Eligibility
You must be of at least sophomore status and have a 2.5 GPA or higher to study in Spain. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors if there are more applicants than there are spots in the program.
FALL PROGRAM: You may be studying Spanish at any level (beginner to most advanced) to be considered. The Fall Semester in Spain is offered during odd-numbered years: Fall 2011, Fall 2013, and Fall 2015.
INTERIM/SPRING PROGRAM: You must be planning to study Spanish at an advanced level to be considered. You must successfully complete SPAN 301 before beginning the program. The Spring Semester in Spain is offered every Spring.
Accommodations
As part of this language program, you will live in a Spanish household in Oviedo.
Cost
The final program cost is based on many factors and is not known exactly until the number of students in the group has been identified. The financial information page covers the details that go into the cost of the program and rough estimates for each. The price for the Spain semester will include:
- Round trip transportation between Grand Rapids and Oviedo
- A number of program-related excursions
- Tuition, room and board
- Local transit
- Visa fees
Additional expenses not included in the program fee: passport, books, medical insurance (required), and spending money.
Courses
FALL COURSES:
There are no prerequisities. The following courses are taught in English by the Calvin director, and they are required for all students, regardless of language level:
STSP 212: History of Spain and Its Regions (3 semester hours, fulfills Global and Historical Studies Core)
STSP 215: Perspectives on Cross-Cultural Engagement
(1 semester hour, fulfills CCE)
All students will also take a minimum of 9 semester hours of Spanish language and/or culture courses at the appropriate level at the Casa de las Lenguas, and all participants who successfully complete the semester program will fulfill the Calvin Core requirement for Foreign Language. In addition, interested students may enroll in one class taught in English at the University of Oviedo or in STSP 216: Contemporary Spain, a 2-hr course taught in English by the Calvin director.
Students wishing to spend the entire academic year in Spain may stay and participate in the Spring program as well. Students who have already completed the equivalent of 201, however, should discuss this option with an advisor in the Spanish Department in advance. Contact Professor TenHuisen for additional course information.
SPRING COURSES:
The prerequisite for the Interim/Spring semester program is SPAN 301.
1.) The following course, taught by the Calvin director, is required for all students:
| STSP 316: Perspectives on Cross-Cultural Engagement | |
| An introduction to the art and skill of engaging with Spanish culture through readings and discussions with guest speakers. Course requirements include readings, discussion with host families about course topics, attention to the local media and keeping a journal. | 1 semester hour, fulfills Cross-Cultural Engagement (CCE) core requirement |
2.) All students will also take at least one Spanish language class at the appropriate level at the Casa de las Lenguas. Students may choose between:
STSP 303: Spanish Language: Written Expression and Interaction 4 semester hours, counts toward major or minor in Spanish and can substitute for SPAN 302 (required course for major and minor)
STSP 304: Spanish Language: Oral Expression and Interaction
4 semester hours, counts toward major or minor in Spanish
3.) In addition, students who have completed SPAN 302 on campus will enroll in at least one university class taught at the University of Oviedo. Students may choose from among hundreds of courses regularly offered to Spanish university students in a wide variety of subjects and disciplines. This course, too, will count toward a major or minor in Spanish, regardless of the discipline.
Elective Courses:
Students may also choose from the following options, taking a combined maximum of 20 hours for the entire interim and spring semester. All courses will count toward a Spanish major or minor.
STSP 303: Spanish Language: Written Expression and Interaction |
STSP 304: Spanish Language: Oral Expression and Interaction |
STSP 305: Spanish Language: Vocabulary and Textual Commentary |
STSP 308 Introduction to the Hispanic World, I |
STSP 308 Introduction to the Hispanic World, II |
STSP 3xx Introduction to English/Spanish Translation (4 semester hours) |
STSP 3xx Spanish Literature (4 semester hours) |
STSP 3xx Latin American Culture: Literature, History and Civilization |
STSP 3xx History of Spain (4 semester hours) |
STSP 3xx Spanish Society and Culture (4 semester hours) |
STSP 3xx Spanish Art (4 semester hours) |
STSP 3xx Spanish Film (4 semester hours) |
STSP 3xx Spanish for Business (4 semester hours) |
STSP 393 Ethnographic Study (2 semester hours, taught by Calvin director) |
Students wishing to spend the academic year in Spain may participate in both the Fall and Spring semester programs, but it must be arranged in advance. Contact Dwight TenHuisen for additional information concerning courses
Apply
First, submit a preliminary application to the the Off-Campus Program Office. If your preliminary application is approved (the usual processing time is 1-2 weeks), you will be sent an application and recommendations via e-mail.
The final application deadline for the FALL 2011 program:
March 10, 2011.
The final application deadline for the SPRING 2012 program :
September 16, 2011.
Contact
On-Campus Organizer
Professor Dwight TenHuisen, Spanish Department
616.526.6638
Program Director for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012:
Professor Cynthia Slagter, Spanish Department
616.526.6426
