Study Abroad

Spain

Universitas Castellae, Valladolid

ATTENTION SPANISH MAJOR AND MINOR STUDENTS:

Upon the recommendation of the Modern Language Department,

SPA 303 cannot be taken while abroad

It is highly recommended that SPA 304
also be taken at UWL prior to studying abroad.

UNIVERSITAS CASTELLAE VALLADOLID
The Universitas Castellae is a specialized center dedicated to the study of Spanish language and Hispanic culture for foreign students. The educational program for international students features a selection of upper division undergraduate courses including advanced language, literature, art, history, culture, and sociology studies. The courses are developed and modified according to the students' abilities to ensure advancement in critical thinking and maturity of expression. Qualified students may also choose to complete independent projects or internships under the supervision of an advisor.

CITY OF VALLADOLID
Valladolid is located approximately two and a half hours northwest of Madrid. The city, rich in artistic and historic heritage and popularly known as the center of the area where the purest "Castellano" Spanish is spoken, is ideally suited as a center for studying the language and culture of Spain. Historically, the city has played an important role since the years of the struggle for the unification of the peninsula under one ruling family. An agricultural and industrial center of approximately 400,000 inhabitants, the city is located on the Castilian "meseta," or central plain. The annual international film festival attracts participation from all over the world. Rail and bus connections place Valladolid within three hours of Madrid and within easy access of other important cities including Burgos, Leon, Salamanca, Zamora and Segovia.

GUIDED EXCURSIONS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Universitas Castellae sponsors a series of guided weekend field trips to different regions of Spain throughout the semester. Past destinations have included: Salamanca-Tordesillas, Segovia-Pedraza, and Montes Torozos. These trips are considered an essential part of the program's educational experience. Classes are held during the morning, in order to allow free time in the afternoon. After "la comida" (lunch) students may attend Spanish dance classes, visit museums, go to the theatre and coffee shops, or travel to neighboring cities. Universitas Castellae considers the entire city a classroom.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The Universitas Castellae offers two programs to choose from: "Hispanic Studies" focusing on Hispanic literature, art, and culture and "International Relations" which analyzes the political, economic and social condition of the Hispanic world in an international context. You may choose 4-5 courses from one category.

Click here for the course descriptions and UWL equivalencies.

Hispanic Studies Program:

  • History of Modern and Contemporary Spain
  • Spanish Art
  • Introduction to Literary Studies: Spanish Literature
  • Spanish Literature: Middle Ages and Golden Age
  • Spanish Literature: 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries
  • Hispanic American Literature
  • Hispanic Culture and Cinema
  • Spanish Grammar and Writing
  • Conversation and Oral Expression
  • Spanish for Business

International Relations Program:

  • History of Modern and Contemporary Spain
  • Hispanic Culture and Cinema
  • Spain and the European Common Market
  • Spanish Art
  • Hispanic American Literature
  • Spain and Latin American: History of International Relations
  • Mercosur, European Common Market and North American Treaty

Independent Studies
A wide variety of independent projects are offered for students with a high level of language comprehension. These research projects are done under the guidance of the director and the staff of the Universitas Castellae. This program gives the students more subjects to choose from, and the opportunity to take courses that are not listed here. Therefore, those students may satisfy a requirement in a different area of study other than Spanish.

Tutorial Program
Because of the existing language barriers, a tutorial program has been implemented to give meticulous attention to the academic, social, and cultural needs of each individual student. All international students will be assigned a native Spanish speaker as a tutor to work with throughout their stays. Conversation peers are also available upon request.

Internships
A limited number of internships are available to advance-level students. Interested students should contact the program directly upon acceptance to determine whether a particular internship is possible. Internships cannot be guaranteed at the time of application.

A Modern Languages Advisor for the Valladolid program has been identified:

Program

Advisor

Office

Email

Valladolid, Spain

Hindson

311B GMH

hindson.jean@uwlax.edu

COURSE EQUIVALENCIES
The course equivalencies spreadsheets have been compiled from past approved Academic Plan forms.  They show when the course was last approved and how it transferred back to La Crosse.  You may notice that some classes satisfied several UWL options.

This list is not comprehensive nor does it take the place of  meeting with your advisor for final approval!  They are meant to be a guide of what courses may be appropriate for your studies abroad.

HOUSING AND MEALS
In order to experience Spanish life firsthand, students live with Spanish families.  Families are carefully selected and evaluated to ensure the complete immersion of each student within the Spanish language, culture, and traditional social environment.  Universitas Castellae will provide the student with information on his/her host family upon being accepted into the program.  Every effort is made to meet the needs and expectations of both parties.

In addition to rooming, each student will receive three meals per day and have access to laundry facilities.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Before you travel abroad, you will need to obtain a passport, which will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship. A passport may allow you to gain entry to (and exit from) other countries. Depending on the country to which you're traveling, a visa may be required as well. Entry requirements vary from one country to another. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings specific to certain countries, and offers tips and publications relevant to travel abroad generally. Well in advance of your departure, you should also familiarize yourself with international travel health issues, and health recommendations specific to your destination.

PROGRAM DATES
Fall: late-August to mid-December
Spring: early-January to mid-May
For more precise dates refer to the Program Dates.

ADMISSION CRITERIA
2.5 GPA minimum, 2.75+ GPA preferred
Second-semester sophomore standing (45 credits minimum)
4 semesters college-level Spanish minimum (SPA 202 or the equivalent)
Open to students from other universities

PROGRAM FEE
The program fee includes the following:

  • Tuition (15 credits) and Administrative Fees
  • Housing and Meals
  • Orientation to Study Abroad Class
  • Study Abroad Health Insurance (required by UW System)
  • International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
  • Study Abroad Graduation Sash

Airfare is not included in the program price.  Transportation from the Madrid airport will be provided on the program arrival date.

Financial Aid is applicable to program fees.

Refer to Program Fees for the most current program fee.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.universitascastellae.es
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Office of International Education
116 Graff Main Hall
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

Telephone: 608-785-8016 Fax: 608-785-8923 E-Mail: studyabroad@uwlax.edu