Location

Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Spain

Program Description

This program will examine Spain’s complex ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural dynamics. Located in the Andalusian region of Spain, Seville has been a crossroad of cultural traditions and it provides the ideal location to explore the sociological processes affecting contemporary Spanish society.

Study Trips to the Roman site of Itálica (with its majestic amphitheater and beautifully preserved mosaics), and to the Great Mosque/Cathedral of Córdoba and the Alhambra in Granada along with the beautiful city of Cadiz will provide the necessary perspective for understanding Andalusia’s complex social dynamics.

All activities/lectures will be conducted in English. Students will engage in classroom-based learning, experiential learning, guided tours, and field experiences. In addition to interacting with local residents, participants will visit archaeological, historical, and cultural sites reflecting the region’s rich diversity. Participants should be able to engage in moderate walking on uneven surfaces.

Participants are required to enroll in one of the following courses:

Courses offered:

SOCI 110: “Social Issues in a Global Context” (3 credits) fulfills the General Education cluster 4.

SOCI 336: “Race and Ethnicity” (3 credits) fulfills Sociology Major and Minor elective requirements.

SOCI 391: “Study Abroad” (3 credits) Students who have taken SOCI 110 and SOCI 336 during the regular semester should enroll in SOCI 391 which fulfills the Sociology Minor requirements. 

Location Description

Come with us to explore Spain's diverse cultural heritage!

This program will be centered in Seville with a four day excursion to Córdoba and Granada. This ethnically diverse region possess rich cultural traditions that include flamenco dancing, spirited festivals, and a unique cuisine. Seville also provides an ideal setting to examine social, political, and economic processes that have shaped the region.

Students will engage in experiential learning, guided tours, classroom-based learning, guest lectures, and field experiences. They will visit the Roman site of Itálica, birthplace of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian and enjoy the splendor of the Andalusian Moorish heritage and architecture. At the Royal Alcazar, students will walk through historic and marvelously decorated corridors that reflect the region’s multifaceted racial and ethnic composition. Students will visit the Great Mosque/Cathedral in Córdoba, and the Alhambra in Granada, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, students will visit historic Cadiz.

• Participants should be able to engage in moderate walking on uneven surfaces.
• All activities/lectures will be conducted in English.
• Open to all majors and class levels.
• Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0
• Participants must have a valid passport in their possession no later than February 26, 2023

Director

Yamilette Chacon | chaconyd@jmu.edu | Sociology and Anthropology

Accommodations

Accommodations for 15 nights in a double/triple rooms at a homestay, including laundry once per week will be provided in Seville. Wi-Fi will be available at every homestay. Housing accommodations are centrally located and public transportation is easily accessible.

Two (2) nights lodging in double or triple room at a 4 star hotel in Córdoba and one (1) night lodging in double or triple room in Granada will also be provided.

All meals included at homestay in Seville.

The Welcome dinner at a local restaurant and the Farewell lunch at the Triana Market cooking class are also included.

In Córdoba and Granada, daily breakfasts will be provided. Students should plan to cover the cost of lunches and dinners during Cordoba and Granada excursion. During the day trip to Cadiz, students should plan to cover lunch and dinner.

Additional Items to Consider

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Participants must have a valid passport in their possession no later than February 26, 2023

U.S. Citizens:
To travel to Spain, you need a valid passport.
If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately!
If you have a passport, verify that it will be valid:
(1) through your Spain travel dates and
(2) for at least six months after your travel to Spain concludes.
If your passport is invalid, apply for one immediately!

It can take up to 4-6 weeks to receive your passport. Expedited service requires about 2-3 weeks. The U.S. State Department’s website provides details on passports and current processing times: http://travel.state.gov or you may also inquire via telephone at (877) 487-2778.

If you travel to Spain for less than three months, you do not require a visa.

Non-U.S. Citizens:
Non U.S. citizens should contact the appropriate government agency in their home country for relevant passport and visa information. The best place to start is the Spanish consulate in your home city.

IMPORTANT DATES

February 26, 2023:     Valid passport required

May 18, 2023:    Depart from US to arrive in Spain on May 19, 2023

May 19, 2023:    Program begins.  

June 3, 2023:     Overseas program ends. Participants will return to the USA on this day.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to all JMU students.

Non-JMU students are welcome!