Semester in Salamanca
Location
Salamanca, SpainProgram Description
Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer, JMU’s Semester In Salamanca (SIS) program provides a rich academic and cultural program, with well-qualified, dedicated faculty from the University of Salamanca (USAL). The SIS offers students a unique educational experience that effectively combines academic work with extensive exploration of the city and around Spain. In addition to academic expectations, students are constantly engaging with the community with their home stays, school internships, exchange with Spanish students and excursions.
Salamanca, located in northwestern Spain, about two hours from Madrid, retains its enchanting medieval character. The city has been occupied by the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Moors and the Castilians. Hannibal, Columbus, Fray Luis de Leon, Cervantes, and Unamuno are among the famous residents of the city.
As the oldest university in Spain and third in Europe, the University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX. Through the partnership with the USAL, JMU students have access to all support and facilities at the host university. The USAL provides all instructional faculty, classroom spaces and academic support for the program. The SIS program is one of the oldest study abroad programs for the USAL. In spring 2003, we celebrated 25 years of partnerships and collaboration.
In the Salamanca program, you will have the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Spain, as your exposure to theatres, concerts, cinemas and other performing arts groups will unveil a new aspect of cultural learning.
Spring 2014 Orientation Meeting Dates:
Tuesday, September 17, 5pm-6pm in Miller 1107
Wednesday, October 16, 5pm-6pm in Forbes 1201
Tuesday, November 19, 5pm-6pm in Miller 1107
Director
Felix Wang, wangch@jmu.edu, 540-568-6273Dates
Fall 2013: Aug 29 - Dec 7Spring 2014: Jan 17 - May 3
Summer 2014: May 16 - Jun 29
Living in Salamanca
The city of Salamanca is ideal for foreign students because of its beautiful setting and small size. It is a great location to explore and experience the Spanish culture and history. Salamanca is enriched with theatres, concerts and museums that represent the cultural dimension of Spanish history.
Students will stay in homes of Spanish families within walking distance of the school and the city center. Meals and laundry service will be provided by the host families. Students will be able to learn about the Spanish way of life in an environment outside the classroom. For former students, living with Spanish families has proven to be one of the most enriching experiences of the students' semester abroad.
Accommodations
Students will stay in homes of Spanish families within walking distance of the school and the city center. Meals and laundry service will be provided by the host families. Students will be able to learn about the Spanish way of life in an environment outside the classroom. For former students, living with Spanish families has proven to be one of the most enriching experiences of the students' semester abroad.
Academics
The SIS program is designed to be a language and culture program offering students the opportunity to study in Salamanca for the Fall, Spring or Summer semester.
All students who participate in the program must meet the intermediate Spanish level before they travel. The curriculum has been created to allow students to meet specific General Education credit and earn Spanish credits toward a minor or major in Spanish. The program also meets the international travel requirement for all International Business majors. In addition, students may also choose to complete a 3-credit internship course at a local school by assisting teachers in classrooms and providing English instructions to K-12 levels.
The University of Salamanca with which the JMU program is affiliated, was established in 1218 and, through its outstanding academic and cultural programs and its superior facilities, still maintains its reputation for being the best university in Spain, as well as one of the finest in Europe, ranking among the Sorbonne, Oxford and the University of Bologna.
All of JMU's courses meet in classrooms of the university. Classes are taught by faculty of the University of Salamanca and the JMU faculty member in residence. Students are enrolled in all aspects of the academic program in the University of Salamanca and have complete access to student facilities.
-Language Requirements
Applicants are required to have completed Span 232. During fall and spring semesters, all students will take a three-credit intensive language class at the level appropriate to their needs. This requirement permits students time to adapt to the Spanish language and culture before entering the regular semester courses. All courses in Salamanca are taught in Spanish.
-Facilities
The JMU office is located in the center of the city. The office is open during the afternoons and students can use the facility to study and prepare for homework. In addition, the office is equipped with a computer lab, internet connection and travel guides.
Courses
ARTH 314/SPAN 490T: Spanish ArtA study of the art and architecture of Spain from medieval times through present. Concentration on specific artists, as well as general movements in the history of Spanish art. Since it is taught in Spanish, Spanish credit may also be given. Towards the completion of a Spanish major, register for Spanish 490T and this course will count under the category of ¿civilization.¿ Art History 314 fulfills the requirement for General Education Cluster Two, Group Two. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or equivalent.
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
SPAN 300S: Spanish Grammar and Communication
Intensive training in grammatical structures and their application to oral and written communication. Instruction is in Spanish. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. PREREQUISITE: SPAN 232 or equivalent.
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
SPAN 307S: History of Spanish Civilization
Study of Spanish life and culture from ancient time to the present.PREREQUISITE or CO-REQUISITE: SPAN 300
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
SPAN 308S: Latin American Civilization
Study of the geographical, historical and cultural development of Latin America from pre-Columbian times to the present. PREREQUISITE or CO-REQUISITE: SPAN 300
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring
SPAN 320S: Spanish Oral and Written Communication
Intensive training in the use of modern, everyday Spanish with emphasis on conversation and composition. Readings in Spanish will provide a context for discussion and writing. PREREQUISITE or CO-REQUISITE: SPAN 300
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
SPAN 330S: Business Spanish
Study of commercial and technical vocabulary and trade customs in conjunction with practice in the art of commercial communication including interviews, letter writing and simultaneous interpretation. PREREQUISITE or CO-REQUISITE: SPAN 300
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring
SPAN 335: Introduction to Spanish Literature
This course is designed to prepare students in literary analysis of the novel as well as short stories, poetry and drama. All necessary terminology will be studied. Mandatory for all Spanish majors before taking any other literature class. PREREQUISITE or CO-REQUISITE : SPAN 300
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
SPAN 365S: Medical Spanish
This course focuses on the concepts, vocabulary and linguistic use of Spanish in the applied field of medicine for future practical application in the professional and volunteered contexts. Students will learn the cultural differences between the medical environment in the U.S. and the Hispanic countries. PREREQUISITE: SPAN 232 or equivalent.
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring
SPAN 385S: Latin American Drama and Short Stories
Readings and analysis of representative plays and short stories from Latin America. Student reports on selected authors. PREREQUISITE: SPAN 335. For Salamanca students this can be taken concurrently with SPAN 335. SPAN 385S fulfills the requirement for General Education Cluster Two, Group Three.
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
SPAN 400S: Advanced Conversation
Discussions deal with topics of current interest. PREREQUISITE or CO-REQUISITE: SPAN 300 or equivalent.
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
SPAN 465S: Cinema and Literature
Comparative studies between cinema and literature. PREREQUISITE: SPAN 335. For Salamanca students this can be taken concurrently with SPAN 335. SPAN 465S fulfills the requirement for General Education Cluster Two, Group Three.
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
SPAN 490S: Special Studies in Spain
Only students who will have successfully completed SPAN 400 prior to studying in Salamanca may enroll in this course. Please speak with Felix Wang if you have completed SPAN 400. This course can also be used as a literature course with special permission from the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
POSC 371S: Comparative Politics: Spain/United States
A comparative study of political systems in Spain and the United States. Emphasis on historical and contemporary issues. Since it is taught in Spanish, Spanish credit may also be given. PREREQUISITE or CO-REQUISITE: SPAN 300
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring
IDLS 486S/SPAN 490: Internship and Field Experience
This course gives student the opportunity to integrate in the Spanish society through a JMU sponsored internship/field experience. Students will have the chance to work in local schools and businesses. The experience will allow students to interact with the community through conversation and their assigned responsibilities.
Credits: 3
Offered: Fall, Spring
Culture
Another highlight for the SIS program is the opportunity to explore different parts of Spain and other cities in Europe. From Roman ruins, religious buildings, international masterpieces to the highest peak in Spain, students have the chance to visit several major cultural and important sites that define the overall Spanish and European culture. Some of the excursions include Castilla y León (Salamanca, Segovia, Toro), Andalucía (Sevilla, Granada, Córdaba), Cantabría (Santander, Cuevas de Altamira) and Madrid. The program also offers an excursion to Paris so students have the opportunity to experience other European cities.
Attendance at concerts, theatre and dance productions, museums and cultural events are incorporated into the semester calendar to expose students to the variety of Spanish culture.
The activities organized throughout the semester complement the material being taught in the classroom. The lectures from the classroom extend into a hands-on learning atmosphere, enriching students' knowledge of Spanish culture. Art, history and literature come alive when you can study first-hand the works that once were only names in a textbook.
During the program, students will have vacations and free weekends for travel and personal exploration at their own expense. We do encourage family and friends to join the excursions by arranging the details with the onsite director with anticipation.
Cost
Semester in Salamanca (Fall 2013 and Spring 2014)
Tuition and fees for the Semester in Salamanca include full-time university tuition based on residency, room, board, and a supplemental program fee. This combination of fees will cover full-time enrollment in classes, housing, board (most meals), excursion lodging and transportation, admissions and entry fees, books, and other program activities while abroad.
|
Fees |
Virginia Resident |
Non-Virginia Resident |
|
Undergraduate Tuition |
$4,588.00 |
$11,827.00 |
|
Room & Board |
$4,259.50 |
$4,259.50 |
|
Study Abroad Program Fee: |
$5,200.00 |
$5,200.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Semester in Salamanca Cost: |
$14,047.50 |
$21,286.50 |
Semester in Salamanca (Summer 2013)*
Tuition and fees for the Summer Semester in Salamanca include University tuition for the required number of credit hours (12 credits) based on residency and a supplemental program fee. This combination of fees will cover enrollment in classes, housing, board (most meals), excursion lodging and transportation, admissions and entry fees, books, and other program activities.
*JMU’s Board of Visitors establishes the upcoming summer’s tuition rates in March. Until the 2014 rates are posted, the 2013 figures below can be used as estimates for Summer 2014.
|
Fees |
Virginia Resident |
Non-Virginia Resident |
|
Undergraduate Tuition (9cr) |
$2,907 |
$7,560 |
|
Study Abroad Program Fee: |
$5,100 |
$5,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
Semester in Salamanca Cost: |
$8,007 |
$12,660 |
Important Notes:
- Study Abroad program fees are subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuation.
- For additional explanation of fees, see our expanded tuition and fees page.
- Before committing to the program, be sure to consult our deposit and cancellation policies related to fee structure.
Application Process
Application Deadline
Application Deadline: November 1, 2013 for Summer 2014, Fall 2014 and Spring 2015
For priority, students must apply by the deadline. Applications received after November 1 will be accepted on a rolling, space-available basis until the program is full.
Application Materials
The application for admission has a number of parts, all of which must be received by the oIP before your application can be processed. Please make certain that you have completed all steps in the application process.
A completed Summer, Fall or Spring Semester Abroad Program application consists of the following components:
-
Application form in Adobe pdf fillable format - please type and print
-
Essay indicating the reasons for choosing this program and how the choice of courses, program structure, city, or country, relates to your past, present and future academic, career and personal goals. How do you think you will benefit from the experience? One-Two pages in length.
-
Letter of Recommendation from a current or former JMU instructor or from your academic advisor (either as a letter or by using the form on our Forms link), attached or sent by email to studyabroad@jmu.edu.
-
Official transcript required for first-semester transfer students and non-JMU students
Submitting your application
Submit your completed application to the:
Office of International Programs, JMAC 6, Suite 22, MSC 5731, Harrisonburg, VA 22807.
You are strongly encouraged to deliver your application in person; however, applications may be mailed to oIP.