Community Engagement & Language Acquisition
Spring 2025 Semester Seville

About the Program

There are so many ways to gain language proficiency and learn about culture; this program utilizes ways that are hands-on, interactive, and focused on the local community. In this flexible program, you can choose how you want to engage! During the semester you can enroll in a service learning course or in a second language acquisition course, and engage in the local community where you'll learn both language and culture interactively. Courses are available at all levels of Spanish language ability, including electives taught in English and Spanish, and all are designed to help you gain a better understanding of Spanish and Sevillian culture, history, and society. In the summer, you’ll engage with the community through other culture-focused courses and workshops.

Program Structure

Enroll in 1 CEA CAPA core course and 3-4 CEA CAPA courses. Courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. You may earn 12-15 credits (up to 225 contact hours) per semester; academic year students may earn 24-30 credits (up to 450 contact hours).

Classes meet on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. The optional service learning course requires an additional 2.5 hours per week in a placement within the community.  Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.  

Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take a language placement exam. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. If you choose to take a Spanish language or elective course, to ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Spain. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.

Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs*. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

Córdoba

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Explore the colorful fusion of cultures and long, rich history of Córdoba. Once one of Europe’s most important capitals, the city has long been a melting pot of cultural influences where Muslims, Christians, and Jews co-existed peacefully. This small Andalusian city is full of iconic monuments, like the Mezquita, the Great Mosque of Córdoba, and the old Jewish quarter, home to the 1315 synagogue (one of only three left in Spain.) Córdoba has produced many influential philosophers, scientists, and artists, as well as a lively tradition of flamenco dancing.

Northern Morocco

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The northwestern tip of Africa is just 10 miles from Andalusia. Make this short continental crossing to discover the intercultural complexities, unique beauty, and mystery of northern Morocco. You’ll love exploring the whitewashed streets and buzzing activity of life in the medinas, the traditional city centers that are today’s commercial hubs.

Lisbon

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Experience centuries of fascinating history as you navigate the cobblestone streets perched atop the seven hills of Lisbon, Portugal. History and tradition come to life as you tour sites like St. George’s Castle and Belem Tower and take in a live Fado musical performance. Contrast this historic charm with the city’s fashionable, cosmopolitan vibe, evident in foodie-worthy restaurants and designer night clubs that attract university students and beautiful people from all over the continent. 21st century architecture and feats of engineering define the 1998 World Exposition sites. You'll love discovering Lisbon's breathtaking sights and enjoying the nearby beach resorts around its coast.

Tarifa & Baelo Claudia

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This day trip allows you to experience three distinct and influential cultures as you explore the European continent's gateway to Africa. Highlights of the day include a guided visit to the wonderfully preserved Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, an opportunity to shop (or window shop) in a medina-style-meets-design-boutique neighborhood, and relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on the Spain's Atlantic coast.