Plaza Catalunya, Barcelonas main square. Classrooms at International House are specially designed for language teaching. Language courses have no more than 12 students in a class. HESP courses are academically challenging, dynamic, and involve daily reading and homework assignments as well as regular attendance at lectures. The size of HESP courses does not exceed 35 students. CIEE language courses rarely exceed 20 students. Regular UPF classes may have up to 80 students in a class. Emphasis is on attendance at daily lectures and careful note taking. The syllabus is not as detailed as American syllabi, and students are expected to decide for themselves which readings from the syllabus they need to study to fill in gaps missed during the lectures. It is common to share notes with Spanish students and study together, which can benefit students in their language learning as well. Relatively less emphasis is placed on participation and much more on the final exam. UPF classrooms are modern, comfort- able, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction. The fall semester begins in early September and ends just before Christmas. The spring semester begins in early January and runs through the end of April. Early departure for or late return from vacation is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in Spanish academic culture through regular university courses
- Learn about the complex history of the European Union and the future of this dynamic regionbicultural and multilingual Catalonia
- Spanish student helpers guide you around the city and introduce you to your new university and home, helping you to immerse in the culture
- Improve your advanced Spanish and learn a new language: Catalan
- Develop professional experience working in Spain through an internship
Culture Cultural Activities and Field Trips The academic program is supplemented with required field trips and excursions, which include visits in Barcelona (art and history museums, cathedral, port, guided tours of the historical district, etc.) and day excursions to locations such as the Natural Park of La Garrotxa, Greek and Roman Ruins at Empúries, Dalí's home in Cadaqués, the Jewish quarter in Girona, the Roman amphitheater in Tarragona, and the lush Penedés wine region. Students enjoy one overnight trip to one of the following locations: Madrid, Mallorca, the Pyrenees, Zaragoza, or Spain's northern coast. Field trips and excursions supplement classwork and introduce students to the rich diversity of the geographic, linguistic, and cultural areas of Spain and its major cities. Other cultural activities include those designed to bring American and Spanish University students together including conversation exchanges with Spanish students. CIEE also organizes Spanish cooking classes. Although there are no formal community service activities on this program, volunteer opportunities can be arranged by CIEE staff. Guardian Angels CIEE Guardian Angels are local students who accompany CIEE students on group activities and also participate in field trips and other events. Guardian Angels are like big brothers and sisters, helping students to make friends at the University, introducing them to the city's culture, and generally helping them adapt to life in Barcelona. The Guardian Angel program is another unique feature found in Barcelona only at the CIEE Study Center.
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Subject Areas :
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- Art History
- Culture
- History
- International Relations
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- Internship Programs
- Legal Studies
- Literature
- Philosophy
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- Political Science/Politics
- Social Sciences
- Spanish
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Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing
Cost Include Description:
The CIEE fees for 2008-09 include an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, two meals per day in the homestay option (no meals in the residencia option), orientation, organized cultural activities such as museums, cathedrals, and the port, local excursions to Girona and Tarragona, and field trips to locations such as Madrid or Spains northern coast, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Experience Required: yes
* Overall GPA 3.0
* Junior standing or above
* 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
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Typical Living Arrangements :
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Participants Travel to Spain
Independently
Scholarships are Available. - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.
Application Process Involves:
- Letters of Reference
- Other
- Transcript
- Written Application
CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.
Year Founded: 1947
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