SPRING BREAK 2009 IN SPAIN
HON 120 Enriched Honors Course
(Arabic Culture in Spain)

Let's go !
March 5-14

Application & deposit deadline is due on Nov 14, 2008  
Syllabus
itinerary &
Cost info
About the Course About Ubeda & Safa About Granada
Seville & Córdoba
Program flyer Pictures Testimonials About
the  Instructor
CContact
Info
Brochure Application

 

* Have an unforgettable, life changing experience.

* Learn about the Islamic influence on Spain.

* Experience the culture first hand.

* Stay with a host family.

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

* Have tons of fun!

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    ABOUT THE COURSE

This course is created with the purpose of giving students the opportunity to learn, experience and understand how the Islamic culture has influenced Spain over the centuries.  This influence is manifested not just in the legacy of the many architectural sites but also in the language and many other aspects of everyday life.  The course will analyze the historical aspects that led to the occupation of Spain and how this occupation altered Spanish culture.

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  ABOUT THE CITIES:
  UBEDA

 Located in Andalucía, (southern Spain) Ubeda has been declared a World Historic site by UNESCO. 
 
It is also, conveniently located  close to  other renowned cities and historical attractions such as Granada, Sevilla, Cádiz and Valencia, among others. 
Ubeda has hosted 6 UNCW extremely successful summer programs in the past.  Students who have participated in the programs consider their experiences unforgettable and most of them find a way to go back.  They all have made long-life friends and loved every minute of the experience.
 Ubeda sits on a ridge overlooking the olive groves of the Guadalquivir valley and is a wonderfully pure example of a Renaissance town. Some of the best architecture from 16th Century Spain can be found here. The town plaza lies in the heart of the Zona Monumental and is the prime place to enjoy Ubeda's beautiful architecture.  In short, this city along with Seville, Granada and Cordoba, will leave you breathless.
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. 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 to talk about culture and Language.


 

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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. 

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

 Granada has 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 watch.


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.

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


Mezquite, Cordoba

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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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CONTACT INFORMATION

Marianella Jara
Spanish Lecturer
University Of North Carolina Wilmingon
Office:  Morton Hall 250
Email:  jaram@uncw.edu
Phone: (910) 962-2485
Website: 
http://people.uncw.edu/jaram/

 


 

Isabel Ruiz -Left
(English Instructor SAFA)

Marianella Jara - Right
(Spanish Lecturer UNCW)