Study Abroad in Spain

Spanish Institute for Global Education > Programs > Study Abroad > Spanish Language, Society and Cultural Studies

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

SPANISH LANGUAGE, SOCIETY, AND CULTURAL STUDIES

If you wish to immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture and take most courses in Spanish, this program is ideal for you! Our program allows you to improve your Spanish proficiency through academic immersion while exploring local culture.

Semester and academic year students take courses through the Spanish Institute for Global Education and the University of Seville or Pablo de Olavide University (UPO).

Attend class alongside other international students at our university partners. Founded in 1505, the University of Seville is one of Spain’s largest educational institutions set in the center of the city, near Seville’s Cathedral. Pablo de Olavide University is set on a pleasant campus just outside of the city center and offers modern amenities not often found in an urban setting, including athletic, laboratory, and technical facilities.

DATES

UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE Students:

Arrival date: January 18, 2025
Departure date: May 14, 2025

EUSA Students:

Arrival date: January 5, 2025
Departure date: May 30, 2025

PABLO DE OLAVIDE Students:

Arrival date: January 5, 2025
Departure date: May 21, 2025

REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility
High School Graduate (Students must be high school graduates by the start date in order to be eligible for this program)

Language Proficiency: All Levels (Students taking courses taught in Spanish need Intermediate language level, i.e., at least three or four semesters of college-level language experience.)

Minimum GPA:

University of Seville: 2.5
University Pablo de Olavide: 2.9

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Semester students earn 12-15 credits (up to 225 contact hours); academic year students earn 24-30 credits (up to 450 contact hours). Classes meet 40-45 hours per semester.

Each semester you’ll take:

Spanish Institute Introduction to Spain (3 U.S. credits)
- intensive “survival Spanish”
- academic excursions throughout Andalusia
- classroom sessions
- (First semester only for academic-year students)

Plus four courses (3 U.S. credits each) from the following:

Direct enrollment at either the University of Seville or Pablo de Olavide University
- minimum one course
- maximum four courses
- taught in Spanish or English
- one university per academic session
Spanish Institute language course
Internship or Service-Learning Placement (+ €400)
- with mentorship/seminar
Research or Creative Independent Study (+ €400)
- with mentorship/seminar
Elective Spanish Institute course

MINIMUM CLASS SIZE

Spanish Institute for Global Education: Courses in which enrollment is below 5 participants will not be offered.

University of Seville: Courses in which enrollment is below 10 participants will not be offered.

Pablo de Olavide University: Course offerings are subject to sufficient enrollment.

UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE COURSES

COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH

SPANISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

Gender Views in Contemporary Spanish Literature and Cinema
Language of International Development: Healthcare & Volunteer Work

SOCIOLOGY

Contemporary Spain: Economy, Society and Environment
Music & Society: Theory and Practice of Flamenco

CULTURAL STUDIES

Introduction to Spanish Cultural Studies
Spanish Cuisine, Spanish Cuisines
Wine in Spain: History and wine tasting

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography: Theory and Techniques

COURSES TAUGHT IN SPANISH

SPANISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

Contrastive Grammar: Spanish-English
Corrective Phonetics & Conversation
Introduction to Translation: Culture, Vocabulary & Process
Literature and Cookery: Reading, Writing, Cooking, and Eating
Progressive Spanish for English-Speaking Students
Spanish American Literature
Teaching English to Spanish students: Methodology and Practice

SOCIOLOGY

Culture and Society in Present-Day Spain

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political Transition and Democracy in Spain (1975-2000)

SPANISH CULTURE

Medieval Spain and the historical projection of three cultures: Christians, Muslims and Jews.

CULTURAL STUDIES

Cuisine Culture in Spain
Historical-Artistic Patrimony of Sevilla
Wine in Spain: History, Culture and its Economics

ART HISTORY

Painting in Literary Seville

ANTHROPOLOGY

Flamenco: Cultural Expressions of Andalucia

HISTORY

Economy, Society and the Environment in Spain

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography: Theory, History, and Art Photography

FILM STUDIES

Contemporary Spanish Cinema

PABLO DE OLAVIDE UNIVERSITY COURSES

COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH

SPANISH CULTURE

SPAN 317E Culture and Society in Spain (NEW)
SPAN 319E Spanish Culture and History through Film
SPAN/HIS 335E Historical Ties Between Spain and the US – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

HISTORY

HIS 312E History of Spain
HIS 340E Ancient and Medieval Spanish History. From Altamira to Isabella and Ferdinand (Prehistory to 1500) – FALL SEMESTER ONLY
HIS 341E Early Modern and Modern Spanish History: From Isabella and Ferdinand to the Euro (1450-the present) – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
REL/HIS 357E Christianity, Islam and Judaism in the Spanish Context

POLITICAL SCIENCE

POL 363E U.S.-European Relations Since World War II
POL 372E Contemporary Spanish Politics
POL/HIS 352E The Road to Democracy in Portugal, Greece and Spain

LITERATURE

LIT 367E Nobel Prizes in Spanish and Latin American Literature: A Critical Approach

PSYCHOLOGY

PSY 251E Cultural Psychology
PSY 255E Social Psychology
PSY 260E General Sports Psychology

ANTHROPOLOGY

ANTH 215E Health, Healing and Culture: An Introduction to Medical Anthropology

ART HISTORY AND CINEMA

ART 313E History of Spanish Art
ART/SPAN 333E Film Nations: Comparative Perspectives on Spanish and U.S. Cinema.

COMMUNICATION

COMM/ART 341E Spanish Identity: Film, Advertising and Pop Music
COMM 340E Communication and Media in the Digital Age

ECONOMICS

ECON 331E The Global Economy
ECON 391E International Economics – FALL SEMESTER ONLY

BIOLOGY / CHEMISTRY / SCIENCES

BIO 209E Anatomy and Physiology II (4 U.S. credits with lab *) – FALL SEMESTER ONLY
BIO 242E Applied Microbiology (4 U.S. credits with lab *) – Fall semester only (WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN FALL 2022)
CHE 210E Organic Chemistry I (5 U.S. credits with lab *) – FALL SEMESTER ONLY
CHE 211E Organic Chemistry II (5 U.S. credits with lab *) – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
ECOL 320E Ecological Systems
NUTR 301E The Mediterranean Diet: from Fiction to Facts (NEW)

BUSINESS

BUS 325E International Marketing
BUS 334E International Management
BUS 346E International Finance
BUS 353E International Financial Accounting – FALL SEMESTER ONLY
BUS 355E International Human Resource Management – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
BUS 358E Organizational Theory – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

BUS 359E Enterpreneurship and New Ventures

COURSES TAUGHT IN SPANISH

SPANISH LANGUAGE

SPAN 101-102 Spanish for Beginners (6 contact hours/week)
SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish (3 contact hours/week)
SPAN 112 Language Laboratory (1 contact hour/week)
SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 202 Spanish Reading & Composition (intermediate)
SPAN 206 Spanish Conversation (intermediate I level)
SPAN 226 Spanish for the Health Sciences
SPAN 241 Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 246 Spanish Conversation (intermediate II level)
SPAN 306 Spanish Conversation (advanced level)
SPAN 311 Advanced Spanish I
SPAN 312 Spanish Reading & Composition (advanced)
SPAN 351 Advanced Spanish II
SPAN 376 Spanish for Business
SPAN 378 Spanish Phonetics & Phonology
SPAN 381 Spanish- English / English-Spanish Translation
SPAN 383 Basic Bilingual Negotiation Skills Spanish/English – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

SOCIOLOGY

SOC 329 Spanish Society through Volunteering (WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN FALL 2021)

SPANISH CULTURE

SPAN 317 Culture and Society in Spain (NEW)
SPAN/CUL 339 Tapas: A Window to Spanish Cuisine and Culture (WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN FALL 2021)
SPAN/HIS 346 Medieval Spain: Christians, Jews and Muslims
SPAN/HIS 361 History of Flamenco: Theory and Practice

HISTORY

HIS 323 Spain in the 21st century: from the Civil War to democracy today
HIS/SOC 362 Slavery in Latin America and the Caribbean

POLITICAL SCIENCE

POL 361 Current Affairs in Latin America: Press and Cinema
POL 366 Relations between the U.S. and the Latin World – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

ART HISTORY AND CINEMA

ART/HIS 347 Seville: The Expression of a City through its Art
ART 330 History of Spanish Cinema during the Democracy

LITERATURE

LIT 327 Panorama of Latin America Literature 1 (Pre-1820) – FALL SEMESTER ONLY
LIT 328 Panorama of Latin America Literature 2 (Post-1820) – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
LIT 365 Contemporary Spanish Literature
LIT 370 The Latin American Short Story
LIT 371 Women and Literature (XIX-XX centuries) – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
LIT 374 Spanish Literature (The Spanish Golden Age. El Quijote) – SPRING SEMESTER ONLY

COMMUNICATION

COM/SOC 320 Intercultural Communication

BUSINESS

BUS 325 International Marketing
BUS 346 International Finance

ECONOMICS

ECON/POL 321E The European Union

OUR PARTNER UNIVERSITIES - ACADEMIC PROGRAM

UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE
PABLO DE OLAVIDE UNIVERSITY
EUSA UNIVERSITY CENTRE

Closely linked to the history of Seville and Andalusia, the University of Seville combines the values of tradition with being an innovative institution of quality and excellence. It is a university as cutting edge and cosmopolitan as the city of Seville itself and can boast a history of more than 500 years.

Cursos Concertados

These courses for international students are part of the international program at the University of Seville and offer a wide variety of classes to choose from. The “cursos concertados” offer an advanced level and a general level and are both taught in Spanish by professors who teach the courses based on the fact the students understand and speak Spanish fluently. There are also courses in English for those who do not yet have a high enough level of Spanish.

See the catalogue

Philology Faculty (includes courses in the following areas):

Marketing	Painting
Business	Theater
Advertising	Grammar
Cinema	Literature

Faculty of Geography and History (includes courses in the following areas):

Flamenco	Economics
Art	Anthropology
Cooking	Political Science
Music	History
Photography

* Each class meets for 4 hours each week. Students will receive a transcript with their grades, and will receive credit from their own university for classes completed.

“Multidisciplinary Studies Program” (Formerly the Hispanic Studies Program) is designed for students wishing to spend a semester or a year abroad while continuing their undergraduate degree. While it offers advanced courses in Spanish, it also caters to the needs of those with little or no background in Spanish by offering classes taught in English in many subject areas. Multidisciplinary Studies Program course offerings:

History of Art and Cinema	Spanish and Latin American Literature
Biology / Chemistry / Science	Political Science
Communication	Psychology
Business	Sociology
Economics	History
Anthropology/Spanish Culture	Spanish Language

See the courses.

EUSA Study Abroad Program options include Semester or Year studies in any of the regular courses offered in official EUSA degrees. These courses are open to local students and may be offered in either English, Spanish or both. Their Study Abroad offer includes over 30 different subject areas in Spanish and English, ranging from Media Studies, Business and Human Resources to Cultural Studies, Language or History. See the courses.

And their official undergraduate degrees include:

Degree in Audiovisual Communication

Degree in Journalism

Degree in Advertising and Public Relations

Degree in Tourism

Double Degree in Journalism + Audiovisual Communication

HIGHLIGHTS

Personalized University Programs: we adapt to your needs because you are unique. We help you choose one of three prestigious universities in Seville.
True Spanish Experience: Spanish Institute will accompany you in your immersion into the Spanish culture making your visit an unforgettable experience.
Live Andalusia: art, history, tradition, gastronomy, and much more.
Accommodation: Stay with a host family to learn and improve your Spanish, share your day-to-day experiences, and enjoy the delicious homemade Spanish cuisine.
Spanish Institute is 100% dedicated to our students. We strive to make your stay abroad a wonderful, unique, and enriching experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Our programs ensure personalized attention at every step of the process.

INTRODUCTION TO SPAIN

All of the university programs have an 8 day orientation upon arrival to Seville.

The Introduction to Spain gives students vital information about adapting to life in Spain, the university system, the program, schedule, safety, activities, volunteer and internship opportunities, and meeting and getting to know Spanish students.

Introduction to Spain includes 45 hours of Spanish Language, Grammar, Conversation, Spanish Literature and Culture classes.

Spanish Institute for Global Education’s Orientation Program holds a three credit bearing-option.

INTRODUCTION TO SPAIN CONTENT

Orientation for university
Spanish classes: Culture, Conversation, Literature and History
Security and health
Orientation on Spanish society and life in Spain

SEMINAR “SPAIN TODAY”

Seminar throughout the program: “Spain Today”

The objective of this seminar is to accompany students throughout the program, address issues of Spanish society and facilitate a deeper learning of Spanish. This Seminar is offered at the levels of elementary, intermediate and advanced Spanish depending on the number of students and their grammar, composition and conversation skills. The 45 hour seminar is available as a credit-bearing option. Students should ensure that their home institution awards credit for this seminar.

Contents of the seminar:

Women and the evolution of society in Spain.
The Spanish educational system.
Political organization in Spain: Autonomies, Parliamentary System, Monarchy.
Unemployment, immigration and emigration.
Religion and its manifestations in Spain.
Political parties in Spain.
Overcoming the Civil War.
Greatnesses of Spain: transplants, …
Economy and productive forces of the country.
The Mediterranean diet and the influence of history on the way of eating in Spain.

INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT (ISP)

The Independent Study Project (ISP) is an opportunity for a deep dive into a topic of interest or an opportunity to devise a creative or artistic project, or to undertake artistic training, unique to Seville (20 hours per semester). Some students choose an ISP in Seville to follow a passion that they cannot pursue elsewhere, while others may be intentional about choosing a project that is explicitly part of a career plan. In any case, it is an opportunity to utilize and develop linguistic skills and cultural understanding while forming new relationships with members of the host culture related to your chosen field of study and allowing you to systematically explore your particular topic of interest. You will immerse yourself in Spanish and Sevillian culture working with area experts or artists as a means to integrate all aspects of your learning and cultural experience.

Spanish Institute offers internship and service learning opportunities in prestigious organizations. All internship and service learning programs must be requested before arrival. At the end of your stay you will obtain a Certificate of participation.

Apprenticeship options:

Visual Arts
- Painting Techniques: Oil, watercolor, acrylic
- Ceramics: Wheel throwing, hand building, glazing
- Drawing: Figure drawing, still life, perspective
Performing Arts
- Dance: Flamenco, Latin dancing (salsa, bachata)
- Music: Guitar, piano, ukelele…

Internship options:

Business
- International trade. We offer internships in international companies, tourism agencies and ICT corporations. Tasks include everything from digital marketing, press coverage / monitoring, PR distribution, SEO strategies, web content, and social media trends. In some companies, English is essential.
- Accounting and finance.
- Marketing and information technology.
  - Graphic design
  - Website localization
  - Social media technology
- Public relations
Health
- You can do internships in a hospital, rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, audiology centers, sports health, or physiotherapy.
Journalism
- Internship collaborating in a digital magazine where you can investigate and collect news for articles in the office or at events in Seville and its surroundings. Tasks include translating articles, working on external communications, proofreading and editing, and you have an opportunity to publish articles.
- Local newspapers
Education
- You can do internships in private regulated education centers (Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary), nurseries, and language schools.
- Work with students with special educational needs (Autism, ADHD, …).
- Work in sports schools.
Translation
- Choose to carry out your internship in companies that offer translation services in different corporations and specific translation agencies.
Art and culture
- Internships in foundations, galleries and museums. You will be able to research, offer guided tours and work in international communications and social networks.
Planning of social events and / or academic events.
Travel
- Agencies
- Glamping
Ecological Agriculture
New: Online Business Internships in areas such as Journalism, Information Technology and Education.

Service-Learning options:

Social: Homeless people, educational support, child protection, LGTB, environment, sports and community development.
- Non-Governmental Organizations:
  - Center for Seniors
  - Down Syndrome Association
  - Child Care Assistance to families at risk of social exclusion
  - Women’s Center
Health: soup kitchens, assistance …
International: Immigrants, refugees, soup kitchens, legal assistance…

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Academic program at the University of Seville, Pablo de Olavide University, or EUSA University Center.
Introduction to Spain: The program includes university orientation and an overview of Spanish society and life in Spain through our classes in Spanish Culture, Conversation, Literature, and History. You’ll also receive important information about the city, transportation, local holidays, health, and safety.
“Spain Today” Seminar throughout the program at Spanish Institute.
ISP Project. 20 hours per semester of Apprenticeship, Research Project, Internships, or Service-Learning work in local organizations.
Pre-arrival academic advising, mentoring, and tutoring during your stay.
Spanish placement test before your arrival in Seville.
Accommodation with a host family in Seville with full room and board; three meals a day throughout your stay.
Assistance with visa documents, if required.
Health insurance for non-European citizens, with access to the best private hospitals in the city.
24/7 emergency phone assistance from the Spanish Institute.
Airport or train station pick-up at the beginning and end of the program.
Welcome pack.
Transportation card (bus, metro, and tram).
Excursions and cultural visits in Seville and Andalusia.
Welcome and farewell tapas.
Full support from the Spanish Institute throughout the program.
Academic certificate.

Optional Services

School of Record

ACCOMMODATION WITH A HOST FAMILY IN SEVILLE

The Study Abroad Program program includes accommodation in a host family in Seville with full room and board; three meals a day throughout your stay.

Living with a family allows our students to fully discover the Spanish culture, life, and people. At Spanish Institute we believe that this is an important aspect of the program.

The academic year program includes accommodation in a host family and offers the option of staying during the winter holiday period at an additional fee.

For further information about homestay please click here

HEALTH AND REPATRIATION INSURANCE

Our health insurance gives access to the best private hospitals and of course covers everything related to COVID-19. If a student is unwell or contracts this disease, the doctor may prescribe everything from the necessary tests to hospitalization in case of seriousness.

Spanish Institute has developed a COVID protocol to be able to track incidents that may occur, how to prevent and what to do in case of contagion.

All our programs include a 24/7 emergency service.

The insurance included in our program guarantees:

Principal Medical Health Assistance
Emergencies
Medical specialists
Diagnostic tests
Hospitalization
Specialist treatments
Preventive medicine
Second opinion
Travel assistance
Repatriation insurance
Liability insurance

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

The Spanish Institute Study Abroad Program includes all of the activities of Discover Seville and Discover Andalusia

ACADEMIC CREDIT

You will receive an official transcript from the university in Seville where you take courses. Students should ensure that their home institution awards credit for their chosen program.

School of Record: Students Earn U.S. Credits for Spanish Institute Courses

An official transcript of U.S. credits is available for Spanish Institute courses through our School of Record. Students should ensure that their home institution awards credit for their chosen program. The Spanish Institute offers the necessary documentation for these procedures.

See our School of Record Page.

CERTIFICATES

Spanish Institute for Global Education gives a certificate to the participants for the courses taken at the Spanish Institute detailing the dates, duration, and the name of the course (sillabi available on request)
Spanish Institute for Global Education gives a certificate to the participants at the end of their Internship and Service Learning program, detailing the specialty, the duration, and the task performed.
Letters of recommendation are available upon request.

PRICES

€ 11,862

Standard load of five courses:
Introduction to Spain Program with Instructive Excursions, and practical Spanish (offered by the Spanish Institute)
Seminar Spain Today
Direct Enrollment at one of our three local university partners: up to four courses taught in Spanish or English
Independent Study Project (Apprenticeship, Research Project, Internship or Service-Learning)
12 - 15 US Credits
Host Family
Full board

€ 22,197

Standard load of five courses:
Introduction to Spain Program with Instructive Excursions, and practical Spanish (offered by the Spanish Institute)
Seminar Spain Today
Direct Enrollment at one of our three local university partners *: up to four courses taught in Spanish or English
Independent Study Project (Apprenticeship, Research Project, Internship or Service-Learning)
* 12 - 15 total U.S. Credits per semester
Host Family
Full board
option of staying during the winter holiday period at an additional fee

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are classes like?

You have the option of taking classes at one of the three universities, the University of Seville, the Pablo de Olavide University or EUSA University Centre. A variety of subjects are offered in Spanish and English. We usually recommend choosing classes from the courses for foreign students instead of taking traditional and regular classes for Spanish students because the structure and content of the classes can be very difficult even without the language barrier. Everything is naturally immersed in the cultural environment and it is difficult to understand without starting from the same background. If you feel encouraged to do it, because you have a high level of Spanish, we will support and help you in your decision, many students have done so. The programs for foreign students are very interesting and varied, you can find more information about the classes on the university websites.

How can I find out what my level of Spanish is?

When you arrive, or even before you come, you will take a placement test with us. This will guide you and help us advice you in making decisions regarding subjects, activities and other options.

Does the program provide us with the books and class material?

At the beginning of the course the program will give you all the materials for the orientation. The materials and books of the university classes must be purchased by you.

I would like to do an internship or volunteer. Can Spanish Institute help me arrange this?

Spanish Institute has a program of internships in schools and companies. We also have a list of volunteering opportunities. All internship and volunteering programs must be requested through the home university prior to arrival. At the end of your stay you will get a certificate.

Is it necessary to have an international student card?

The Spanish universities will give you a university student card. The international student card is not essential, but it is good to have one. You can get a discount at many places all over Europe with a student card. There are several organizations that can give you your student card. The following link is one of them: International Student Identity Card isic.org

Do I need a visa to come to Spain?

If you’re from a country in the European Union, it is not necessary. Spain also has agreements with many other countries outside of the European Union, and their citizens are allowed to stay in Spain without a visa if the stay is less than 90 days. However, if you do stay longer you will need a student’s visa. You have to apply for this through the link of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: sede.maec.gob.es Once you have enrolled at Spanish Institute, and if your stay is going to be longer than 90 days, we will send you the necessary documents for the student visa application. It is a long process, it usually takes 45 days, so you should begin to apply as soon as you can. Any student who has ever needed a visa has been assigned one, so don’t worry! However, you should be aware that all the Consulates do not work in the same way, and in some places, the process is more difficult than in others. You should also realize that if you are going to stay for an academic year, you have to supply your criminal record, which makes the process even slower.

Visas in COVID19

In the previous paragraph you can find the general information to obtain visas, but unfortunately at this time the international regulations have changed and it is very possible that from country to country the situation is different depending on their fight against COVID19. We will help you get a visa that allows you to study in Spain by sending you the necessary documents and certificates to show that everything is in order and show your serious intentions to study in Seville.

Can I travel on the weekends?

Yes! Remember that Spanish Institute arranges excursions throughout Andalusia so check in with them before planning any trips. It’s a good idea to have thought about where you would like to travel so when you get here you can start planning your trips. We recommend you try not to travel alone, talk to some of the other students you meet here to see if you can travel with a friend. There is a program called STEP UP run by the US government that is free and provides US students studying abroad with safety updates for the places they are traveling to. We recommend you log your trips with them as well, so you stay informed of anything going on in the area. Also, remember to budget for side trips beforehand. It’s highly recommended to take advantage of the cheaper flights to various destinations. You’ll also want to experience life in Seville, so don’t travel every weekend.

New situation with COVID19: during the pandemic you must reduce your trips to those strictly necessary. Unfortunately, it is an unforeseen situation that we must address with the commitment of taking care of ourselves and to be in more controlled environments.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Groups:

Please contact us via email (info@spanishinstitute.net) where we will send you a doodle form to set up a zoom meeting at the most convenient time for you.

Individuals:

Individual Application Process

REVIEWS

Spanish Institute Partner Institutions

Official transcripts are issued by each Spanish university for courses taken at each one, and an official transcript is available from our School of Record, the University of Montana, for Spanish Institute courses.