CIEE International Business and Culture Program in Sevilla, Spain

  Spain

• Seville: 
Seville (Sevilla)

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall: 15 weeks: late August-mid-December; Spring: 18 weeks: early January-late May; Academic Year: 39 weeks: late August-late May

Description: The International Business and Culture program helps students develop their speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills in Spanish, while allowing them to pursue coursework in English in areas related to international business- economics, finance, marketing, and management. Students also fulfill home school requirements through University courses in art, biology, history, literature, and political science. Program goals are achieved through the academic offering, the homestay, excursions and cultural activities, conversation exchanges, and volunteering opportunities.

Academic Program
Founded in 2005, the CIEE International Business and Culture program is geared to students with beginning to intermediate level language skills who wish to improve their Spanish language skills while taking international business or humanities courses in English.

In addition to business and Spanish courses, students can fulfill home school requirements in such other areas as international relations, history, literature, and science, among others. These courses for international students are noted in the courses section.

Online Placement Exam
Prior to departure for Seville, all students are required to take a CIEE online placement exam during the scheduled exam period: mid-November to mid-December for the spring semester and mid-May to mid-June for the fall semester. The purpose of this exam is to determine the students level of Spanish so that he or she is placed in appropriate language courses. Students should take this exam seriously, as placement in many upper-level courses depends upon a high online placement exam score.

Academic Culture
The program is located on the UPO campus, where all classes except the fall semester Intensive Session meet. Intensive Session classes meet at the CIEE Study Center.

Regular University classes are lecture-style, while CIEE and UPO courses for international students are interactive, with media part of the classroom environment. These courses also include visits to the theater, cinema, and other local monuments. Participation is an important component of the grade.

Most classes meet two times a week. Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Students do have academic commitments on Fridays.

UPO courses for international students offered during the fall semester finish before Christmas and in the spring end in late May. The optional CIEE management course follows the same calendar.

During the fall, there is no extended vacation period during the semester. During the spring, two vacation periods take place at the University: Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. The dates are not fixed, but students are normally free the week before Easter (Holy Week) and then again for a week approximately two weeks after Easter.

While extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's experience, attendance in class is mandatory. Friday is considered part of the academic week. Early departure for or late return from vacations is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during the vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights:

• International business, language, and culture classes in English and in Spanish for advanced students
  
• Courses in humanities and the sciences meet home school requirements
  
• Cultural activities and excursions to sites of cultural importance in and around Seville and Spain, as well as a trip to Morocco
  
• Campus gym, sports pavilions and courts, and a 60,000-square-foot library
  
• Writing center, tutorials, Tertulia lecture series, and personal workshops

Every week students receive an e-newsletter, Noticias desde Sevilla, via email. The e-newsletter, which is also posted on our website, announces happenings around Seville and the cultural activities CIEE has planned to complement academic work.

Immersion
Intercambios
A conversation exchange program with native Spanish students is an important part of the program. Intercambios give students the chance to practice what they are learning in the language courses, as well as help them become more integrated into Spanish student life, and Sevillano life and culture.

Tertulia Series and Personal Development Workshops
CIEE staff organize a series of informal lectures and workshops dedicated to personal development while living abroad. Workshops address a variety of themes such as culture shock, dating across cultures, eating well, stress management, organizational skills, and re-entry into the U.S. at the end of the semester.

Community Involvement
Students have the opportunity to work with children and the elderly, as well as other humanitarian associations. Students may also become involved in international organizations such as Amnesty International. Volunteer teaching opportunities in local schools are also available.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 2.75
* 0-4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

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.

Year Founded: 1947