Spanish Civilization: Advanced Spanish and Andalusian culture

  Spain

• Granada: 
Granada
• Seville: 
Seville (Sevilla)
• Valencia: 
Valencia
• All Other Areas: 
Ronda,  Cordoba,  Almunecar

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 7 - August 5, 2010

Description: Andalucia, Spain's southernmost autonomous community, with its diverse Christian, Jewish, and Islamic heritage, is the perfect backdrop for students looking for an invaluable educational perspective on the development of world cultures, civilizations, and religions. From Sevilla to Cordoba, followed by Valencia, and ending in Granada, our four-week Spanish Civilization Program also helps students improve their Spanish language skills through daily usage, experiential learning and advanced language classes.

This pre-college program introduces architecture, language and history through cultural immersion with the aim of inspiring students to continue exploring these subjects in their future studies. Abbey Roaders will also have time to enjoy the Andaluz lifestyle, participate in recreational activities, make new friends, travel, and have an unforgettable experience.

Highlights: Program Itinerary

Sevilla (10 days)
The first part of the students' journey will take place in Sevilla, the cultural, artistic and financial capital of Andalucía. Students will be mesmerized by the array of impressive monuments that stand as a legacy of Sevilla's mixed heritage. They will be captivated by the breathtaking views offered by the Moorish Giralda tower, which makes up part of the Cathedral of Sevilla. One of the largest Gothic cathedrals, it was originally built as a mosque in the 12th century and is still one of the most fascinating sights by day or night. Students will also enjoy peaceful strolls in the Parque Maria Luisa or along the tranquil Guadalquivir River.

Cordoba (1 week)
The group will then spend one week exploring Cordoba, which was believed to have been the largest city in the world while under Muslim rule during the 10th century. Cordoba is now best known for its magnificent Mezquita, a former mosque transformed into a cathedral and later a Christian palace, located in the heart of the Judería, the Jewish quarter. Students will be charmed by the narrow, labyrinthine streets and colorful patios found on every corner.

Valencia (1 week)
The group will then head to the west coast of Spain, where they will spend a week in one of its most artistic beach cities: Valencia. As Spains fourth largest city, it has all of the conveniences of modern Europe while maintaining its Spanish lifestyle and beach atmosphere. As the home of Paella and host to many world renowned museums, our students will have a wide variety of recreational as well as educational activities to chose from during their time in Valencia.

Granada (5 days) The program ends in Granada. Its panoramic views, including the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range make this a truly magical city. Students will learn about the history of the Alhambra, an exquisitely constructed ancient Moorish mosque, as well as visit the old town of Guadix, known for its cave dwellings. Students will experience the Islamic legacy left behind by the Moors, Spains Arab rulers, made evident by the Mudéjar style architecture and the several Moorish tea houses that color the Albaycín neighborhood.

Academics

This program is designed as an introduction to world civilizations, cultures and religions with a focus on Andalucía and Spain. The group will visit and learn about the important sites and monuments that are key to the fascinating historical heritage of Andalucia and the co-existence of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions. Students will gain cultural and ideological awareness and tolerance, which will prove invaluable in their college years.

The advanced Spanish language course will provide students with the opportunity to develop a stronger competency in comprehending and producing the target language. Taught solely in Spanish, the primary focus of the course will be on oral communication and the use of the language in authentic and realistic situations. The Abbey Road Experiential Learning Method (AR-ELM®) is designed to offer students an immersion experience that would be difficult to reproduce in a classroom in their home country.

Excursions

Additional excursions will complement the academic program by taking students to fascinating sites like the cave town of Guadix. Students will enjoy a more relaxed schedule on the weekends, including a beach day in the resort town of Almuñecar, a sight seeing trip to one of the most important bull-fighting rings in Spain, Ronda, as well as a trip to ancient Sagunto while in Valencia.

Cost in US$: 7460 USD

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Spain Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network

Abbey Road Programs's Mission Statement: Our mission is to develop summer immersion programs for high school students that facilitate cross-cultural understanding and enrichment by providing a unique opportunity for: cultural immersion, intensive language study, exposure to new academic subjects, travel excursions, recreational activities, personal growth, and building life-long friendships.

Year Founded: 2001