Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Southern Spain through the Intermediate & Advanced Spanish Studies program in Seville. This program offers students a variety of course options at the Center’s historic facility in downtown Seville and includes numerous cultural activities, day trips, and excursions. Intermediate & Advanced Spanish Studies is designed for the student that has completed at least one semester of intermediate college Spanish or the equivalent.
All Spanish Studies courses are specifically designed to enhance your understanding of modern Spain while you immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture. The program is tailored to help students fulfill requirements needed for Spanish, international studies, business, education and other majors. In addition to living in a Spanish home, cultural events and social activities enhance the cultural element of your experience. At the Center, you also benefit from the expertise of our staff, who guide you to more fully immerse yourself in the Sevillano community through volunteer work, local clubs, internships, etc.
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To be eligible to participate in this program, students must meet the following requirements:
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Seville is the centerpiece of your experience, a beautiful and ancient city with a temperate climate and a rich cultural life. The setting of operas Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, and Carmen; birthplace of painters Velázquez and Murillo; Moorish palaces and Renaissance gardens; paintings, statues, and world-famous ceramic tiles. At the same time, Seville is very cosmopolitan. The bustling commercial center is filled with traditional business and trade activities, and an efficient public transportation system links the various neighborhoods and attractions. The sevillanos are a gracious and social people – welcoming to visitors and eager to introduce them to the life and culture of their city. To learn more about the visa process for this country, please visit the Embassy of Spain website. |
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This program is called Intermediate & Advanced Studies in Spanish in Seville. Students take courses at the Centro with the other US and international students. All courses are taught in Spanish. There are also over 200 sevillanos taking courses in English at the Centro, so students are easily able to meet locals and make friends. Courses are taught with US students in mind, so it is somewhat similar to classroom experience at the College. In addition to the standard Spanish Studies program, students may choose to focus in Business, Health, Education, or Media, with an internship, service, clinic, or teaching placement to match. For very advanced students, enrollment may be possible at Pablo Olivade or the University of Seville for an additional surcharge of $1,000 - $1,500. These schools offer the opportunity to take a wider variety of courses alongside local students. More information about courses can be found here. Though letter grades will appear on the Lake Forest transcript, they will not factor into a student’s GPA except in calculations of honors or the Dean’s List. As universities assign credits to classes differently, a full workload varies across institutions. Some Spanish universities use ECTS, whereas some have their own system. Normally, an explanation of the credit hours is provided on a transcript. To see a typical course load at a particular university, consult the institution’s IIS. An average of 15 to 25 hours per week is spent in class lectures. To Earn 4 Lake Forest credits, students must take 27 ECTS credits. To Earn 3 Lake Forest credits, students must take 21 ECTS credits. The number of credits listed here is estimated, and GEO will work with you, your advisor, and the registrar to ensure you are earning enough credits to keep you on track for graduation.
Academic Environment and Teaching Style Please understand that the academic system is quite different. Classes are usually lecture-based, instead of discussion or group work. Classes are often much larger than those found at Lake Forest College. Grades are based heavily, at times almost entirely, on one end-of-term exam, though some courses will also offer a midterm. Professors are often more formal than those in the United States. All courses/modules may have prerequisites. Some departments may have limitations on numbers of courses that can be taken within or outside it. Be aware of these limitations. |
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Spanish Studies programs feature all-inclusive study visits with accommodations, meals, entrance fees and expert professors and guides. Site visit destinations vary according to the program. Local study visits may include:
Day and Overnight* Excursions may include:
*There are no overnight excursions in any of the short-term programs. Additionally, Spanish Studies organizes Optional Leisure Activities (OLA) and cultural events such as bullfights at the Real Maestranza, performances at the Teatro de la Maestranza, and weekend trips. You can see the Center’s Activities Calendars by a semester of both included and optional activities. |
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Internship Course Option Students at the advanced Spanish level may undertake an internship for 3-4 credits as part of their regular Spanish Studies Abroad program. Internships are treated as a course, in addition to the student’s regular course schedule. Students must have a 3.0 GPA in Spanish language study. As an intern, you will be evaluated by the Resident Director and your supervisor in the workplace. Additionally, a written report is required of you at the end of the internship period. Your home college or academic advisor may establish additional criteria for evaluation, grading and granting of credit. Due to complex labor laws and because internships are not completely within the control of Spanish Studies Abroad, even accepted applications for internships cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, as a potential intern, you are advised to select an alternative course, or an Independent Research Project in the event that a proposed internship fails to materialize. Please note that all internships are unpaid. FIELDS FOR INTERNSHIP When applying for an internship, you have the benefit of specifying what you would like your internship to look like, and we will strive to match you with the best available option. Students have completed internships in a variety of fields including legal offices, Greenpeace, television production, and in education. Some fields you may want to think of when applying:
REQUIREMENTS
Independent Research Project As a semester and academic year student studying abroad with Spanish Studies Abroad, you have the unique opportunity to combine your academic curiosity and direct access to Spanish culture by completing an Independent Research Project (IRP). This personalized and flexible research program allows you to propose, design, and complete a research project that meets the specific requirements of your home college or university.
During your IRP, you will be given a faculty adviser from the Spanish Studies or host institution’s faculty or staff. This adviser will help guide your project through meetings and discussions, monitor your progress, and serve as an invaluable resource during your investigation.
Service-Learning
Spanish Studies Abroad offers qualified students the opportunity to undertake a Service Learning project in addition to their regular studies. Service Learning projects allow students special access to the daily life of local citizens, often hidden from students studying abroad. Students will be placed in local community organizations, working with projects that serve the greater good of the community. Participating students earn credit for their work in the field.
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Your Spanish home or student residence will be the focal point of your social experience– where you will sleep, eat, study, and relax. A homestay gives you a unique insight into Spanish culture by allowing you to become part of a Spanish family. Your homestay includes full room and board as well as laundry and the cleaning of your room. Special dietary or housing accommodations may be made but may require an additional fee. To ensure that your home will provide a warm and tranquil atmosphere, one conducive to learning, Spanish Studies Abroad staff discusses norms and policies with hosts and regularly inspects the homes. Placement in a student residencia may be available but are limited. |
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For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee. The program fee for the Spanish Studies Abroad Seville program includes orientation, on-site director, university fees, housing, most meals, laundry, several excursions, and insurance. Here is an estimated budget for the Fall 2018/Spring 2019 programs:
Tuition rates and program fees are subject to change each year, but this information was up-to-date as of February 2019. We will notify applicants, and update this page if the program fee or other estimates change. You can discuss with Financial Aid your specific aid package and your expected family contribution. Deposits to other programs, if required, are paid by the student to the host program, and will appear as a credit on your study abroad term bill from the College. Keep in mind that you may spend more or less in certain areas like personal expenses, travel, meals, or airfare, depending on exchange rates and your own spending habits. Classroom or lab fees are not included in this estimate and will depend on your course registration choices. Don’t forget to apply for scholarships! A great listing can be found here.
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