Study Abroad and Spanish Immersion in Granada, Spain

  Spain

• Granada: 
Granada

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Dates: Please visit our website for latest dates

Description: Learn Spanish in one of the most ancient and diverse cities in Spain-- Granada! Spain is a country of fascinating diversity, visible in its people, its countryside, and its profound history. The variety of cultures that have in?uenced Spain include the Romans, Moors, and Gypsies. While living in Spain, you will learn about the diversity of cultures the country offers. Come experience the fascination and intrigue of Spain!

Learn Spanish in the vibrant city of Granada! Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of the former Muslim quarter, full of Moroccan tea houses and shops. Wander the passageways of the Alhambra or enter the white-washed caves of the Gypsies and experience the passion of a ?amenco performance. Experience Granadas historic streets, lined with Europes top fashion stores. In addition to the mysteries and intrigue of the city, the Sierra Nevada Mountains provide an impressive backdrop to all that Granada has to offer.

We encourage all of our students to volunteer during their study abroad experience. Whether you decide to teach English to local high school students, assist in an Argentine grassroots community service program, or just dedicate time to a food shelter, you will not only better your Spanish, but also make lifelong friends along the way!

Courses & Academic Paths

Summer Programs:
College Credit: 6 credits hours or 9 quarter units
Choose:
Option 1 - Intensive Spanish Language Class (up to 90 classroom contact hours)
Choose 1 Spanish Language class
Option 2 - Intensive Spanish Language & Electives (up to 90 classroom contact hours)
Choose 1 Spanish Language class and 2 electives OR choose 4 electives

Semester Programs:
College Credit: 15 credits hours or 22 quarter units
Choose:
Option 1 - Intensive Spanish Language (350 classroom contact hours)
Choose 4 Spanish Language classes
Option 2 - Intensive Spanish Language & Electives (225 classroom contact hours)
Mix & match up to 5 Spanish Language classes & electives

Intensive Spanish Month, Winter Break & Spring Break Programs:
College Credit: 6 credits hours or 9 quarter units
Choose: 1 Spanish Language class (up to 90 classroom contact hours)

Highlights: Study at the prestigious University of Granada, founded in 1531 and located in one of the citys most historic neighborhoods. Walking to class you will pass through winding cobblestone streets and hidden plazas. Spanish classes are taught in a historic building that was a former palace dating from the 16th century. There is a wonderful mix of Spaniards and international students at the university, providing an opportunity outside of the classroom to practice Spanish with both locals and students from around the world.

There is no better way to improve your Spanish and learn more about the culture than by living with our host families. You will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with your family.

This is the ideal program for students interested in Spanish immersion and elective courses. Granada is the perfect location due to its unique culture and relaxed atmosphere.

* Study at the accredited University of Granada
* Earn university credit!
* Visit Arabic tea shops in the narrow streets of the Albyacin, the largest preserved Moorish quarter in all of Spain
* Home to the monumental and romantic Alhambra; the former palace of the sultans
* In the evenings, enjoy a flamenco performance, and feel the passion of this Gypsy art form
* Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains
* Only 1 hour away from the spectacular Costa del Sol beaches

Included Excursions:

Madrid Weekend Tour: Experience the capital city, full of life and culture. Home to Europes best art museums.

Mediterranean Beaches: Visit the golden beaches of the Mediterranean and relax in the deep, blue waters.

Sierra Nevada Mountain Villages: Hike in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains and explore the lost villages of the Moors.

Alhambra Palace: Explore the exotic Alhambra, the ancient palace of the Sultans.

Seville (seasonal): Tour one of the most historic cities in Europe, and the artistic and cultural capital of
southern Spain.

Cultural Activities:

We organize cultural activities for the weekday afternoons. These activities are designed to accentuate the unique character of southern Spain.

* Flamenco Dance Classes
In the evenings the lively music of the gypsies, flamenco, resonates from the hillside caves of Sacromonte. This neighborhood has traditionally been home to the gypsies and the unique art form that has its origins in Southern Spain. We will enjoy an evening performance demonstrating the three forms of flamenco, Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing. The white-washed and dimly lit caves of Sacromonte provide the ideal venue for this passionate art form.

* Granada Cathedrals Tour
Granada is home to many wonderful and historic cathedrals. The most prominent of which is the Royal Cathedral. The chapel in the cathedral was built in 1521 and houses the tombs of the Catholic kings, Ferdinand and Isabel, who conquered Granada in 1492. Also buried here is there daughter, Juana la Loca, and her husband Felipe el Hermoso. The cathedral is built in the Gothic style and houses much of Isabels impressive art collection.

* Arabic Baths

* City Tours
With Granadas deep history and mix of so many cultures the city tour is a walk through time. We will visit hidden plazas and wind our way up cobblestone streets to inspiring lookouts, or miradores. There are many Islamic buildings in the central part of the city such as La Madraza, the remains of the old Muslim University. Also on the tour is the Corral del Carbón, a 14th century market place built by the moors. Plaza Nueva is arguably the center of the city. Here amongst tapas bars and cafés is the Iglesia de Santa Ana, whose bell tower was a former mosques minaret. Well also walk Paseo de los Tristes which curves along the Darro River and into the Albayzin. Finally making our way up to the San Nicolás mirador well see striking views of the Alhambra and surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

* Bike Tours

* Flamenco Performances

* Horseback Riding

* Food Tasting
Learn about the culinary traditions of Southern Spain. Well taste the wide variety of olives and olive oils that come from the region. Spain produces and consumes more olive oil than anywhere else in the world. In Andalucía there are 262 varieties of olives! Also, experience the fine cheeses and meat cuts that are cured in the high sierra just outside of Granada. Well also enjoy other items such as honeys and preserves. No venture to any exotic locale is complete without enjoying and learning about the culinary delights it has to offer.

* Arabic Tea Houses
Granadas historic quarter known as the Albaycin is full of exotic Arabic tea houses or teterías. These intimate locales are cool and dimly lit with low lying tables and plush Arabic cushions. The aromas of exotic teas, brewed in the Arabic tradition, fill the rooms. This is a bohemian experience and with Granadas large student population the teterías are always frequented with young people, both Spanish and foreign. Youll definitely want to savor the famous Moroccan tea made with mint leaves and sweetened with honey and snack on the exquisite Arab cakes. Many of these tea houses have belly dancing and other forms of Arabic music.

* Theater Night
Throughout the year there are many wonderful performances that come to Granada. During the summer is the Festival of Music and Dance. Fantastic performances take place under starlight on the beautiful stages of the Alhambra. Usually concerts are enjoyed in the impressive Palace of Carlos V or in the gardens of the Generalife.

* Hiking
The wild mountain landscapes of Southern Spain provide the perfect locale for hiking. The valleys that lead up to the high Sierra Nevada mountains are full of infinite hiking trails. Some of the most popular areas located just outside of Granada are Los Cahorros, the Sierra de Alfaguara and the high peaks accessible via the ski slopes. Los Cahorros is an area of breathtaking scenery and deep ravines cut by the Monachil River. Cross suspension bridges and squeeze through tight canyon walls. The high sections of the trail are rugged and full of great views of the river gorge below. Other trails found in the mountain terrain of the Sierra Nevada wind through pine forests, green meadows, and past mountain streams. Arid and rugged landscapes stretch in the distance. Youll have views of impressive peaks in the area such as La Veleta, El Mulhacén, and El Caballo, among others.

* Museum Visits & Festivals
Granada is home to many unique museums. One of which is the personal art collection of Queen Isabela housed in the Royal Cathedral. The archeological museum has a nice collection of artifacts from the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and other cultures that inhabited Granada. Another highlight is the Manuel de Falla Museum. This is the former home of the famous composer from Granada. The house has beautiful gardens and paintings by Picasso and others.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Please visit our website for latest prices

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. Please visit our website for scholarship info.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Sol Education Abroad's Mission Statement: Our company mission is very simple: to treat you the same way we wanted to be treated when we studied abroad. We take pride in this hands-on, full-service approach to ensuring you an enriching, life-changing experience. It's this unique approach that makes us both a leader and innovator in study abroad programs. When you attend one of our programs, you can be assured of a world-class study abroad experience that includes high-quality interactive Spanish language classes, regular travel excursions, and an array of daily cultural activities of lasting value.