GoAbroad.com

Description

As a Smithsonian Studies Abroad student, you will:

* Build your Spanish language skills and live as a Spaniard in Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage site located halfway between Madrid and Salamanca.
* Delve into the country's multicultural legacy as you study in medieval Avila. A tranquil town that has retained its medieval feel.
* Extend your studies through travels throughout Spain with trips to El Escorial, Toledo and Andalusia. - Participate in service projects as you learn about the social issues facing Spain.
* Make friendships that will endure and flourish over years to come

Highlights

Activities on the program are designed to integrate with the coursework, as well as to give students a chance to experience Spain outside of the classroom. CET will arrange a host of weekly lectures, extracurricular classes and activities, including visits to historical and cultural sites in and around Ávila. All activities aim to show students a side of Spain that they might not be able to see on their own. Some activities will be conducted in Spanish to allow students to practice their language skills.

Activities will include some, but not all of the following, to be determined by on site staff during your stay:

* Walking tour of historic center of Avila
* Guided walk on Avila's medieval town walls
* Tour of Cathedral of Avila, the oldest cathedral is Spain, built in the 13th century with 15th century Gothic as well as Baroque additions.
* Visit to Provincial Museum in the Casa de los Deanes, a 16th-century palace
* Retracing steps of Saint Teresa of Avila
* Lecture from experts at Avila's Center for Mysticism
* Lecture from Spain's Police Academy, located in Avila
* Dance class exploring Muslim and Sephardic influences in Spanish dance
* Workshop of popular Spanish games and other elements of Spanish culture
* Screenings of Spanish films
* Theatre on the Wall" outing featuring dramatic productions at the Avila town walls
* Volunteer projects working with children, seniors, or people with disabilities (may require advanced Spanish knowledge)
* Hiking trip to the nearby Gredos Mountains

Excursions are designed to augment the academics and give students a chance to put their experiences in Avila in a greater context. The Smithsonian Studies Abroad program in Avila is designed with three trips, introducing students to sites of historical and cultural importance.

* El Escorial & Environs
This one-day trip will include a visit to El Escorial, with special emphasis placed the on the Palace of Philip II. Students will also visit the controversial Valley of the Fallen, a monument honoring those who fell in the Spanish Civil War. A coach bus will provide transportation.

* Toledo
This one-day trip will include guided visits to the Alcazar, the Jewish Quarter, and the main cathedral. An expert will lecture the group on the Mudejar style of architecture. Students will be accompanied by a professor as well as the Resident Assistants. A coach bus will provide transportation.

* Andalusia (Granada and Cordoba)
Friday, July 23:
Depart for Granada in afternoon (Crossroads course will not meet this day). Overnight in Granada in 3- or 4-star hotel.

Saturday, July 24:
Visit to historical sites in Granada, including Alhambra, Generalife, and the Albayzin neighborhood. Guides will provide historical lectures at each site. Overnight in Granada.

Sunday, July 25:
Transfer to Cordoba in morning. Guided visit to Cordoba, including Mezquita and the Synagogue of Maimonedes. Overnight in Cordoba in 3- or 4-star hotel.

Monday, July 26:
Free time in morning. Depart for Avila in middle of day; arrival by 8:00pm.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Adventure Travel

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 6,895

Cost Include Description:

* Full tuition, a curriculum of 52 contact hours for two full classes (Spanish language course will meet for 26 hours over three weeks and Crossroads of Islam, Judaism and Christianity will meet for 26 hours over three weeks.)
* All textbooks and supplemental classroom materials for all courses
* Academic management and oversight, including curriculum and excursions
* On-site orientation to acclimate students, reiterate program policies and guidelines, and place students in language levels
* Double or single occupancy accommodations throughout the program at the Residencia Santa Tomas
* A welcome banquet and final banquet at Avila restaurants, and three meals per day at the Residencia
* Transportation to/from the Madrid airport
* Domestic transportation to program sites and activities, including weekend trips and day trips
* Activities and excursions, including lodging (when applicable) transportation, entrance and guide fees
* Services of dedicated CET staff, including Program Manager and Program Coordinator in the US, as well as on-site Program Director and Resident Advisors
* Medical and evacuation insurance for students
* Pre-departure materials, including Spain guide book and student handbook

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Spain

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of Maximum of 30

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Smithsonian Journeys's Mission Statement

For 40 years, Smithsonian has tapped its resources, developed unique travel itineraries, and assembled the experts for the sole purpose of providing exciting educational travel experiences. As the largest, most diverse museum-based educational travel program in the world, our commitment to excellence is unrivaled. Smithsonian Journeys is a product that exemplifies our dedication to discovery. We invite you to join the adventure.

Year Founded

1970