Location

Madrid, Seville, Cáceres, Granada, Spain

Program Description

Come with us to Madrid and Seville to explore Spain’s diverse cultural heritage! 

This three-credit program will provide the necessary perspective for understanding modern day Spain’s complex social dynamics. In Madrid, we will visit to the world-renowned Prado Museum and then, we will travel to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterwards, we will explore the medieval city of Cáceres along with Merida with its majestic Roman ruins, both locations are UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Located in Spain's Andalusian region, Seville has long served as a crossroad of many peoples. Thus, it provides the ideal location to explore the sociological processes affecting contemporary Spanish society. From Seville, we will have a three day excursion to Granada to visit the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cultural trip to the beautiful beach city of Cadiz. This ethnically diverse region possesses rich cultural traditions that include flamenco dancing, spirited festivals, and a unique cuisine. 

Students will engage in experiential learning, guided tours, classroom-based learning, guest lectures, and field experiences. Students will appreciate the Prado Museum’s masterpieces such as Las Meninas by Velázquez. They will walk through the medieval streets of Toledo and will visit the Roman site of Itálica, birthplace of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Students will also enjoy the splendor of the Andalusian Moorish heritage and architecture. At the Royal Alcazar, participants will walk through historic and marvelously decorated corridors that reflect the region’s multifaceted racial and ethnic composition. 

Academics: Participants are required to enroll in one of the offered SOCI courses. This program will provide the necessary perspective for understanding contemporary Spain’s complex social dynamics. 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.

Courses offered:

• SOCI 110: “Social Issues in a Global Context” (3 credits) fulfills the General Education Sociocultural and Wellness Area.
• SOCI 363: “Sociology of Culture” (3 credits) fulfills Sociology Major and Minor elective requirements.
• SOCI 391: “Study Abroad;” topic ‘Cultural Identity and Conflict’ (3 credits). Students who have taken SOCI 110 and SOCI 363 during the regular semester should enroll in SOCI 391 which fulfills the Sociology Minor requirements.

Contact student returnee, Naomi Minwalla, for more information!

minwalnc@dukes.jmu.edu

Director

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

Accommodations

Three nights lodging in a double or triple room at a 3 star hotel in Madrid, two nights lodging in a double or triple room at a 3 star hotel in Granada and one night lodging a in double or triple room in Cáceres will be provided. In Seville, accommodations for 11 nights in double/triple rooms at a homestay, including laundry once per week will be provided. Wi-Fi will be available at every homestay. Housing accommodations are centrally located and public transportation is easily accessible.

All meals are included at homestays in Seville. The Welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Madrid and the Farewell lunch at the cooking class in Seville (Triana neighborhood) are also included. Breakfasts will be provided in Madrid, Cáceres, and Granada.

Additional Items to Consider

Participants should be able to engage in moderate walking on uneven surfaces.

All activities/lectures will be conducted in English. 

PASSPORTS & VISAS
If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately! Participants must have a valid passport in their possession no later than January 31, 2024.

U.S. Citizens: 
To travel to Spain, you need a valid passport. 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 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.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to all majors and class levels, including graduate students.

Non-JMU students are welcome!