CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

  Spain

• All Other Areas: 
Palma de Mallorca

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 15-23 weeks: mid-September-mid-December or mid-February; Spring 24 weeks: early February-early or late June; Academic Year 46 or 48 weeks: mid-September-early or late June

Description: The Liberal Arts program is designed for students to further develop spoken and written Spanish skills and pursue a variety of academic fields within the areas of humanities, business, tourism studies, Spanish literature and language, and social sciences. Program objectives are accomplished through daily interactions in Palma's business and social environment; enrollment in University courses; living with Spaniards; an internship; and participating in excursions, conversation exchanges, and a University volunteer program.

Academic Program
Established in 2006, the CIEE Study Center at Universitat de les Illes Balears provides an academic program for students with an advanced level of Spanish who are interested in humanities, business, tourism studies, Spanish literature and language, and social sciences. The academic offering consists of a combination of CIEE Study Center language and content courses and regular courses at the UIB with other Spanish students, and a for-credit internship.

Academic Culture
The CIEE fall program begins in mid-September with CIEE language and culture courses. Students then choose the remainder of their courses from additional CIEE culture courses, an internship, regular UIB courses, and UIB courses for international students. All CIEE courses, UIB courses for international students, and the internship finish before the third week of December. UIB regular courses continue through mid-January with exams in mid-February. Some professors allow early exams in December. Academic year students return in early January after the holiday break.

In the spring, CIEE courses begin in early February and run through early June. Spring courses offered at the UIB begin in mid-February with exams usually scheduled through June. Early exams may be arranged by students on an individual basis with professors, but CIEE does not guarantee this. Students should plan to stay until late June for the spring semester.

CIEE class size is small. Classes at the UIB range from 15 to 60 students. Classes meet two to three times a week, and are scheduled Monday through Friday.

Teaching methods at the University normally combine lectures, tutorials, seminars and, in the sciences, laboratory classes. Spanish academic tradition involves more independent work on the part of the student. Typically, the syllabus includes an outline of the themes and a list of recommended readings; there is usually no precise calendar.

While extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's overall study abroad experience, attendance in class is paramount. 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 vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights:

• A wide range of courses, including business and tourism, Spanish language and literature, anthropology, and psychology; study alongside Spanish and other international students; small group atmosphere
  
• Internships for credit in major companies related to tourism and other industries; field visits to sites of socio-economic and cultural importance
  
• Extensive cultural activities and excursions in and around Palma, to historical and natural sites of Mallorca, and an overnight study trip to Madrid or Barcelona

Field Visits
Field visits are organized to complement the student's academic studies, particularly the CIEE culture courses, through first-hand exposure to sites related to the history of the Mediterranean and to tourism. Field trips may include prehistoric sites, monuments and museums, traditional fairs and markets, areas of mass tourism and over-development on Mallorca, rural eco-tourist sites in Ibiza or Menorca, and to social agencies working with immigrants and environmental and governmental agencies.

Sports
UIB has sports facilities similar to those found on a U.S. campus, including an indoor swimming pool, a gym, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a football field, and numerous activities and courses.

Immersion
Guardian Angels
Guardian Angels are local University students who accompany CIEE students on group activities and participate in field trips and other events. Guardian Angels introduce CIEE students to the University and to the culture of Palma.

Conversation Exchange Program
All students participate in the conversation exchange program. CIEE language class requires that students participate in a class project with other local students from the Spanish Philology Department. Each CIEE student is assigned to a group of Spanish students from a linguistics class at the University and work together on a language research project, often resulting in strong friendships.

Volunteering
UIB offers a volunteer program so that students can play an active role in the activities of different associations and institutions in such fields as the environment, development, health, and support for people with disabilities.

Tutors and Study Groups
Students have access to tutoring and should consult with the Resident Director if they feel they are falling behind in any UIB class. Some classes require group work. It is perfectly normal for Spanish students to share notes with one another and to work together to prepare for the final exam. This is an excellent way for U.S. students to meet Spaniards and to practice their Spanish.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 2.75
* 5 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