¡Vamos a España!
 Summer I, 2010
May 11- June 11
 Improve your Spanish tremendously!
 Earn 6 credits & have lots of fun!

Important Dates:
  • Mandatory Pre-departure Meeting for ALL summer study abroad participants-
    Wednesday, April 7: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Lumina Theatre
  • Mandatory Pre-departure Meeting for Ubeda Program-
    Thursday, April 15: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in Leutze Hall 127

 

Click here to download an application.
About the Program Course Info & Prerequisites Itinerary Cost & financial Aid About Ubeda & Safa About Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla & Madrid Info
Session I

Flyer
Program Brochure Pictures Testimonials About
the  Instructor
Contact
Info
Application *Grant Opportunity* Get your Passport at UNCW Travel Agent info

 

* Have an unforgettable, life changing experience.

* Experience the culture first hand.

* Stay with a host family.

* Practice Spanish every day and improve a lot!

* Visit some of the world's most famous sites.

* Have tons of fun!

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    ABOUT THE PROGRAM

This program is designed to give you, the student, the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish Culture by giving you the wonderful opportunity of living with a host family.  Students visit some of the world’s most beautiful and famous cities and sites and engage in daily cultural activities that provide a deep understanding of Spanish life and culture. In addition, students have the incredible opportunity of improving their Spanish skills greatly by taking two very interactive courses and by sharing with local conversation partners in and outside the classroom.  This program is the perfect program for a student who wants to think outside the box and experience new adventures. It will get your adrenaline going so get ready for an exciting ride that will open the door to a life-changing experience.


Your wonderful adventure begins right here on campus with 2 orientations.  We will discuss Spanish culture in great detail in order to help you maximize your experience. We will talk about the cities and sites we are going to visit and the courses you are going to take.

Our next stop will be SAFA, our host school.  It is located right in the heart of Ubeda and it is a wonderful example of 16th century architecture.  We will have class Monday though Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. Followed by afternoon excursions to museums and other local attractions.  On weekends we will take trips to other cities such as Granada, Córdoba, & Seville.
We will also have contact with nature and have wonderful adventures hiking, swimming and exploring Carzorla National Park.  We will spend the last 2 days of the program exploring Madrid's wonderful museums, art, theaters, tapas bars, cafés, night life, etc. 

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   ABOUT THE CITIES:
  UBEDA

 

Rationale for Ubeda: The culturally and historically rich Ubeda has hosted seven successful UNCW summer study abroad programs.  In addition, Ubeda consistently boasts an environment that is as charming and clean as it is safe and friendly to Americans.  Located in Andalucia (southern Spain), Ubeda has been declared a World Historic site by UNESCO.  It is also conveniently located near several historic attractions as well as renowned cities such as Granada, Seville, Cadiz and Valencia, among others. Ubeda, quaintly nestled on a ridge overlooking the olive groves of the Guadalquivir valley, truly exemplifies the quintessential Renaissance town. One would not need to look far to observe some of the best examples of 16th century architecture in the world. Ubeda is a small, safe city where most points of interest can be easily reached by walking. Therefore, it is especially convenient for students.  Ubeda has everything to offer to our students from the beauty of its quiet parks to the modern conveniences of its Internet cafés. 

The borders of the city have the most breathtaking views of olive tree fields.  They truly seem endless, it is a very unique landscape, probably like anything you ever seen before.

WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT UBEDA (click here).

 


Santiago's Hospital


Capilla de El Salvador


Olive Tree fields


Main door Capilla de El Salvador

    SAFA & Local Host families

 
The families in Ubeda are very loving and kind.  Students feel at home and by the end of the first week they already feel like they have a real family in Spain. The food is also wonderful, however, you won't have to worry about gaining weight because we will do a lot of walking!

Paella

Sangría

SAFA our host school was founded by Rafael Villoslada in 1944.  It offers programs in Elementary, Physical, Infant, Music and English Education. 
The building offers a nice, comfortable setting and ambiance. UNCW students will have the opportunity to interact with local students. The students are super friendly and love having American conversation partners to learn about the American culture and practice English. You will have the chance to meet them twice a week to practice conversation.  Believe me, they will become great friends!


 

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GRANADA, CORDOBA & SEVILLE


Alhambra, Granada

Are considered the three jewels of Andalucía (Southern Spain).  The Moorish influence is everywhere. They are a beautiful historical and architectural treasure.  They have some of the most important monuments anywhere on earth, many of which are designated as Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

 

Seville, home of Carmen and Figaro, has the world’s largest gothic cathedral.  It was from here that the conquistadors set sail to explore and found the New World. From the sixteenth century unimaginable wealth poured in, building the city we see today.  This city is a great option for your free weekend. 

In Córdoba,  the Mosque built by the Moors is so beautiful and thought-provoking it is beyond words.

Granada boasts the Alhambra, the Moorish King’s Palace which is one of the most visited monuments in the world.  Its decorations are amazing, a real treat to look at.


Sevilla's Plaza de España & Cathedral


Gold Tower, Seville & Flamenco in Granada

Nowadays, Andalucía is perhaps the most Spanish region in the country. Indeed, the popular image of ‘real Spain’ of ruined castles, flamenco dancers, sherry and bullfights has its roots here.

The food is a delight, with the area noted for its seafood, sherry and of course the best tapas.  

 

The people are charming – always smiling and with an energy to enjoy life  which is unique to Spanish people.


Mosque
, Cordoba

MADRID

Madrid is the city that never sleeps.  Full of rich museums, art, architecture and a wonderful night life, Madrid is as big and exciting as New York.  

Las Meninas by Velázquez & El Prado Museum facade

 In Madrid we will attend a play at a Gran Via theater, visit El Prado Museum, which hosts some of the works of the world's most famous painters such as Velazquez, Goya, Murillo and many more. We will stroll La Plaza Mayor, El Retiro Park and The Real Madrid's home stadium, the Santiago Bernabeau.  We will finally, relax in the many cafés and tapas bars.


Puerta del Sol


Santiago Bernabéu Stadium


Plaza Mayor


Royal Palace

Palacio de Cristal, Parque del Buen Retiro

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"My trip to Spain was the best experience of my life! I learned so much about Spanish culture and made life long friends. I encourage everyone to study abroad. Don't miss this life changing opportunity!"
-Amanda Viviano

"
Studying abroad in Spain not only allowed me to have the time of me life, but it allowed me to gain a new appreciation for Spanish culture." 
-Lauren Humphrey.

"Studying abroad in Spain was one of the best experiences of my life!  The experiences I had and the friends I met are irreplaceable!"  - Hanna Freeman

"One of the best experiences of my life and I would highly recommend everyone travel abroad."
- Alicia Roskind

"The learning experience was great, but the life experience was irreplaceable."  I always will remember that trip for how fun it was, and how much I grew as a person and a Spanish speaker" 
-Trevor Snell


" I have traveled to many Spanish speaking countries throughout the past five years, but Spain was by far one of my favorites. I spent just over a month in this wonderful country and was able to visit Madrid, Malaga and also Granada. My trip to Spain changed my whole outlook on the Spanish language and is one of the main reasons why I continue to study it to this very day. I am planning on returning to Spain in the fall to visit a few friends and I am super excited! I would recommend anyone who likes to speak Spanish, travel, or just likes new experiences to go to Spain because you won’t be disappointed". 
 - Mike Kane

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PROGRAM COST & OTHER INFO

Approximate cost: $2,900 + Airfare + Tuition
(estimate) includes:

  • Lodging with Spanish families, 3 meals a day and laundry.

  • Hotels and meals while on excursions. ( Meals include breakfast & dinner, lunch is on your own)

  • Most ground transportation while in Spain.

  • Cultural excursions and activities

  • Study abroad health insurance

  • UNCW and SAFA costs (honoraria, rent, supplies, support charges, etc.)

  •  $300 non refundable deposit to be turned in with complete application. (Deposit is applied towards program cost) Program deposit should be given directly to Program Director, Dr. Balena, see contact information below.

Cost of program does not include airfare or tuition.  These 2 will be paid separately to Registrar's office and to travel agent accordingly.  All travel arrangements will be made by your professor through a UNCW approved travel agent.  Students and professor will fly together to Spain, no exceptions will be made. Airfare cost is estimated at $822.00.  Tuition cost for 6 credit hours is estimated at $1,132.04 for in-state and $ 3,673.79 for out of state.

During orientations students will be advised about how much money they should bring for meals not covered in the program, souvenirs and other activities they might want to do on their own.

Financial Aid
( Click here for more info & forms):

Federal and state financial aid awards may be applied  to costs incurred while studying abroad.  Even  if  you are normally ineligible  or eligible for financial aid, you should  submit a financial aid application-  you may find that you are eligible for this trip or that you may receive additional funding.  Even though the Financial Aid Office starts accepting applications in March you can arrange a meeting ASAP and get your application on file, the earliest, the better.  If you have money available from the current academic year that you have not used, you may use this money toward the cost of the trip.  This is actually is the best of situations!
Please make an appointment with :

    Matthew E. Scott
Financial Aid Counselor
Office Of Financial Aid
 King Hall 209

E-mail : scottm@uncw.edu
 Phone (910) 962-3177

*If you are planning on using Financial aid, it is crucial to let the program director know from the initial contact.  This is in order to help you !

**GRANT INFORMATION**

The Office of International Programs is pleased to fund a number of education abroad grants awarded to students who apply to for summer education abroad programs. Selection is based on academic qualifications including an academic reference, academic record, and a personal essay.  Any full-time UNCW student earning academic credit abroad on a UNCW-sponsored summer study abroad program may apply.  Grants awarded generally range from $200-$700 and are awarded annually in spring. Grant applications are due by March 1.
Apply by going to the following link: Application for Summer Education Abroad Grant.

* TRAVEL AGENT INFO *

Birgit Allen

Travel Divas
at The Traveler Store
Landfall Center
1319 Military Cutoff Road #FF
Wilmington NC  28405
910-256-5788
910-256-9131 fax

birgit@traveldivas.com
www.traveldivas.com

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Students participating in this program take a two course combo that earns them 6 credit hours. The courses are highly interactive and geared towards building extra confidence to become more fluent in Spanish.

SPN 202: (Intermediate Spanish II) (3 credits) Prerequisite, SPN 201 (Intermediate Spanish I) or equivalent course, or proper placement into 202.  In this course students review all grammar studied previously and continue to build their vocabulary.

Course syllabus (Will be available soon)

SPN 206: (Spanish in the Media) (3 credits). Provides a wonderful opportunity to develop the student listening skills and explore Spanish culture through film and television. It is fun!

Course syllabus (Will be available soon)

 

PREREQUISITES & ELIGIBILITY:

Students are eligible to apply for this program if they meet the following eligibility criteria:

·    Students must have passed SPN 201 successfully or an equivalent course, or placed into 202 after taking the Foreign Language Department Spanish placement exam.  

·      Be a degree-seeking student

·      Be at least Sophomore standing at time of participation

·      Have good judicial standing

·      Have a 2.5 GPA  at time of application


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CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Ashlee S. Balena
Spanish Lecturer
University Of North Carolina Wilmingon
Office:  Bear Hall 123
Email:  balenaa@uncw.edu
Phone: (910) 962-2175
Website: 
http://people.uncw.edu/balenaa/