This summer, semester or academic year program offers intensive language study - up to two years of university language requirements may be met in one semester. Additional courses are taught in English or Spanish and include offerings in Business and Environmental Sustainability. The programs are administered by the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), of which the University of Iowa is a member, and enroll approximately 100 students from many U.S. colleges and universities. UI students earn resident credit for this program.

Academic Program

The USAC programs offer courses at every level of Spanish language study. Intensive Spanish language programs for students at the beginning or intermediate level are designed for rapid improvement in Spanish language skills. Students at the advanced level select from a variety of language and literature courses. All courses are taught exclusively for program participants in Spanish by Spanish faculty, with the exception of the Business and Environmental Sustainability courses.

UI Students earn resident credit which may be applied toward General Education requirements, the International Business Certificate, the Sustainability Certificate, Business degree requirements, or requirements for the Spanish major or minor.

In the summer, this program offers intensive two 3 week sessions which offer Spanish language and conversation courses as well as Business and Sustainability courses. Language classes are available to students of all levels of Spanish fluency. As the classes are intensive, one semester of coursework is completed in one month of classes. Students earn UI resident credit for this program. Students take between 3 semester hours in each session.

Program Dates

During the school year the program's calendar follows the typical U.S. academic calendar closely (late August to mid December and mid-January to late May). In the summer there are two sessions and students can attend one or the other or both. Each summer session runs for three weeks. The first session takes place in June and the second in July.

For More Information

Please come to the Study Abroad Resource Room for a USAC program catalog that contains much more detailed information than is available on our webpage.

The University of the Basque Country

The USAC programs in Bilbao and San Sebastian are hosted by the Universidad del País Vasco, although the professors as well as the courses are directly affiliated with the program. Some University facilities are available to program participants. La Universidad del País Vasco (UPV) is a decentralized Spanish university with a student enrollment of approximately 40,000 students distributed over four campuses in Lejona, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and San Sebastian. Consortium offices, classes and dining facilities are housed on the UPV Bilbao Business School campus. With support from the municipal government and the European Community, the USAC programs have been recognized as centers for the teaching of Spanish language to foreigners. Students from a number of European countries who are preparing to study in Spanish Universities also participate in the program.

Bilbao

Bilbao was founded in 1300 as the capital of Biskaia and the area's primary outlet to the sea. A tangled web of narrow streets remains as the Old Quarter, while wide streets and modern buildings mark the modern city. Bilbao's population numbers 400,000; surrounding communities create a total population of around 1 million, well connected by bus, metro and train services. Students can opt to live in Getxo or Bilbao. Getxo is directly on the coast and is well connected to downtown Bilbao by the subway system. Students enjoy Getxo's watersports, young population, and lack of tourists.

Living Arrangements

Students have the option of living in homestays or sharing apartments with other consortium students. Apartments are fully equipped except for linens. Both options are available in downtown Bilbao or in neighboring Getxo which is right on the coast.

Eligibility

Minimum eligibility requirements include good academic standing and a 2.5 grade point average (4.0 scale).

Costs

Semester: The program fee for fall 2012 is $7,687 for Iowa residents and $9,235 for non-residents. This program fee includes an optional on-site airport greet, tuition, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, travel insurance, and the UI administrative fee. The program fee does not include transportation to Spain, personal expenses including housing and meals, books and supplies, passport and visa expenses and local transportation.

Summer: The program fee for either summer 2012 session was $3,054. The fee for both sessions was $5,806 for Iowa residents and $6,580 for non-residents. This program fee includes an optional on-site airport greet, tuition, housing (apartment), orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, student heal insurance, and the UI administrative fee. The program fee does not include transportation, homestay (surcharge for meals and laundry), personal expenses, meals, books and supplies, and local transportation.

How to Apply

Information and application forms are available from Study Abroad, 1111 University Capitol Centre. Students should consult with their study abroad advisor before beginning an application. Completed applications are to be submitted to the UI Study Abroad office.

Application Deadlines

9/20 for Spring, 3/1 for Fall/Academic Year, 3/10 for Summer

Orientation Information

All participants attend a pre-departure orientation specific to the program as well as a general study abroad orientation.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu