Arcadia University: Semester Internships in Toledo, Spain

  Spain

• All Other Areas: 
Toledo

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer 

Description: If you are interested in experiencing the Spanish workplace in addition to your academic program, the internship program in Toledo provides the opportunity to gain first-hand work experience in a Spanish organization. The internship program is coupled with an academic seminar, worth 3 credits, in which students discuss topics related to living and working in Spain. Students typically spend 7 hours per week at the internship site and 1 1/2 hours per week in class discussing various topics related to working in Spain.

Past placements have included:

* The Regional Parliament in Castilla La Mancha
* Toledo City Hall
* The Santa Cruz Museum
* La Cruz Roja (Spanish Red Cross)
* The Chamber of Commerce of Toledo
* The Council of Education
* Radio Nacional de España (national radio station)
* La Tribuna (local newspaper)

Credits and Grades
Fall and spring semester: 15-18 credits

Highlights: If you like the idea of studying in a 16th-century former convent in the heart of the historical district of one of Spain's loveliest and most culturally-rich cities, then the widely-respected Fundación José Ortega y Gasset in Toledo is a good choice. The Fundacións location puts you within walking distance to some of Spains most noteworthy synagogues, mosques, and churches. All are symbols of centuries when the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultures coexisted in comparative harmony, giving Toledo the name "La Capital de las Tres Culturas."

Academic Program
The Fundación José Ortega y Gasset is a degree-granting institution that focuses on strengthening knowledge of Spanish language and culture through a wide range of course offerings in language, anthropology, art history, literature, history, politics, and economics. You can enroll in either five or six 3-credit courses per semester, for a total of 15-18 hours of credit. Six credits must be in Spanish language at a level that matches your proficiency. Courses are taught exclusively in Spanish, by Spanish professors. Therefore, the program requires that you have four semesters (or the equivalent level of proficiency) of Spanish to enroll. But there's no reason to be intimidated! The courses were designed with the specific needs of the non-native speaker of Spanish in mind. Class sizes are small (typically under 30-35 students per class) and you will find the instructors to be both knowledgeable and approachable. Because much of your learning will take place outside of the classroom, you will be encouraged to participate in the many field study activities sponsored by the Fundación.

The learning environment of the Fundacion complements the rich historical backdrop of Toledo. Classes are held in the San Juan de la Penitencia, a 16th-century former convent. While the convent retains old-world charm, it's replete with modern amenities. What's more, the Penitencia offers magnificent views of the old city from its tower, and its beautiful, cloistered courtyard provides a wonderful retreat for studying or meeting with friends.

Qualifications: Admission Requirements
GPA Requirements: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent. You must be in good academic standing and not on disciplinary probation. You need to submit a complete application including a transcript, letter of recommendation from a Spanish faculty member, and an advisor's form before your application will be considered.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.