Description

The International Business and Culture study abroad program in Seville, Spain is designed for students who have 0-4 semesters of previous Spanish language study and a strong interest in business and economics. Students who are motivated to develop their Spanish language skills and learn about Spain and Europe through living in the traditional Spanish city of Sevilla will find that this program provides an ideal opportunity.

Academic Program
Founded in 2005, the CIEE International Business and Culture program is geared to students with beginning to intermediate level language skills who wish to improve their Spanish language skills while taking international business or humanities courses in English. In addition to business and Spanish courses, students can fulfill home school requirements in such other areas as international relations, history, literature, and science, among others. These courses for international students are noted in the courses section.

Online Placement Exam
Prior to departure for Seville, all students are required to take a CIEE online placement exam during the scheduled exam period: mid-November to mid-December for the spring semester and mid-May to mid-June for the fall semester. The purpose of this exam is to determine the student's level of Spanish so that he or she is placed in appropriate language courses. Students should take this exam seriously, as placement in many upper-level courses depends upon a high online placement exam score.

Writing Center and Tutorials
CIEE has a writing center staffed by language professors and Spanish students majoring in Spanish philology. CIEE organizes tutorials for students to help them in reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking, which may help them progress more readily in those content courses taught exclusively in Spanish. Tutorials are also offered for regular University courses.

Academic Culture
The program is located on the UPO campus, where all classes meet during the regular University session. Intensive Session classes meet at the CIEE Study Center.

Regular University classes are lecture-style, while CIEE and UPO courses for international students are interactive, with media part of the classroom environment. These courses also include visits to the theater, cinema, and other local monuments. Participation is an important component of the grade.

Most classes meet two times a week. Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Students may have academic commitments on Fridays such as class excursions.

UPO courses for international students offered during the fall semester finish before Christmas and in the spring end in late May. The optional CIEE Intercultural Communication course follows the same calendar.

During the fall, there is no extended vacation period during the semester. During the spring, two vacation periods take place at the University: Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. The dates are not fixed, but students are normally free the week before Easter (Holy Week) and then again for a week approximately two weeks after Easter.

While extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's experience, attendance in class is mandatory. Friday is considered part of the academic week. Early departure for or late return from vacations is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during the vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights

• Study international business, language, and culture classes in English and in Spanish for advanced students
  
• Learn about the culture through activities and excursions to sites of cultural importance in and around Seville and Spain, as well as a trip to Morocco
  
• Visit Spanish companies and organizations to complement the academic program
  
• Develop intercultural competency skills via the CIEE Intercultural Communication in Context course

University Life
In addition to CIEE-organized activities, students can also participate in activities organized by the UPO Center for Foreign Students. A sampling includes Intercambio events, Spanish and English tables, and outings to the cinema with Spanish students. There is a wide range of general student activities for all UPO students. Some examples include: individual and team sports, campus gym, flamenco dance, guitar lessons, volunteerships, and a university choir.

Immersion
Intercambios
A conversation exchange program with Spanish students is an important part of the program. Intercambios give students the chance to practice what they are learning in the language courses, as well as help them become more integrated into Spanish student life, and sevillano life and culture.

Tertulia Series and Personal Development Workshops
CIEE staff organizes a series of informal lectures and workshops dedicated to language and personal development while living abroad. Workshops address a variety of themes such as culture shock, dating across cultures, eating well, stress management, organizational skills, and re-entry into the U.S. at the end of the semester.

Community Involvement
Students have the opportunity to work with children and the elderly, as well as other humanitarian associations. Students may also become involved in such international organizations as Amnesty International. Volunteer teaching opportunities in local schools are also available.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.9
• 0-4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947