Granada, Spain: Religion, Art and Culture of Southern Spain
Summer 2008 Dates and Fees
Dates: May 31-July 15
Credits: 6
Program Fee: $4570
The society of Al-Andalus in the Middle Ages was made up of three main groups: Christians, Muslims and Jews. Each of these communities existed in a separate part of the cities. Many tribes, religions and races co-existed in al-Andalus, each contributing to the intellectual prosperity of Andalusia.
Granada is still a microcosm of these three cultures in one city. The physical presence of the three can still be seen in art and architecture, as well as in the traits of the people.
Location
The city of Granada is home to more than 50,000 university students and offers many cultural, athletic and social activities. With a population of 300,000, the city has tree-shaded public squares, cobble-stoned pedestrian streets, and is dominated by the magnificent hilltop palace of the medieval Arab rulers of Granada, the Alhambra. The mountains of the Sierra Nevada and the beaches of the Mediterranean are both less than an hour away by public transportation.
Courses
This program is designed for students at the intermediate and above language level, who are interested in improving their Spanish and learning about the historical, artistic, and social background of Al-Andalus and the Iberian Peninsula. In addition to a grammar class, a civilization and culture class and an art class, students will be involved in cultural activities to enhance classroom learning. Optional activities include:
- Arabic calligraphy
- Andalusi ceramics
- Sampling Andalusi and Sefardi cuisine
Housing and Meals
Students live in a comfortable Spanish home with their host families, where they will experience complete immersion into the Spanish language and culture. Host families provide breakfast, lunch and dinner daily for Central College Abroad students.
Excursions
Every week, travel to nearby sites where you will see the art and culture that is part of your classroom discussions come alive!
“Living with a host family is amazing, and offers a unique insight into daily life in Spain that you really can't get any other way. My host family has truly let my roommate and me into their lives; they always ask us about our classes and experiences in the city and even have taken us to visit their summer home in the mountains.”
— Erin Bradley, Illinois Wesleyan University
The program fee includes the following:
- Tuition for 6 semester hours of credit
- On-site orientation
- Tutoring
- Lectures about politics and cultural aspects of Spain
- Host family accommodations with full board
- On-site advising and oversight with Granada program director
- Pre-departure orientation
- Cultural activities
- Two overnight excursions and entrance fees
- International Student Identification Card (ISIC)
- Internet access
- Welcome and farewell reception
- Transcript
Airfare is not included.
Deadline for applications: March 1.
Program deposit of $500 is due March 15 or upon acceptance.
