Intensive Spanish in Alicante, Spain (Summer 2017)

Application deadline: April 3, 2017

The University of Washington Tacoma's Spanish immersion program in Alicante, Spain offers Spanish language and culture classes at all levels, from beginner to advanced skill levels. Classes are held at the Centro Superior de Idiomas at the Universidad de Alicante’s main campus and are taught by trained language faculty who are also native Spanish speakers. The university is located in a cosmopolitan area with around 30,000 students and is situated within 15 minutes from the center of Alicante.

You will also learn about Spanish culture and local traditions through personal experience, selected readings, and assignments. At the end of June, the festivities of San Juan take place: In every neighborhood, the people of Alicante build beautiful statues of paper-mache, which are burned on the last night festival to celebrate the arrival of summer. Together with the bonfires, there are stunning fireworks, floral offerings, and parades. This is the most important celebration for the city of Alicante and a great cultural experience.

This study abroad program is taught by professors at Universidad de Alicante and by Dr. Loly Alcaide Ramirez from UW Tacoma.

Academic Content

Students receive a total of twelve credits for the program as follows:

TSPAN 199, 299 or 393 Foreign Study in Spanish (10 credits)

The ten credits are awarded for Foreign Study in Spanish (TSPAN 199, 299 or 393) and will depend on the student's previous study of Spanish and level of proficiency. TSPAN 393 can be used for the Hispanic Studies major and minor at UW Tacoma. The TSPAN 299 course prepares students to take 300-level Spanish classes when they return to campus. Ten credits of TSPAN 199 is an excellent starting point for beginners or near beginners and also satisfies the UW Tacoma language requirement for graduation.

Students will need to take a placement exam to determine the level of coursework they will complete in Spain. All grammar, conversation and culture classes are taught by experienced native speakers. The classes are limited to no more than 12 students per class. Students are in class approximately 25 hours per week. Credit will be granted upon satisfactory completion of the course. Students will have quizzes and exams on Spanish grammar and vocabulary, and will be graded on their homework and in-class work.

TIAS 498 Independent Study (2 credits)

For the independent study, students will complete readings and assignments under the supervision of Dr. Alcaide Ramírez. Students will be observing Spanish culture, interviewing several Spaniards and writing reports on your findings. This is an opportunity both to interact with people and practice Spanish outside the classroom and immerse yourself in the Spanish culture.

Program Schedule

All work will be completed by the end of term A, allowing students the option of taking term B courses during summer quarter. The program runs from June 10 - July 16, 2017 (this includes days for air travel).

Planned Activities

Students are expected to participate in all group activities, to attend all group events, and accompany the group on field tours. Students will be in class from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 PM every day. On certain days, we will have special activities. Most afternoon and evenings are "free time", but students should keep in mind that they will have homework assignments to complete. It is important that students understand that this is a university course and the purpose of the program is academic.

Housing and Food

While in Alicante, students will be housed with carefully chosen Spanish families. From Monday to Sunday, the host family provides students with three meals a day. Students planning to eat out during the week or to be away from their host families on weekends are responsible for paying the additional expense of those meals. Home stays provide students with a safe and comfortable environment that allows for interaction with Spaniards and a rich cultural experience. Costs are based on single occupancy.

Student Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate students from any UW campus may apply. Students will be selected on the basis of their demonstrated interest in Spanish language study, their ability to work independently, and their willingness to engage in intercultural exchange.

A maximum of 15 students will be accepted.

Application Deadline

Applications are due on March 20, 2017. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions by April 15. Once accepted to the program, applicants will need to confirm their participation in the program by April 25. Click the "Apply Now" button below to begin.

Travel Documents and Insurance

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to Europe. No visa or other paperwork is required for U.S. citizens. International students can email uwtintl@uw.edu with questions about visas.

Study abroad insurance coverage is required. We strongly recommend students take advantage of the UW Study Abroad Insurance as an easy and affordable option. Students with personal insurance may petition for a UW Study Abroad Insurance waiver. For details, please contact the UW Tacoma Office of Global Affairs.

Program Cost

The total cost of the program is $4,550** (includes a $250 administrative fee).

Included in the cost of the program:

• Course fee (in lieu of tuition) for 12 UW credits.
• 25 hours of classroom instruction per week, Monday to Friday.
• Room and board (single occupancy) with carefully chosen Spanish families.
• Welcoming lunch on campus and farewell tapas dinner.
• Tour of Alicante by bus with guide and visit to the Castle of Santa Barbara.
• Day trip to Valencia (incl. its historic downtown).
• Half a day trip to the island of Tabarca, a marine reserve.
• Day trip to the town of Guadalest and Fuentes del Algar.

Not included:

• Airfare.
• Transportation to and from Alicante airport.
• Personal expenses (phone calls, eating out, etc.).
• Bus fare to and from school.
• Textbooks.

Payment Schedule*

Payments are due according to the schedule below.

*Additional important dates can be found in the "Refund Conditions for Fees" section.

**Approximate cost, may be less, final cost will be established before the application deadline.

Method of payment: Payments made in person or by mail will need to be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to University of Washington Tacoma (UWT). Please write "Alicante Spain 2017" in the memo line of the check.  Please submit the check to the University of Washington Tacoma Cashier's Office (CAR 400) during regular business hours. Please do not submit your check to the Office of Global Affairs. You can also mail it to:

UW Tacoma Cashier's Office 

Campus Box 358433

1900 Commerce Street

Tacoma, WA 98402

To make the payment online, click this button to proceed with your Visa or Mastercard.

Pay Administrative Fee

For questions about the payment schedule or the methods of payment available, please email uwtintl@uw.edu or call 253.692.4426.

The program fee will be charged automatically to your UWT student account upon registration and can be paid online through your MyUW account. Please note: students do not register themselves for this program. The Office of Global Affairs will register you once the Administrative Fee and all appropriate program documents have been received.

Orientation

To be eligible to study abroad, all program participants must attend an in-person pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Office of Global Affairs/UW Study Abroad as well as your program-specific orientations, offered by your program directors. Orientation must be completed prior to the enrollment deadline for the quarter that you are studying abroad.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students receiving financial aid which they intend to apply toward the program cost should consult with a financial aid adviser before applying to the program. Some sources of funding, i.e. the GI Bill®, do not cover the cost of study abroad programs. Check with a financial aid advisor to understand how your funds apply toward study abroad. Please bring the Spain student financial aid budget form with you to your meeting.

Please also review this list of scholarships: these are opportunities that can help fund your study abroad experience. Please note that many of them have deadlines before your study abroad application is due. For help with the application process, please contact uwtintl@uw.edu.

Refund Conditions for Fees

1. If you withdraw prior to May 19, 2017, all payments, less the $250 Administrative Fee, will be refunded to you.
2. If you withdraw on or after May 19, but prior to May 31, 2017, you are obligated to pay 50% of the total cost of the program.
3. If you withdraw on or after June 1, 2017, you are obligated to pay the full cost of the program. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations, meals or other fees and services.

If you cannot participate in a study abroad program due to unanticipated changes in your financial situation, a medical emergency, death, military duty, or other unusual or extenuating circumstances, you may submit a Petition for Emergency Withdrawal. If granted, the Emergency Withdrawal may allow for partial or full relief from your financial obligations to the program. More information.

Notice of Withdrawal from the program MUST be made in writing and submitted to the Office of Global Affairs in GWP 102 or by mail to:

Office of Global Affairs

University of Washington Tacoma

Box: 358415

1900 Commerce Street

Tacoma, WA 98402

Changes in Cost or Scope of Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by April 28, 2017 the program will be cancelled. Participants will be notified and the administrative and program fees will be refunded.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least six weeks in advance.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.