UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA

City of Salamanca and the University | Application Guidelines | Cost | Brief Program Description | Deadlines | Academic Four Week Program | Course Descriptions | Application Instructions

IN RESIDENCE SUMMER
PROGRAM IN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

IN RESIDENCE SUMMER PROGRAM

IN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
June 28- August 2, 2008

Greetings Applicant!

          I am very pleased that you are interested in applying to the University of Salamanca, Spain summer ‘Program in Language and Culture’ for 2008. This year will mark 19 years that I have been taking students to the University of Salamanca for summer study. Why so many years to the same place some have asked me? Imagine living for a month in the midst of one of the most beautiful cities of Spain unmatched in monuments and the arts. Open air jazz concerts in the historic quarter in the very shadow of its Cathedrals. Yes, Salamanca is the only city to boast two fully functioning cathedrals joined together by a common wall. Art exhibits, sacred music concerts, hundreds of cafes, dazzling Flamenco performances, lively music clubs to satisfy every taste of music, theatre, movies, the Tour de France, this year the Euro Cup Soccer Championship which is second only to the World Cup, stunning beautiful weather, excursions to other cities, including one to Portugal, and so much more awaits you. The crown jewel is the Plaza Mayor, at the very heart of the city, the most beautiful in Spain and one of the best in all of Europe.
          Being a student for the summer at one of the most prestigious universities in Spain- founded in 1218- and Europe is truly an honor. It is known as the ‘Oxford’ of Spain. The summer classes for international students was founded in 1929 and is today one of the most popular in Spain. To walk and be in the same place where so many illustrious figures have been is beyond words. Among them being Miguel Unamuno, John of the Cross, Teresa of Jesus, Cervantes, Ignatius of Loyola, Columbus, Fray Luis de León, Antonio de Nebrija  and now it will be your turn to leave your mark and be in turn changed forever. The many activities outlined in the enclosed packet that are part of the program add a depth that embraces the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Spain through the unique role of the city and University of Salamanca. These and many other features make this program unique.
          This program is an APPROVED one by SPU, but not officially affiliated. This means that students will make no payments to SPU, there are different forms to fill out, and no SPU financial aid or scholarships can be applied, although other forms of financial aid may be sought. Students will receive an official transcript with letter grades from Salamanca that SPU or your home institution will use to grant you credit.
          I as the Representative and Group Organizer am here to answer any of your questions and to help your application process and entry into the program to be as pleasant and as smooth as is possible. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Alberto Ferreiro,
Professor of European History, Seattle Pacific University
Visiting Professor/Lecturer, University of Salamanca
beto@spu.edu or betonube@msn.com 

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City of Salamanca and the University

Salamanca is one of Spain's most culturally active cities, especially in the summer.  Abundant sunshine envelops this historic university city which blends old Spain with the cosmopolitan university atmosphere.  Located within three hours of Madrid and other historic sites, Salamanca is an ideal base from which to explore Spain and neighboring Portugal. The city and university have been graced by illustrious personalities including Miguel de Unamuno, Teresa of Jesus, Columbus, Fray Luis de León, Cervantes, Antonio de Nebrija, Ignatius of Loyola, and John of the Cross and many others. The Plaza Mayor is the most beautiful of Spain and Europe. The city, although medium in size, is privileged with an abundant amount of historic monuments thus making it a place of discovery and wonder. The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, is the oldest university in Spain and fourth oldest in Europe. It has a prestigious reputation in Spanish literature, history, and linguistics. It has and does still enjoy a renowned reputation along with Oxford, Cambridge, and Sorbonne-Paris. At every stage of Spanish history both city and university have played a major role. 

Salamanca, Spain 2008 Representative/ Group Director

Dr. Alberto Ferreiro, was born in Mexico City and is a native speaker of Spanish. He was honored in 1983-84 with a Fulbright Fellowship to work on his doctoral dissertation in Barcelona-Madrid, Spain. He earned his B.A. and M.A. at the University of Texas-Arlington and a Ph.D. in medieval history at the University of California-Santa Barbara. He has published 6 books, nearly 60 scholarly articles mainly on medieval ecclesiastical Iberian history and is a frequent participant in international conferences. For 18 years he has been taking students to the University of Salamanca and has organized and led several two week Carmelite Spirituality Pilgrimages in Spain for adult learners. He is a tenured professor of European History at Seattle Pacific University where he has taught since 1986. He is also a summer Visiting Professor/Lecturer at the University of Salamanca.

UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA 2008
FEE: $ 5, 000.00 includes:

* Those using frequent flyer miles or who are already in Europe will pay minus the base fare for Seattle-Madrid once the price is established.
**The two and a half days Portugal excursion is optional. Price is about $185.00- includes 3-4 star hotel, breakfasts, museum fees, and transport.

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SALAMANCA 2008
BASIC APPLICATION GUIDELINES
and
SUPPORTING MATERIALS

1. Enclose deposit of $300.00 made out to Alberto Ferreiro/ University of Salamanca 2008 with application
2. A photocopy of your passport
3. Names of two faculty that will write letters for you, one outside of your major- they can e-mail me
4. Two passport size photos for ID cards. Your face must be clearly visible
5. Official Transcript
6. Overall GAP of 3.0 or above
7. You are required to fill out the SPU APPROVAL FOR STUDY ABROAD FORM (click here), due to Student Academic Services by April 1, 2008. NO EXCEPTIONS. Those who are non-SPU students check with your home institution about their rules and regulations for going on a program not sponsored by your home university.
8. Fill out and return the CONTRACT that is enclosed with this packet with your application. At our first orientation we will go over it carefully.
9. Since this is an ‘approved’ but not ‘affiliated’ program at SPU there are financial restrictions. You may apply for other forms financial aid. SPU financial aid monies or scholarships can not be applied to this program.
10. Must decide by mid-December or earlier whether you plan to stay longer in Europe

Brief Program Description

ACADEMIC CALENDAR:

The courses at the University of Salamanca begin on July 2 and end July 30.

PEDAGOGICAL GOALS:

The program is meant to provide students with at least five weeks of "immersion" in Spanish language and culture.  An attempt will be made to strike a balance between academics and the sheer experience of absorbing a culture through being there.  Every aspect of the program will expose students to different `faces' of Spanish culture, especially on the excursions to neighboring cities.  Students are expected to speak Spanish at all times and to venture out and practice it in everyday situations.  Generally speaking, the Spanish people are very friendly and are deeply flattered when international students make a real effort to learn their language and culture.  You will get out of the program only as much as YOU put into it.  Students are expected to maintain a serious attitude towards the academics of this program, even in the lighter aspects of the program, and to behave in way as befits an international student in a host country.

SPANISH COURSES:

An Official Transcript with certificates of achievement will be issued by the University of Salamanca upon successful completion of the language component.  Students will enroll in the course Cursos de Lengua y Cultura Españolas (Spanish Language and Culture Course) which offers Spanish at the beginning, intermediate, advanced, and intensive levels. (Consult the course description section in this packet). SPU will grant up to 8 credits of Spanish upon successful completion of the program.

LANGUAGE FACULTY:

Students will receive their language instruction from language professors at the University of Salamanca.  All of the instructors hold either Master's degrees or Ph.D's in language, coupled with ample experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. The summer school program was founded in 1929, and since then has established a distinguished reputation.  All students without exception will be tested upon arrival for language competency to ensure proper placement with students at their own level.

HISTORY FACULTY:

Dr. Alberto Ferreiro, Full Professor of European History, will teach Iberian Cultures and Societies.  Professor Ferreiro was born in Mexico, is a native speaker of Spanish, and was a Fulbright scholar in Spain in 1983-84 and took his Ph.D in Medieval History at the University of California, Santa Barbara.  His research specialty, in which he has published widely, is Medieval Iberian History. He is also a Visiting Professor/ Lecturer at the University of Salamanca.

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IBERIAN CULTURES AND SOCIETIES COURSE:

SPU will grant students upon successful completion of this course five credits (5) in upper division history elective credit.  Applicants will receive a detailed syllabus of the course once a formal application is filled out and received.

EXCURSIONS:

You are required to go on the excursions to Toledo, Segovia, and Avila/Alba de Tormes, they are included in the fee. There is a two and half day optional excursion available to Portugal that is not included in the program fee. The specific details for the Portugal excursion will be available at a later date.

CULTURAL EVENTS:

Within Salamanca, numerous cultural events are organized throughout the month of July.  The International Courses--in cooperation with other civic institutions--organize an extensive program that includes theater, music, film series, flamenco, ballet, open air jazz concerts, and other performances that take place in the most beautiful areas of the city.  University students can acquire passes at a special price for these activities, as well as for access to swimming pools.  Do bring a bathing suit.  You are required to attend two distinctly Spanish cultural events of your choice.

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES:

All students are required to participate in the Spanish Cooking Class that is included in the fee. There are other optional classes-not included in the fee- available such as guitar, Spanish dance, movies, and Spanish Traditional Songs. The cost of these will be available later.

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INFORMATION MEETINGS:

You are required to attend all scheduled meetings before we leave for Spain any that I convene in Salamanca.

ROOM AND BOARD:

We will be staying in the Residencia Universitaria Fray Luis de León in the heart of the historic quarter right under the shadow of the Cathedral along with students from many other countries.  This historic dorm is equipped with all modern amenities.  Rooms have private bath, telephone, study desks and a cleaning crew will make your bed and mob and dust the room daily. There are meeting rooms, study rooms, TV rooms, Internet room, wireless web connection, a café, and a music room.  At extra cost there are also available single rooms.  Students do not have to bring pillows, towels or any bedding.

HEALTH INSURANCE:

Students are encouraged to check with their private insurance to know what the protocols are for reimbursements for medical bills incurred while abroad.  The University of Salamanca includes in its tuition 24/7 comprehensive medical insurance through the national insurance plan SANITAS.  Coverage is ONLY for the duration of the program July 2 to July 31 anywhere in Spain. You are not covered for the days before or after those dates. You should look into purchasing additional travel and catastrophic health insurance. The Director will make available to you some options.

PASSPORT:

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens going to Spain.  A VALID U.S. PASSPORT is, however. 

MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS:

If you take prescription medicines, bring an official statement from your doctor to confirm this. Bring your medicines in their prescription packaging. Be sure you have enough medicine for the entire duration of your stay in Europe.

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CLOTHING:

The month of July will be hot- rarely torrid- and dry throughout most of Spain.  Even so, shorts should be of modest length.  It is wise to wear cool, loose clothing; skirts or long shorts for women and cool trousers for men.  In any case, do not over pack; it will save you untold hassles. What you pack you carry.

EXTRA MONEY:

For additional costs such as laundry, cultural events, pool passbook, taxis, and the like, one should bring no less than $500 for the month.  Since spending habits are so arbitrary, use your best judgment on spending money.  Your costs after the program are not covered.  You will have to spend at least two nights in Madrid prior to returning home.  Also, Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted in Europe.  American Express is NOT accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants.

DEADLINES:

1. The deadline for application is February 1, with a $300.00 deposit made out to A. Ferreiro/University of Salamanca.  Also, be sure to observe the payment schedule as responsibly as possible.  Delinquency in the payments creates for us enormous obstacles.
2. Application to the program does not mean automatic acceptance.  You will be notified within a few days of receipt of the full application whether you are accepted into the program. The director reserves the right at anytime to withdraw a student from the program.

TRAVEL PLANS:

If you plan to do any traveling AFTER the program, it is up to you to make your own arrangements.  I do not take any responsibility on these matters.  Be advised to set your plans well in advance and stick to them to the letter, unless an emergency arises, but only then.  Experience shows that travel changes overseas are an enormous hassle for all concerned. Our travel agent Sandy is ready to assist you, she may contacted at: sandyd@travelmeet.com

REFUND POLICY:

The $300 deposit is due with the application. If not accepted into the program, the deposit will be returned in full. Applications are due February 1, 2008.  If WE cancel the trip for any reason, your money is also fully refundable minus $100.00. You must be PAID IN FULL by April 14, 2008. Make sure that all FINANCIAL AID arrangements are in order BEFORE you leave.
Anyone who withdraws from the program 60 days before departure will receive a full refund minus $100.00. Anyone who withdraws after 60 days will receive a full refund minus $200.00 and any other unrecoverable payments that may have been made. Anyone who withdraws after airfares have been paid will have to deal directly with the airline for reimbursement. The University of Salamanca and the Director-Organizer (Alberto Ferreiro) cannot be held responsible.

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University of Salamanca
Cursos Internacionales, 2008, June 28- August 2
Summer Spanish Language and Culture Courses

ACADEMIC FOUR WEEK PROGRAM

1. Spanish is offered at the Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Intensive. At all levels it is taught at a more accelerated level and by Spanish faculty (total of 60 hours)
2. The History class will be taught by Dr. Alberto Ferreiro, who is a Visiting Professor at the University of Salamanca. Much of it is taught in situ on excursions (total of 50 hours)
3. All students will be enrolled in the ‘Conversation Outside the Classroom’ (total of 20 hours)
4. All students will be enrolled in the ‘Spanish Cooking Class’ (total of 6 hours)
5. The regular courses are taught daily in three hours in the mornings. A placement test is required of everyone without exception. The level of placement will determine which class a student will take the third hour (see below)
6. An official transcript will be issued by the University of Salamanca in English with a letter grade.
7. In addition students will receive a certificate of achievement for their own keeping.
8. Those that place at the Beginning Level will spend the first two hours working on basic Spanish grammar, and the third hour building vocabulary and learning basic communication skills.
9. Those that place at the Intermediate, Advanced, or Intensive will spend the first two hours perfecting their grammar and written skills. For the third hour they may choose only one of the following options:
   
   Global Communication Skills
   Spanish Culture
   History of Contemporary Spain
   Business Spanish
   Commentary and Analysis of Literary Texts
   Translation into Spanish from: German, French, English, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese.
   
   
10. After classes begin students have 3 days to change levels if it is needed. Dr. Ferreiro will help you make the change.  I strongly recommend that you challenge yourself.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Español Inicial/ Beginning (60 hours)

Although it is a beginner class it meant to be so at the College level. The class moves very quickly and students are expected to do extra work beyond what the teacher assigns in order to accelerate learning of the language at this basic level. It is similar to an advanced beginner class in the USA. (Within this level there are 3 sub levels of proficiency: low, intermediate, and high). 

Español Intermedio/ Intermediate (60 Hours)

This level approximates most advanced classes in the USA. Again, students are expected to do extra work at their own initiative to enhance their Spanish at this level. (Within this level there are 3 sub levels of proficiency: low, intermediate, and high)

Español Avanzado/ Advanced (60 hours)

This level approximates upper division Spanish classes and even some low level Graduate courses. It also incorporates more written and oral skills. Again, students are expected to do extra work at their own initiative to enhance their Spanish at this level. (Within this level there are 3 sub levels of proficiency: low, intermediate, and high)

Español Superior/ Intensive (60 hours)

This level assumes a very high proficiency in grammar, written, and oral skills. It is best suited for those who are already functionally bilingual, who teach Spanish, or are native speakers of Spanish. Again, students are expected to do extra work at their own initiative to enhance their Spanish at this level. (Within this level there are 3 sub levels of proficiency: low, intermediate, and high).

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 Iberian Cultures and Societies (50 hours)

This course taught by Dr. Ferreiro will be in English because there will be some in the group who will not have the adequate level of Spanish. It will be taught in small group settings, in city excursions, and excursions to Toledo, Segovia, and Avila/Alba de Tormes. Three papers will be required of the students: (1) a book review of Raymond Carr (ed.) Spain: A History. Oxford, 2002; (2) a reflection paper on Teresa of Avila’s Way of Perfection. Penguin Books, 1998; and (3) a paper with illustrations titled, Art and Architecture in Salamanca. The class is equivalent to an upper division undergraduate college course. A syllabus will be provided. This course is NOT an option, it is required.

Conversación Fuera de Aula/ Conversation Outside the Classroom (20 hours)

Students will meet with a Salamanca instructor in several of the many plazas, in rotation, in small groups to practice their oral skills. Students are expected to make every effort to participate. Topics will vary widely with the goal of enhancing vocabulary skills and most of all proper pronunciation. SPANISH ONLY! This class is NOT an option, it is required. It counts towards your Spanish grade and credits.

Curso de Cocina Española/ Spanish Cooking Class (6 hours)

Although not as well know in the USA Spain has one of the finest cuisines in Europe and in the world. This class is a fun and informative one that will teach students how to cook some of the most famous dishes in Spain. It includes tasting and receiving copies of the recipes. It is taught in Spanish. The class is NOT an option. It counts towards your Spanish grade and credits.

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University of Salamanca
Summer Program in
Language and Culture
Application

1. The Application in this packet (click here) is be returned to me filled out in full with your $300 deposit, 2 photos for ID cards, official transcript, and photocopy of your passport.

I you have any questions about any aspect of this application process do not hesitate to contact me.

For printable Acrobat PDF application form click here

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