International Programs / Study Abroad

Madrid, Spain

Contemporary Spanish Language and Culture in Madrid

The DePaul Study Abroad Program in Madrid, Spain has been custom crafted for our advanced Spanish language students. To implement this innovative program, DePaul collaborates with an in-country service provider, Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA), and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Participants attend Spanish language classes at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid UCM, which was founded in 1508 in the small town of Alcalá de Henares and moved to the capital in the early 19th century It is housed in the large and attractive Ciudad Universitaria area, a park-like campus on the edge of the city. Student services such as homestays, excursions and cultural activities are arranged by CEA.  In addition, students are accompanied by one or two DePaul faculty who teach a course in their area(s) of expertise. Dr. Elena Boeck (History of Art and Architecture) will be leading the program in the fall of 2010.

  

Living in Madrid for three months, students have the opportunity to experience and participate in the culture and society of Spain. Students experience the family and home lives of local residents through the homestay arrangements. Other chances for interaction are facilitated through excursions and cultural activities. Excursions in the past have included short trips to locations such as Toledo, Salamanca, Segovia, and Ávila.

 

In 2010, we will also be offering students the option to remain in Madrid for the Winter Quarter and take part in an internship in their area of study. The Madrid internships are organized by Centers for Academic Programs Abroad (CAPA) in collaboration with DePaul’s University Internship Program. The Winter quarter internships are only available to students who have successfully completed the Fall quarter Spanish language program. By the start of the internship, students will have learned their way around Madrid and brought both their linguistic and cultural competencies up to a level to prepare them for an internship with a nongovernmental organization or company. Progress in the internship is mentored by a local coordinator at CAPA and monitored on-line by DePaul’s University Internship Program.

 

Courses   

 

Fall Quarter: Courses and Credits

 

All students take the DPU faculty's course, plus three Spanish courses at their levels.  Each of these 4 courses earn 4.5 DPU credit hours, for a total of 18.

 

4.5 Credits     Faculty Director's Course

4.5 Credits     Gramatica y Practicas - 40 hours

4.5 Credits     Comprension Auditiva y Expresion Oral - 40 hours

4.5 Credits     Expresion y Comprension Escrita - 40 hours

 

In addition, students may take up to two ten-hour minicourses at Compultense.  These courses are available to DPU students at no extra charge and earn NO credit.  If you would like to earn credit for these courses, you may arrange to do so.  Mini-courses are worth 1 credit each.  However, your Student Account will be charged the tuition for one credit hour for each mini-course.

 

The mini-course topics are:

 

- Literatura Española

- Historia de España

- Español de América

- Español Coloquial

- Arte Español

- Filosofía Española

- Cine Español

- Español para los Negocios

- Español para las Ciencias de la Salud

- Español con fines jurídicos

- Baile Flamenco

- Música y Folklore

- Cultura española

 

NEW- IN ENGLISH

- Spanish Literature

- Economics/Political Science. European Union

- Economics/Political Science. Current Spain

- International Marketing

Language Courses  (3 Courses): 

SPN201 Advanced Grammar/Composition I

SPN202 Advanced Grammar/Composition II

SPN203 Advanced Conversation I

SPN298 Advanced Conversation II

SPN205 Grammar/Composition for the Hispanic I

SPN206 Grammar/Composition for the Hispanic II

SPN207 Advanced Conversation for the Hispanic

SPN398 Spanish Textual Analysis

SPN398 Advanced Grammar Studies

SPN398 Advanced Language Studies I

 

Faculty Director Course, fall 2010 (required)


HAA 232: Late Medieval Art (A&L)


This course, taught by Dr. Elena Boeck in the fall of 2010, examines the complex and dynamic forms of interaction between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities in medieval Spain (500 – 1600) primarily through the visual arts and literature. We will discuss major stylistic trends and explore the relationship between art, culture, and religion. Topics will include cross-cultural currents in art, architecture, literature, intellectual life, and court culture. The class will integrate museum visits and occasional day-trips to nearby towns in order to study architecture. Course readings will be in English and Spanish.

 

Winter Quarter Internship:

Students who opt for the internship program need to keep in mind that there may be different visa requirements for differing situations, and it is their responsibility to research and acquire the appropriate visa for their stay in Madrid.  The Study Abroad office strongly recommends students to start their research early to allow ample time for the visa process.

 
Students who remain for the Winter quarter internship will earn a total of 16 credits distributed as follows:

4 credits: Spanish Course at the appropriate level.

4 credits: On-line course through DePaul’s University Internship Program. Select either ISP 250:You, Your Work and the World, or ISP 350: Navigating the Changing Workplace.

8 credits: Internship and weekly meetings. Internships can be arranged in most fields of study, and are negotiated with the student in advance. Students can choose for this credit to appear as either INT 399 or SPN 398.

 

Circumstances, such as an unexpected event abroad or a curriculum change at a host institution, may require DePaul University to make changes to the program. DePaul University reserves the right to cancel or alter programs and courses without notice.

 

Living Arrangements   

During the Fall quarter, students are housed with Spanish host families in centrally located homes. Homestays may consist of a single señora (with or without children) or a traditional two-parent household. This housing option allows students to continue practicing Spanish outside of the classroom while learning about Spanish culture. In most cases, two students are housed with each family. Students are provided two meals per day and laundry service on a regular basis. All of the families are welcoming and generous with their home, but participants should remember that they are guests and will be expected to adapt to the traditions and rules of their host family.

 

Students participating in the Winter quarter internship will be housed in single rooms in apartments shared with other international students.  Meals can be prepared in the shared kitchens.

 

Expenses   

Fall of 2009: In addition to DePaul tuition for 18 credits, costs include a specific program fee.  For updated information on specific program expenses, click here:

For the Winter quarter intership there is a separate program cost:

These program fees include housing, study abroad health insurance and program excursions.  Two meals a day are included only during the Fall quarter.  Winter quarter students will also receive a metro pass.

 

Students must plan their budgets to cover airfare, passport and visa fees, local transportation, additional meals, supplies, textbooks and personal expenses.

 

Program fees are based on actual costs of the prior year and projections for the current year. Inflation and fluctuating exchange rates make it impossible to state a fixed cost.

 

Application   

Students participating in the Madrid program must have at least a 2.5 GPA and should have completed at least SPN106 or demonstrate proficiency at the 200-level by including proficiency exam results along with their application. To apply to this program, students must submit the following:

 

    • A complete DePaul Study Abroad Program application

    • Two (2) academic recommendation forms from faculty familiar with your academic work (one must be from a language instructor)

    • An official copy of your transcripts. At DePaul, these may be requested on Campus Connect in the Students section under Records and Registration.

 

DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 1 E. Jackson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

  

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2009