*TU Spanish Language and Culture in Spain (Faculty-Led)

*Towson University
Summer
Madrid, Spain (Map)
Alicante, Spain (Map)

Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Spain with TU. Participants take classes at the Estudio Sampere language school which specializes in teaching Spanish language and culture to international students. The school hosts approximately 1,900 students each year from around the world. Estudio Sampere offers courses at all levels (beginners to advanced) in grammar, conversation, literature, and culture and civilization.

The program is based in Madrid - the capital and geographic center of Spain. With a population of 3 million, it is the largest city in Spain and the third largest city in the European Union. Madrid's vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere uniquely combines the old and the new. From modern high-rise apartments and bustling commercial zones to picturesque neighborhoods with quaint cafes, Madrid is a modern-day city steeped in history.

Highlights include a guided tour of Madrid, a Flamenco performance, visits to some of Madrid's most famous museums and sites - Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia, Palacio Real, Museo Sorolla, and a weekend trip to Segovia and Salamanca.

Students can also choose to participate in an additional two-week add-on in Alicante on the Mediterranean coast following the Madrid portion of the program. Participants will continue their coursework from Madrid and have additional exposure to another area within Spain including a weekend trip to Granada with a visit to the unforgettable Alhambra Palace. 

  • Program schedule (PDF) (subject to change) Coming soon!
Summer 2025
Yes

June 1 - June 29, 2025 Madrid only (4 weeks)
June 1 - July 12, 2025 Madrid and Alicante (6 weeks)

Class assignments and meetings may also take place online and/or on the Towson University campus prior to and after the experience in Spain.

MARCH 15, 2025. Admission is on a rolling basis. Early application is advised as space is limited.

Dr. Laura Callahan -  Towson University Department of Languages, Literatures, & Cultures

Students on the 4 week (Madrid only) program will earn 3 SPAN credits and 2 unspecified lower division elective credits. 

Students on the 6 week (Madrid and Alicante) program who have successfully completed SPAN 202 prior to departure will earn 6 SPAN credits. Students on the 6 week program who have not successfully completed SPAN 202 prior to departure will receive 3 SPAN credits and 3 unspecified lower division elective credits.

Students will consult with the program director and take a language placement test prior to departure to determine their course level. The following courses are available:

  • SPAN 101 Spanish Elements I (3 credits; Core 5).
  • SPAN 102 Spanish Elements II (3 credits; Core 12). Prerequisites: SPAN 101.
  • SPAN 201 Spanish Intermediate I (3 credits; Core 5). Prerequisites: SPAN 102 or equivalent.
  • SPAN 202 Spanish Intermediate II (3 credits; Core 12). Prerequisites: SPAN 201 or equivalent.
  • SPAN 301 Composition and Conversation I (3 credits; Core 5). Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent. TU students may only earn credit for either SPAN 301 or SPAN 302 through study abroad. Availability of this course is NOT guaranteed - a minimum of four students must enroll in order for the class to run.
  • SPAN 302 Composition and Conversation II (3 credits; Core 12). Prerequisites: SPAN 301 or equivalent. TU students may only earn credit for either SPAN 301 or SPAN 302 through study abroad.
  • SPAN 305 Readings in Spanish (3 credits). Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent. Availability of this course is NOT guaranteed - a minimum of four students must enroll in order for the class to run.
  • SPAN 311 Culture and Civilization of Spain (3 credits). Prerequisites: SPAN 301 and SPAN 302 and one of the following: SPAN 306, SPAN 320, SPAN 391, SPAN 407, or SPAN 408. Only open to students participating in the 6-week program. 
  • SPAN 371 Special Topics in Spanish (3 credits).Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent. Availability of this course is NOT guaranteed - a minimum of four students must enroll in order for the class to run.
  • SPAN 372 Special Topics in Spanish (3 credits). Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or equivalent. Availability of this course is NOT guaranteed - a minimum of four students must enroll in order for the class to run.
  • SPAN 391 Advanced Spanish Grammar (3 credits). Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.
  • SPAN 408 Advanced Spanish Conversation (3 credits). Prerequisites: SPAN 301-302 or equivalent.
  • Students who place in a level they have already completed at TU will earn SPAN elective credit. 

TU students may receive Honors credit for their study abroad experience. 

Students will live in shared rooms with host families who provide three meals per day within 45 minutes on public transportation of the language center in Madrid and within walking distance of the language center in Alicante. 

Madrid only (4 week program): Program fee includes academic credit, housing with a local family, three meals per day, health insurance, and excursions. Additional costs include international airfare, personal expenses, and the Study Abroad/Away Fee.

Madrid and Alicante (6 week program): Program fee includes academic credit, housing with a local family, three meals per day, health insurance, and a round trip train ticket (Madrid-Alicante-Madrid). Additional costs include international airfare, personal expenses, and the Study Abroad/Away Fee.

The Towson University Study Abroad & Away Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.

Costs coming soon!

Note: International airfare is NOT included in the program cost. Students will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the program location to arrive by the designated date and time. The Study Abroad & Away Office will identify an optional flight which participants are encouraged to purchase independently.

Withdrawals/Refunds: After admission into the program, the student is responsible for the full program fee. Should the student wish to withdraw from the program for any reason after admission, only recoverable expenses may be refunded. Non-recoverable expenses may include but are not limited to costs paid to a study abroad provider, travel agency, or other third party by TU on the students behalf; housing; transportation; non-refundable deposits; activity fees; honorariums; guest lecture fees. Towson University withdrawal/drop/add deadlines do not apply. The student must submit their intention to withdraw in writing to the TU Study Abroad & Away Office.

Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 high school diploma or equivalent experience, and be at least 18 years old.

"Studying abroad was transformational. It made me realize that I could do so much more with my life; and not only restricted to the U.S."  -  Kiara Peoples

For additional information contact Dr. Laura Callahan - Towson University Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, 410-704-2453, or the TU Study Abroad & Away Office, 410-704-2451.

To learn more, attend a Group Advising Session offered Monday through Friday at 2pm in PY 408.

NOTE: Please check the Centers for Disease Control website for information regarding any recommended and/or required vaccinations and medications for your destination

IMPORTANT: We strongly encourage all study abroad/away participants to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 prior to their experience. Participants will be subject to the entry requirements and COVID related regulations of the host destination and program provider/host institution. We recommend students consider purchasing travel insurance with cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage. Students will be responsible for any COVID related expenses incurred during their experience abroad/away.
Term Apply
Summer 2025
Type:
TU Faculty-Led

 

http://www.towson.edu/studyabroad/