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Academic Excellence
Spanish Studies Abroad is known for academic excellence which begins with our commitment to our students' intellectual, cultural and personal growth. We bring this commitment to life through our strong and broad curriculum, our small classes, and our superior instructional staff.
Spanish Studies Abroad is unique among study abroad programs in that we seek maximum student engagement in all courses through the integration of our Critical Thinking/Writing Across the Curriculum Program and Spanish-Only Policy.
Critical Thinking
The Critical Thinking program fosters the ability in students to respond critically in both speaking and writing. In order to assist students in the development of this skill in Spanish professors provide tools for student use in the preparation of assignments as well as during classroom discussions. In addition to listening in class, reading and asking for clarifications, students are required to think critically about questions that escape short answers. Following an analysis of text and classroom discussion, students move to synthesize their thoughts in their oral responses, contrasting their own synthesis with those of other students and the professor.
Writing Across the Curriculum
Our Writing Across the Curriculum program furthers our students’ development as they move from oral to written analysis and synthesis. Student progress in these skills is nourished in all courses, in Spanish, as students at all levels produce short, frequent compositions in language classes, which are then corrected and returned to students for revision and in some cases rewriting. In non-language classes, students extend their skills through presenting at least one research paper. The number and types of assignments are designed to meet the pedagogical and subject goals of each course.
Spanish-Only Policy
The Spanish-Only Policy is a tool that promotes student integration and reflects the commitment that our students make to immersing themselves in a new culture. The benefits of complying with the Spanish-Only Policy, no matter their initial language level, are invaluable:
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Students improve their ability to express themselves in Spanish and to understand spoken Spanish.
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Students gain a greater awareness of the local culture as they develop relationships with their host families, professors, and friends.
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Students experience a greater feeling of accomplishment in their integration, while demonstrating a higher level of respect towards the local culture.
All Spanish Studies Abroad students are required to sign a Spanish-Only Contract when applying to one of our programs. In this document, students agree to use Spanish as their sole language of communication while at the Center in Seville, Universidad de Alicante, or Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, in their Spanish or Argentine home, and on any cultural visit or study trip organized by Spanish Studies Abroad. Exceptions will be made in case of emergency, but failure to abide by the pledge will be deemed misconduct, and violations may result in disciplinary action. |
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Spain 
