Study Abroad in Burgos, Spain

Department of Spanish

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Study Abroad in Burgos, Spain

Fall semester at the Universidad de Burgos
August 12 - December 6, 2013

Application period: January 7 - February 28, 2013

*Open only to currently enrolled WMU students

Academic program

The WMU program at the Universidad de Burgos offers qualified students the opportunity to study Spanish language and culture in university courses especially designed for them. They may also select a class to audit from a variety of Universidad de Burgos courses in the humanities and business.

All students will study intensive Spanish language courses during the first six weeks of the semester with an emphasis on written and oral communication as well as Spanish grammar and phonetics. In addition they will complete afternoon workshops during this period, with topics including Oral Expression, Spanish Theater, Music, Film, and Dance. During the second period, October - December, students will study Spanish culture, history and art forms with special attention given to the province of Burgos and the autonomous community of Castilla-León. Students are also strongly urged to increase their language and social skill by participating in one additional activity other than their regular classes. In the past, students have done this in a variety of ways such as doing volunteer work as an aid in local schools, joining a choir or an orchestra, or taking classes at an institute of dance.

Students will normally receive a total of 13 semester hours, seven for the intensive Spanish language segment and workshops and six for the Spanish culture courses. Credits will be granted by WMU based on grade reports from the Universidad de Burgos.

Fall 2013 Program Flyer

Application

There are two application periods for the Burgos program - one during fall semester and another in early spring semester. Early application is encouraged and appreciated. Program application is made online through the Study Abroad Office webpage. The application process also requires the offline submission of a paper application and three letters of recommendation to the Department of Spanish. These forms are available in the Department of Spanish on the 4th floor of Sprau Tower. The paper application and recommendations should be submitted directly to the corresponding program director prior to the deadline.

Next application period deadline: February 28, 2013

Eligibility

Since all classes will be conducted in Spanish by instructors of the Universidad de Burgos, this program will be open only to students who meet the following requirements: (1) Sophomore standing by the beginning of study in Burgos; (2) Completion of at least the third-year level of college Spanish (WMU Spanish 3160 and 3170 or equivalent) with a minimum average grade of 3.0 (B) in Spanish classes; (3) At least one Spanish class completed at WMU; (4) Good academic standing. Students accepted for this program are expected to speak only Spanish during their stay in Burgos, both in class and out. The application procedure includes recommendations from faculty and an interview in Spanish. Students will be contacted via email for an interview.

Administrative organization and student responsibilities

Students will be advised by the WMU faculty program director, who will be a member of the regular WMU Spanish faculty. The faculty director will offer the on-site orientation for WMU students during the days prior to classes at the Universidad de Burgos, assist students in the selection of courses, and remain in Burgos for consultation during the first week of classes in August. As foreign students at the Universidad de Burgos, WMU students will have the same privileges and responsibilities as the Spanish students. They will have access to university facilities and services, including those offered by the Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales, the principal office of assistance for foreign students. In addition to doing satisfactory academic work, WMU students are to comply with all rules and regulations of both WMU and the Universidad de Burgos. Any student who does not meet academic and behavioral standards may be dropped at any time.

Burgos and the Universidad de Burgos

Burgos, capital of the province of the same name, is a medium-sized city located halfway between Madrid and the French border. The cradle of Castilla and the setting of many heroic events in the Middle Ages, the city and province of Burgos have countless national monuments--castles, monasteries, palaces, churches--that provide evidence of Burgos’s glorious past. Two great Castillian heroes, Fernán González and El Cid, were both from Burgos. The area enjoys pleasant temperatures in the summer and fall months, much cooler than those of southern or central Spain. The Universidad de Burgos is a relatively new university, although it was previously an important "colegio universitario" affiliated with the Universidad de Valladolid. It currently has an enrollment of about 11,000 students. WMU students will attend classes on the main campus of this public institution which is located within walking distance of the city center and is well served by public transportation.

Cultural activities

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the abundant historical and architectural treasures located in Burgos and the neighboring cities and provinces. Planned excursions for all students will include visits to the many monuments of Burgos, including the Gothic cathedral and churches of San Esteban and San Nicolás de Bari, the Monastery of Las Huelgas and the Cartuja de Miraflores. They will also travel to the archaeological site Atapuerca outside of Burgos, as well as to possible sites such as the historic city of Salamanca, the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Sculpture Museum in Valladolid. The Universidad de Burgos itself offers many cultural and social activities including theater, concerts and festivals.

Housing

Students will live with families in Burgos: private room, one American student per family. Homes and families are selected by the Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales. Housing includes three meals per day and laundry facilities. Every attempt will be made to place students with families who have a genuine interest in helping provide a pleasant atmosphere. Students need to be sensitive to cultural differences and the particular family situation. They need to comply with family rules and respect customs and norms. It is expected that a flexible and caring attitude on the part of all concerned will contribute to a comfortable, relaxed living environment.

Insurance

Western Michigan University purchases basic medical insurance to cover this program’s participants while they are abroad. Information regarding this coverage will be distributed to each student by the Study Abroad Office upon acceptance to the program. Students will receive health insurance information outlining the extent of coverage and the procedures to follow in case of accident or illness abroad. Additional health insurance coverage is not required for the program, but students may wish to purchase supplementary coverage. Questions concerning health insurance should be directed to the Study Abroad Office, (269) 387-5890.

Cost and payments

The basic cost of the 2013 program will be approximately $7,350. Basic cost includes tuition, administrative fees, on-site orientation, room and board, insurance and class-related excursions. The basic cost includes transportation by bus from Barajas airport to Burgos upon arrival, but students are responsible for making their own arrangements for transportation from Burgos to Barajas for departure. The program cost does not include round trip transportation (estimated $1000), books, or personal expenses (estimated as the same or less than in the U.S.).

Financial aid

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for the WMU President's Grant for Study Abroad. This award is given on the basis of demonstrated financial need and/or merit. For students accepted for the Burgos program, the application process for the President's Grant is quite simple. Application for this grant may be made at the time of application for the program and does not require additional faculty recommendations or essays. Applications are available on-line through the Study Abroad website. They must be submitted to Study Abroad, B-200 Ellsworth Hall (269) 387-5890.

In addition to the President's Grant, a variety of other study abroad assistance is available through the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Awards include the Minority Scholarship for Study Abroad, as well as other external grants. Information and applications are available in the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, B-200 Ellsworth Hall (269-387-5890). You can view more information concerning these and all other study abroad financial awards at their website: http://international.wmich.edu/content/category/7/22/399/.

Department awards are also available and include: Spanish Department Study Abroad Awards, the Ruth Y. Kirby Awards in Spanish, and the President's Award/Scholarships for Study Abroad. Business students should also consult with the Business College about any other possible awards. All students are urged to inform themselves of these opportunities at the earliest possible date in order to meet the application deadlines.

Students who already receive other financial aid (university, state, federal) probably will be able to use it for study in Burgos. They should direct questions about this matter to the Foreign Study Coordinator in the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education or the Student Financial Aid Office.

Transportation

Students are responsible for booking their own flights, but our faculty director would be more than happy to offer advice and suggestions. It is important that students, after buying their tickets to Spain, provide the faculty director with precise information about their plans and flight schedules. Students selected to participate in the Burgos program will be required to attend three orientation meetings during spring semester, and at those meetings, more detailed travel information will be provided.

Additional information regarding this and other WMU sponsored programs is available from:

Prof. Mariola Pérez de la Cruz

mariola.perez@wmich.edu
512 Sprau Tower
(269) 387-3015

Professor Michael Millar

michael.millar@wmich.edu
415 Sprau Tower
(269) 387-3026

Professor Irma López

irma.lopez@wmich.edu
511 Sprau Tower
(269) 387-3014

The Department of Spanish

spanish@wmich.edu
420 Sprau Tower
(269) 387-3023

Haenicke Institute for Global Education

study-abroad@wmich.edu
B-200 Ellsworth Hall
(269) 387-5890

Western Michigan University reserves the right to cancel or revise the program if necessary.

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