Madrid

The Spanish experience begins in one of the most vibrant cities of the world. Enjoying more cloudless days than almost any other city in Europe, the capital city of Madrid is the economic, cultural, artistic and geographic center of the country. Students experience its myriad facets through organized visits as well as through daily living.

Salamanca*

Students choosing the nine-week option will experience a different way of life in this smaller, quieter provincial capital, home of the oldest university in Spain. During the summer months, the historic town square teems with students from around the world.

*Occasionally, schools in other locations, such as El Puerto de Santa María, may be used in place of Salamanca.

The Study Center

Samford in Spain operates in cooperation with the Estudio Sampere [ES], a privately owned language institute accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and a full member of the International Association of Language Centres. Instruction is characterized by small classes, individual attention and weekly evaluations. Students from around the world progress at their own rate under the tutelage of native Spanish professors at this internationally recognized institute. All schools are centrally located.

Distinctive Program Features

Lodging in Spanish Homes

Students live and take all meals with Spanish families carefully selected by ES staff. This is considered the best way to become immersed in Spanish language and culture.

Resident Samford Professors

A Samford professor is on-site at each center to provide orientation, academic counseling, tutorials and attention to student needs.

Escorted Visits

Students participate in an orientation tour of Madrid, escorted visits to museums and monuments in the city, and Saturday excursions to Segovia, Toledo, E1 Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. Those remaining to study in Salamanca experience similar visits to sites of cultural interest in those areas.

Tour of Andalucía

Samford professors accompany students on a six-day guided excursion by bus through southern Spain. Visits include Córdoba, Sevilla, Granada, Gibraltar and the Costa del Sol.

Individual Travel Options

Students may travel on their own during free weekends or, by prior arrangement, at the end of the program.

Proficiency Testing

Each student will be tested for proficiency by ES at the beginning of the program and will be placed in classes accordingly. At the end of each semester, students will be evaluated further by Samford faculty in an oral proficiency interview.

Samford Credit

Academic credit is given by Samford University based on the successful completion of course requirements.

Certificate of Studies

ES awards a Certificate of Studies upon the successful completion of the program.

International Friendships

ES students arrive from around the world, offering the opportunity to establish international friendships through interaction in class and at school social functions.

Admission

The program is open to any student in good standing at Samford University or other institutions of higher learning. Students at other colleges and universities will register as transient students of Samford.

Program Costs

The prices for the program are NOT listed on our website due to not being available till just prior to our first orientation meeting since we are always shopping for the best currency exchange rates. The all-inclusive cost will include the following: :

• Round-trip airfare from Birmingham or Atlanta to Madrid with ground transfers
• Tuition and fees, Samford and ES
• All books for ES courses
• Lodging with Spanish family and three meals daily
• Local transportation in Madrid
• Guided panoramic tour of Madrid
• Six-day escorted tour of Andalucía, including hotels and meals
• Escorted Saturday excursions as well as afternoon and evening visits to places of cultural interest
• Entrances to a bullfight, Zarzuela performance and flamenco show
• Guided tour of Gibraltar
• Medical coverage in Spain, including medicines prescribed there
• Orientation, supervision and evaluation by Samford faculty

Financial Aid

Students qualifying for financial aid at Samford may apply that aid to the Language Study Abroad programs.

Academic Courses and Credits

SPAN 101-102, Elementary Spanish I & II (4 each)
SPAN 201-202, Intermediate Spanish I & II (4 each)
SPAN 344, Advanced Career Studies: Commercial Correspondence (4)
SPAN 351-352, Language Study Abroad: Advanced Spanish I & II (4 each)
SPAN 353-354, Language Study Abroad: Cultural Studies I & II (4)
SPAN 405W, Special Topics: Spanish Theater (4)
SPAN 451-454, Special Studies (1, 2, 3, 4 ) (Any EIS course may be taken using these numbers and a special studies contract.)
PHED 122, Recreational Activities, Spain (1)

USE THESE COURSE NAMES AND NUMBERS WHEN
COMPLETING ALL FORMS.

Registration

Space is limited. To reserve a place in the program, the completed student application packet along with a nonrefundable deposit of $500 must be received in the WLAC Language Study Abroad office by __.See the enclosed sheet for current prices, payment schedules and other pertinent dates.

Method of Payment

After payment of the initial deposit in the WLAC Language Study Abroad office by the date indicated on the enclosed form, all payments are to be made in the Office of Student Accounts by credit card or by check payable to Samford University. On the face of the check, please indicate “Language Study Abroad: Spain” as well as your Social Security number. Balance must be paid by the date indicated on the enclosed sheet. A late fee of $100 will be assessed if payments arrive after the deadline.

Refund Policy

The deposit of $500 is nonrefundable. A written notification of cancellation is required. Cancellations prior to April 9 receive a refund of 70%; between April 15 and May 1, 50%; between May 1 and 10, 25%; after May 10, absolutely no refund.