Spain
St. Lawrence University offers students the opportunity to study for a semester or an academic year in Spain. Program participants will begin their studies with orientation in Malaga. The University of Málaga will provide students with intensive Spanish instruction and a cultural introduction to Andalucía.
Upon completion of this component, students move to Madrid for the remainder of the program, which is housed at the Colegio Mayor Isabel de España. The relationship with the Colegio provides students with the unique opportunity to interact with local Spanish students on a daily basis through extra-curricular activities and informal gatherings.
- Based in Málaga and Madrid.
- Fall or Spring semester; or academic year.
- Program can accommodate 15 students per semester, including academic year students.
- Pre-requisites: 2.8 GPA; Spanish 201 or equivalent language level required.
- All courses taught in Spanish.
- Live with homestay families.
Apply to Study in Spain
Location Academics Co-Curricular Housing Calendar Orientation Program Contacts
Location
The program is based in Málaga and Madrid and will include components in other areas of Spain.
Málaga is a city of a million and half inhabitants located on the Mediterranean coast, and well known as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. While in Málaga, students complete coursework at the International Center of Spanish Language at the University of Málaga, designed exclusively for St. Lawrence students.
Madrid, Spain’s capital, is a city of four million, and boasts a dynamic cultural and social life. Madrid also provides easy access to more traditional small towns and villages in Segovia and Salamanca. In Madrid, the program is based at the Colegio Mayor Isabel de España. The Colegio is a university residential community and the program’s location there provides St. Lawrence students the opportunity to regularly engage with university-aged Spaniards through extra-curricular activities, as well as informal functions. Also within easy reach of Madrid are the historical cities of Avila, El Escorial, Toledo, and the Guadarrama mountains -- popular for skiing, hiking and other sports. Students often comment that "there isn't time to see and do everything in Spain."
Program classes and offices are at the Colegio Mayor Isabel de España. The Colegio Mayor sponsors many lectures, concerts, films and political debates. Some of these activities are co-sponsored by St. Lawrence University, and St. Lawrence program students are invited to all those activities as well as activities and sports events at other colegios mayores in the area.
Academics
The Program Director is a member of the St. Lawrence University faculty. In addition to organizing and supervising the academic and co-curricular program, the Director advises students, teaches in fall and spring, helps students with cultural adjustment issues, and is responsible for the work placement course.
In addition to the two required courses Encountering Spain and Advanced Practical Spanish, students select three elective courses from the list provided below. These classes are exclusively for program participants and are taught in Spanish by local professors who are well acquainted with US college courses. These courses will be offered if there is sufficient student enrollment.
The courses take full advantage of being in Madrid and Spain, with excursions to several places in Spain, field work in various city neighborhoods, the chance to attend a variety of theatrical performances, and weekly visits to the Prado and other museums.
Fall Required Courses:
SPAN 335S: Encountering Spain:
(.5 unit; Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
This course weaves together all of the program’s components in its various locations to provide students with insight into the regional diversity of Spain. The program will begin with an orientation in Salamanca, continue with a two-week component in Málaga in the Andalusian region, and then move to Madrid the capital city. From Madrid, program participants will visit locations such as Galicia and Valencia.
SPAN 301S: Advanced Practical Spanish:
(1 unit for semester participants; .5 unit for academic year participants)
Emphasizes spoken and written Spanish skills.
Fall Elective Courses (Students select 3):
SPAN 323S: Introduction to Spanish Literature (Highly recommended for Spanish majors)
(1 unit; Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
A survey of selected major works from the most important periods of Spanish literature from the Middle Ages to the present. Attention is given to the techniques of literary analysis.
ECON/SPAN 322S: International Economics
(1 unit; Fulfills SOCIAL SCIENCES distribution requirement)
The theory of international trade and finance and its application to current policy problems such as protection, intervention in foreign exchange markets, international debt and foreign investment. This course is accepted for major credit. (Pre-requisite. Econ 251, 252 or permission of the instructor)
FA 200S/SPAN 300S: Masters of the Spanish School
(1 unit; Fulfills ARTS/EXPRESSION distribution requirement)
A study of the work of four major Spanish painters, each of whom is considered the greatest painter of his period in Spain: El Greco (Renaissance), Velázquez (Baroque), Goya (Neoclassicism/ Romanticism), Picasso (20th Century). The course includes a weekly class in one of the museums in Madrid such as the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen collection.
SPAN/ENVS 328S: Nature and Culture in Spain: Interpreting the Landscapes
(1 unit; Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
One of the best ways to learn about a country is to travel perceptively through its countryside, villages and cities. Landscapes are a good indicator of natural and cultural diversity. In observing human interaction with the physical environment, students will understand better how nature, communities, and ways of life developed over time. This interdisciplinary course will contextualize the program field trips.
GOVT/SPAN 367S: Political Process in Contemporary Spain
(1 unit; Fulfills SOCIAL SCIENCES distribution requirement)
This course focuses on the various political systems (absolute monarchy, republic, dictatorship, constitutional monarchy) that have characterized Spanish politics during the 20th century. The transition from dictatorship to democracy and the salient elements of the current system are emphasized. Arrangements can be made to take this course for History credit.
SPAN/PCA 358S: The Madrid Stage
(1 unit; Fulfills ARTS/EXPRESSION distribution requirement)
This course is a study of the contemporary theatre in Spain with a focus on the current season and will feature readings, interviews, discussion and weekly theater attendance.
CLAS/GS/ANTH 212S/SPAN/SOC 312S: Migrations and Cultural Diversity in Contemporary Spain
(1 unit; Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
Students will become familiar with migration and cultural diversity in Spanish society from an anthropological and socio-cultural perspective. The course will introduce basic notions of socio-cultural anthropology in order to understand contemporary migrations, describe characteristics and problems of Spanish society in the framework of cultural diversity, and apply methodological tools of anthropology to present-day Spain.
Spring Required Courses:
SPAN 335S: Encountering Spain
(.5 unit; Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
This course weaves together all of the program’s components in its various locations to provide students with insight into the regional diversity of Spain. The program will begin with an orientation in Salamanca, continue with a two-week component in Málaga in the Andalusian region, and then move to Madrid the capital city. From Madrid, program participants will visit locations such as Extremadura and País Vasco.
SPAN 302S: Advanced Practical Spanish
(1 unit for semester participants; .5 unit for academic year participants)
Emphasizes spoken and written Spanish skills. The course is designed to help students achieve and maintain the linguistic skills needed for the program's other courses and for personal and professional activities.
ND 480: Internship with Seminar
(1 unit; For full-year students only)
This is a semester-long internship for academic year participants that is conducted during the spring semester. Every attempt is made to match the internship assignment to the individual's interests.
The internship period complements the class work of the regular courses taken during the program and is designed to be a challenging personal and professional experience. During the internship, students remain under the supervision of the program and continue to reside with the Spanish families. They participate in a seminar and carry out required writing assignments and oral presentations. They are also required to participate in several cultural activities such as visits to museums, films, theater or book presentations in the city of Madrid. The final grade for the internship is based on work submitted for the seminar, the evaluation of the internship supervisor of the host organization, and the program director's evaluation of the student's work in the seminar and at the sponsoring organization.
Spring Elective Courses (Students select 3 electives):
In addition to the two required courses, Encountering Spain and Advanced Practical Spanish, students select three elective courses from the list provided below.
These classes are exclusively for program participants and are taught by local professors who are well acquainted with US college courses. These courses will be offered if there is sufficient student enrollment.
ECON/CLAS 265S/SPAN 365S: The Spanish Economy, the E.U., and the Latin American Challenge
(1 unit; Fulfills SOCIAL SCIENCES distribution requirement)
This course analyzes the possibilities for economic cooperation between the European Union and Spain, and Latin American economies. Study will focus on the challenges associated with the important structural changes that are taking place in Europe as well as Latin America in the context of the growing integration of both regions in international markets. (Pre-requisite: Econ100.)
SPAN 342S: Contemporary Spanish Narrative: Nature as Protagonist
(1 unit; Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
A study of narrative texts from the 20th and 21st centuries (Cela, Matute, Sánchez Ferlosio and Llamazares) in which students will observe how Nature manifests itself in various ways: as an enslaver, creator, avenger, friend or foe, but always decisive in the development of the story and in the lives of its protagonists. Students will study in detail the characteristics of each author’s work and the social and literary contexts in which it develops.
SPAN Special Topic 4024: Urban Fictions and the Collective Imagination: Madrid through Literature and Film
(1 unit; Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
Is a city best portrayed through film, music, a novel or some other art form? From its museums to its streets, from its theaters to its spontaneous performance spaces, Madrid is crisscrossed by a variety of artistic endeavors, works that construct a critical urban imaginary and invite us to think about culture and social dilemmas in new ways. Students in this course will see films and read works that depict Madrid and visit related sites in the city to understand how writing and art foster dynamic debates about themes such as multiculturalism, women’s roles, and migration in the urban context. In addition, the course seeks to position Madrid in relation to global questions about Hispanic culture and its reception abroad.
FA 267S/Span 303S: The History of Spanish Art
(1 unit; Fulfills ARTS/EXPRESSION distribution requirement)
An overview of Spanish art from prehistoric cave painting to 20th century masters such as Picasso and Miró. Architectural monuments, sculptures and paintings are studied. Students will be exposed through various field trips to the incredibly rich art of Spain, including architectural monuments, sculptures and paintings.
GOVT/SPAN 330S: Politics and Governments of Western Democracies
(1 unit; Fulfills SOCIAL SCIENCES distribution requirement)
Participants will study the history and present structures of several European democracies and the United States. The class includes a segment on the European Union. This course is accepted for Government majors
HIST/GNDR/SPAN 383S: History of an Emancipation: Women in Spain, 1750-2015
(1 unit; Fulfills HUMANITIES distribution requirement)
A study of women's issues - particularly labor, education, and the right to vote - in Spain from the Spanish Enlightenment, through Francoism, to Democratic Spain.
Co-curricular
Field trips, cultural events and other activities organized by the program complement the classes and are planned with the goal of furthering the students' understanding of Spanish culture. Recent field trips have been to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, Extremadura, Andalucía, and to Picos de Europa in the north.
In addition to field trips to various parts of Spain, the program organizes group visits within the capital itself. The cost of all scheduled group activities is included in the comprehensive fee. Students are also reimbursed, according to program guidelines, for attendance at cultural activities of their own choosing.
The Colegio Mayor Isabel de España, where the program is based, sponsors lecture series, seminars, plays, and concerts, as well as group activities such as sports, dance, theater, aerobics, music, and photography. English conversation groups (one hour a week) are organized between program participants and local students in an effort to bring both groups together. Students are encouraged to do volunteer work in Madrid. The program also covers the cost of membership to libraries for research purposes.
Housing
The home stays with Spanish families constitute one of the most fulfilling experiences offered by the program, as they provide a pleasant and supportive atmosphere for the students. Homes are located throughout Madrid and are usually within a forty-minute commute from school. Family make-up and homes vary in background and composition. Students are expected to be sensitive to cultural differences and open to understanding and sharing fully in the life of the Spanish family. As a norm, the families host only one student and provide an individual room. When possible, the program includes families in program activities. All meals are taken with the family.
Calendar
The Fall semester typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December. The Spring semester typically begins in early/mid-January and ends in mid-May.
Fall 2023
August
Friday 18: Departure from U.S.
Saturday 19-20: Orientation In Malaga
Monday 21-Thursday 31: Intensive Language Course
September
Friday 1: Transportation to Madrid
Monday 4-Tuesday 5: Madrid Orientation
Wednesday 6: Classes Begin
Saturday 30- Sunday October 1: Program Excursion
October
Sunday October 1: Program Excursion
Monday 9- Wednesday 11: Mid-Term Exams
Thursday 12- Sunday 22: Fall Break & National Holidays
Monday 23: Classes Resume
November
Wednesday 1: National Holiday
Thursday 9: Holiday in Madrid
Friday 10: Free Day
December
Friday 1: Last Day of Classes
Monday 4- Tuesday 5: Final Exams
Wednesday 6: national Holiday
Thursday 7: Final Exams (continued)
Friday 8: End of Program for Fall Only Students
Saturday 9: Fall Students Depart for the U.S.
Saturday 9: Christmas Break for Academic Year Students
Spring 2024
January
Saturday 6: National Holiday
Monday 8: Internship Begins for Academic Year Students
Friday 12: Spring Students Departure from U.S.
Saturday 13-14: Orientation begins in Malaga
Monday 15-Thursday 25: Intensive Language Course in Malaga
Monday 29- Tuesday 30: Program Orientation in Madrid
Wednesday 31: Program Excursion
February
Friday 23- Sunday 25: Program Excursion
March
Monday 4-Thursday 7: Mid-Term Exams
Saturday 23- Monday 1: Spring Break
April
Monday 1: Spring Break
Tuesday 2: Classes Resume
Wednesday 24: Last Day of Classes
Thursday 25: Free Day
Friday 26: Final Exams
Monday 29-Tuesday 30: Final Exams (continued)
May
Wednesday 1: National Holiday & Program Ends
Thursday 2: Depart for the U.S.
Orientation
Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students participation in the program. This includes a program specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session lead by the CIIS office on culture shock, and what to expect, as well as safety and security while abroad.
Program Contacts
If you are interested in learning more about the Spain program please contact one of the following people.
CIIS Coordinator: Caitlin Hatz, Director of Off-Campus Programs- Questions about program academics, eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.
Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Ilia Casanova-Marengo - Questions about academics