Study abroad with Penn State — in Spain!
This course studies cultural aspects of Spanish and European sociocultural reality and their manifestations in literature, relevant historical events, music, museums, celebrations, festivals, language, and art, as well as geopolitical conditions that influence present-day in Salamanca, Segovia and Madrid, Spain.
The University and City of Salamanca
During this 9-day program students will be accommodated in the student residence halls of Universidad of Salamanca (USAL) where they will attend morning Spanish Immersion classes from 9-12pm, Monday to Friday.
The group will tour the city of Salamanca and visit the major landmarks, including the Museum of Salamanca and the Mayor's office. Surrounded by mountains and situated to the North of the Tormes River, Salamanca is in Midwest Spain in the province of Castile and Leon, a two-to three-hour drive from Madrid. The town's historic architecture immerses you in another time while also serving as on the most famous university towns in Europe–creating a vibrant mix of the ancient and the modern.
Cultural Heritage, Sustainable Development
The study-abroad experience incorporates experiences related to multiple UN Sustainable development goals (SDGs). "Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable," the program will include a visit to a UNESCO world heritage site, the Alcazar of Segovia, in Segovia, Spain.
During their visit to this medieval castle, students will experience firsthand the value of protecting and safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. Faculty leaders will guide students in a reflection about sustainable tourism, using the UNESCO site as an example of a sustainable tourism destination. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the impacts of tourism in Segovia, and leaders will pose discussion questions related to economic and environmental impacts of tourism in the region.
Students will be immersed in various aspects of Spanish culture through experiential activities including enjoying local cuisine, cooking traditional Spanish dishes, and learning the traditional Flamenco dance.
Through guided experiences with local industry providers, students will help support local businesses in their efforts to share and preserve aspects of traditional Spanish culture.
Itinerary
March 4, 2022 Departure
March 5 Arrival and Acclimation in Madrid
March 6 Travel to Salamanca
March 7 Salamanca: Class Meeting + Interacting with Local Students
March 8 Salamanca: Class Meeting + University of Salamanca Tour
March 9 Salamanca: Class Meeting + Segovia Excursion
March 10 Salamanca: Class Meeting + Dance Class + Tapas Tour
March 11 Language Class + Farewell to Spain
March 12 Return Home
Expenses
International program costs will be applied to your bursar account upon enrollment in the course, and are charged in addition to tuition paid.
Grants and scholarship monies may be retroactively available through Penn State. Underwriting for each program is provided by Penn State Abington to maximize opportunities for our students to study abroad.
Program costs include round-trip airfare, local ground transportation, all lodging, and some meals.
A valid passport is required for international travel. Non-U.S. citizens may require a visa in addition to their passport. Non-U.S. citizens should consult their embassy for information and may ask the Office of Global Programs for guidance.
About Embedded Courses
Traditionally, “study abroad” meant that students spent a semester in another country and attended classes at an accredited university. Short-term, faculty-led courses with an international travel component are viable alternatives as they offer solid academic international experiences at a reasonable cost with a reduced time commitment.
Students who are enrolled in a course within a faculty-led embedded course are taking an internationally focused class that includes a ten-day travel component. These study abroad programs are anchored on Penn State Abington’s campus with travel occurring over fall or spring break. Course material and lectures prepare students both academically and culturally for the short international excursion to the country of focus in the program.
Penn State Abington is committed to providing meaningful opportunities to study abroad. Exposure to other cultures is a vital step toward becoming a global citizen.
The goal of the courses with an international travel component is to embed the students into the life and culture of the university and the country they visit. Therefore, including international faculty and students at the host institution in academic and cultural activities is a highly regarded and critical component of all of Abington’s faculty-led programs.
