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SPAIN DETAILS

Spain

EXPERIENCE SPAIN
STUDY ABROAD IN SPAIN - 2010

Toledo Madrid Segovia Barcelona

SHSU-SPAIN-2010
OVERVIEW
Site: Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha Español in Toledo (ESTO)

Homepage: www.uclm.es

Location: Toledo, Spain

Time: Summer 2010

Language of Instruction: Spanish

Subjects: Language, Spanish Arts and Culture

Credits: Transferable to SHSU by departmental validation

Housing: Home stays, with room & board included

Program Length: 5 weeks

Program Dates: May 31 - July 2, 2010

Costs (2010): $3,000 (approx.) includes instructional costs, room, & board; airfare separate - $1,000 (approx.)

Tuition and fees: In addition, everyone will need to pay tuition and fees, as you do for all on-campus classes.

Application Deadline: March 1
The University Community - Toledo
The "Imperial City of Toledo", 70 kilometers (40 miles) from Madrid, expresses the most complete and characteristic ensemble of all that is genuinely Spanish. Located at the crossroad of civilizations, Toledo arose as the coveted prize of many cultures, including Christian, Jewish and Moorish. The accumulation of artistic, religious, and civic monuments speaks for a characteristic blending of styles - Arab, Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance - and for sustained periods of coexistence - the co-existence of people of all religions and ethnic heritages. From as early as the 13th century, the School of Translators has brought classical and oriental cultures within reach of the Western world. Synagogues, mosques, and the Cathedral of the Primate of Spain articulate Toledo’s identity as a national monument.

Toledo, bounded by the Tajo River, sits upon enormous masses of rock and cliff. Poplars, almond trees and classic olive groves surround medieval walls.

Landscape and sky are dramatic: the earth is red and the sky is violet, which lends a special, polished brilliance to towers and spires. Such gleaming contrasts in light and color inspired Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as "El Greco", who arrived in Toledo about 1577. El Greco painted and bequeathed to the Toledo his best works, his presence and his absence. Many of his finest paintings are still housed here today, and the city of Toledo and the province Castilla-La Mancha have become virtual museums of "El Greco".

The Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, which enrolls some 8,000 students, is located in the heart of the old city; narrow streets, rising steeply from the main highway to Madrid, take you to the main offices in the Renaissance Palace of San Lorenzo. Quiet little squares, massive mansions, a maze of steep , narrow lanes, portals crowned by coats of arms and crests, suburbs a thousand years old -Toledo is grandiose but intimate, described by the playwright Tirso de Molina as "the heart of Spain". This great city of tradition and innovation will be your environment during Spring semester.
Objectives of Courses
The objectives of these courses are to immerse students in the language and culture of Spain, providing the means to learn the language and culture more efficiently. It is a proven fact that students acquire languages more easily when they have the opportunity to experience it in the country where it is spoken. In addition, students will travel extensively throughout the country. As a recent participant in the study abroad program said: "I have a level of understanding now that I could have never attained had it not been for my time in another country. I appreciate the values and beliefs of other cultures as I do my own now".
Rationale for Travel
The discoveries of a different language are incorporated into the student's life in a more meaningful way when they actually see first hand where that language originates and how it is shaped by a particular culture. The students will have a wonderful opportunity to experience diverse cultures in several regions of Spain.
Courses of Study
SPN 380W: SPANISH CULTURE & CIVILIZATION. This course introduces students to the culture and civilization of Spain. A variety of topics relevant to Spanish history in the context of other European nations are discussed.

SPN 369: CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH II. Emphasis is placed on extemporaneous speaking and conversation. Reading materials from Spanish speaking countries will be included as a basis for conversation and composition.

Class Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Field activities will be organized for Mondays and Fridays. Optional classes in dance, cinema, cooking and other activities are offered from 4:30-6:30 pm.
Grading
The grades in the course are based on i) attendance and participation in all classes, discussions and cultural activities outlined in the course; ii) successful completion of all exams and essays which are part of the courses taught in Toledo.
Receive Credits in Toledo
Participating students will receive SIX CREDITS at SHSU for
SPN 380W and SPN 369.
Living Arrangements
Home stays with families with three meals each day are included in the price.
Duration
Four weeks beginning on May 30, 2010. Arrival in Madrid is May 31. Classes begin June 2. Classes end on July 2.
Type of Program
The program in Toledo is cosponsored by SHSU and the Universidad de Castilla-la Mancha. Application is made through the International Programs.

Students pay program costs directly to SHSU. Credits earned on the program have been pre-approved based on prior courses in Spanish. SHSU students remain eligible for most scholarships and other forms of financial aid that they normally receive.
Am I eligible to apply?
Any SHSU student is eligible to apply. Applications are available at International Programs.
When should I apply?
Early application is encouraged as spaces are limited. Late registrations accepted if space is available. Apply by December 1st of 2009. Late fee: After March 1, add $200 to price.
How much will it cost?
The summer program (2010) cost is $3,000 (approx.). Included: instructional costs, room and board (3 meals per day everyday with the host family), medical insurance, access to Internet, transportation for field trips, and fees. Additional cost will be airfare - $1,000 (approx.) -, passport and personal expenses. Costs are based on current exchange rates and subject to change.
What about transportation?
We will coordinate group travel to arrive in Madrid on May 31 with transfer to Toledo provided. If independent flight arrangements are made, participants will receive directions to the meeting point in Madrid. Scheduled group trips to Madrid, Segovia and Barcelona will be organized by the professor and all the students will be expected to participate. Some free weekends for independent exploration will also be available.
What else will I need?
Passport pictures; passport and visa information; and books and materials about living, traveling, and working abroad are available at International Programs. Extra money for independent travel, gifts, etc. is recommended.
Can I get more information?
Complete course descriptions, more program information, and books about Spain are available at International Programs.

Academics: Students should discuss general academic information about the Toledo program with Dr. Enrique Mallen, Foreign Languages; e-mail: mallen@shsu.edu. Students also should discuss study plans with their regular academic advisers.

Financial Aid: For information about applying your financial aid to study abroad programs, contact International Programs.

Administrative Details: For applications and details about studying abroad, transferring credit, etc., see additional resource materials or contact International Programs.

For further information contact:

Dr. Enrique Mallen.
Foreign Languages. Sam Houston State University
1901 University Ave. ABIV 339. Huntsville, TX 77340
Tel: (936) 294-1433; (979) 739-8187; Fax: (936) 294-4144
mallen@shsu.edu

International Programs.
Farrington 116, SHSU Box 2150. Huntsville, TX 77341-2150
Tel: 936-294-4737; Fax: 936-294-4620.
oip@shsu.edu

Evans Labs


Department of Foreign Languages. Box 2147. Sam Houston State University. 1901 University Ave., Huntsville, Texas 77341. AB IV 315. email: fol_www@shsu.edu Phone: (936) 294-1441 Fax: (936) 294-4144