Yale Summer Session in Valencia: Language, Culture, and Society of Spain

Description

A language program that explores historical and contemporary issues in Spanish culture. Set in Valencia, a city founded by the Romans 2,200 years ago, this course aims to reflect on both Spanish ancient heritage and modernity. Key works of literature will foster discussion on a wide range of topics such as the environment, the Mediterranean trade, politics and religion. Students will integrate each week’s thematic content into real life observations to reflect on the fabric of Spanish society.

Learn about study abroad in Spanish and hear more details about this YSS Program Abroad. This session also covers details on the Spanish major and Spanish certificate. 

Courses & Credits

SPAN S242: Language, Culture, and Society of Spain (2 credits)

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs led by Yale instructors. 

Instructors

Jorge Méndez-Seijas, Spanish Language Program Director; Senior Lector II & Associate Research Scholar, Yale University

Jorge Méndez-Seijas holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. in Spanish Linguistics/Second Language Acquisition (Georgetown University), an M.A. in Phonetics and Phonology with a concentration on Second Language Acquisition (The Spanish National Research Council, Spain), and a B.A. in Spanish-American Language and Literature (Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela). Before joining Yale, he taught and served as a course and/or program coordinator at Harvard University, Princeton University, Georgetown University, and the University of Rhode Island.

Jorge’s research interests include curriculum design, theoretical and applied linguistics, second language acquisition and teaching, and heritage language education. He frequently presents at national and international conferences and publishes his work in specialized scholarly venues. His work on curriculum design has been recognized with the Innovation in Language Program Direction Award twice (2020, 2022), an award conferred by the American Association of University Supervisors, Coordinators, and Directors of Language Programs.

Class Times 

The class will meet each week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and students should expect about 4 hours of work outside the classroom each day, as well excursions and other program activities. Class times may be subject to change.

Classroom Location in Spain

Classes will be held at Santa Úrsula, part of the Universidad Católica de Valencia campus. The classroom has a computer with a projector and access to the internet. 

Money & Budgeting

Many participants find a combination of credit and debit cards to be the most convenient way of accessing money while abroad. It’s important to have a backup option as well in case of emergency. Spain uses the Euro, and can withdraw cash at ATMs throughout the country, including at the airport.

Participants should also bring a moderate amount (equivalent to $100 or so) of the host country currency in cash when leaving the U.S. to cover initial expenses like bus/taxi fares, snacks, and phone calls for the first couple of days. Please note that participants likely will need more than $100 for out-of-pocket expenses throughout the entire duration of the program.

While it would be much more comfortable to just carry around a plastic card, participants should remember that some stores, restaurants, and hotels in other countries do not accept credit cards, especially for small purchases like coffee. Student should try not to use credit or debit cards unless necessary.

Participants should expect out-of-pocket costs not billed by Yale, including but not limited to class materials, coffee, snacks, and transportation to and from the classroom.

Program Cost & Funding

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad costs are updated annually and include the administrative fee and program deposit, program fee, tuition, and international housing charge.  

Budget

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad updates program budgets in late January. Please note the year listed on the button below.

Summer 2025 Budget

Trips and Activities

On every Yale Summer Session Program Abroad, learning extends outside of the classroom. Participants can expect a variety of integrated activities and excursions that enhance the academic goals of the program. Trips and activities listed below are included as examples only and are subject to change. 

All required activities and excursion include transportation (when outside of the host city), entrance fees, and most meals. 

In the past, activities in Valencia have included a guided cycle tour of Valencia seeing the rice fields on a boat trip on the Albufera (freshwater lagoon and estuary) visiting the beach by the Mediterranean, and traveling to the region of Castilla-La Mancha with its windmills immortalized in Don Quixote. Weekend trips may include overnight excursions to Madrid and Toledo, the medieval city of the three cultures: Arab, Jewish, and Christian.

Participants can get to know Valencia before departure by purchasing a guidebook from any major bookstore. The Valencia Cityguide and Visit Valencia websites are also helpful.

Housing

All participants are required to live in program-provided housing while abroad and are not permitted to arrange housing independently. International housing is guaranteed from the first day of the program until the official end date.

In Valencia, students will live with carefully selected host families. Homestays are an integral part of this program. This living arrangement provides participants with the opportunity to learn more about the host culture, increase language proficiency, and form meaningful connections in the community. Students admitted into the program are expected to spend time getting to know their homestay family and be mindful of the need to balance time spent at home with time spent traveling or going out with friends. If students have any questions about living with a homestay family, they should reach out to the program instructor. Participants will have private rooms, but home layouts in Valencia will vary.

Participants are expected to contribute to the cleanliness of the home. Participants also are advised to discuss any personal conditions or considerations (including allergies, preferred foods, and the like) with their host family at the beginning of the program and at any point such issues emerge. It is important to make an effort to fit into the patterns and assumptions of the host family. This might include expectations regarding mealtime, laundry, returning home late, travel, etc. 

Participants must depart housing on the last day of the program.

Helpful Tips for Staying with a Spanish Host Family

Communication

Families will try to incorporate participants into their daily routines. Meals are usually a family gathering, and dinner is commonly eaten around 10:00 p.m. in the summertime. Participants should be prepared to encounter new perspectives, especially within their homestays, and a tolerance for different opinions will be an asset. Politics and religion can be part of the conversation.

Utility Usage

Utilities in Spain (water, electricity, and gas) are more expensive than in the U.S. Do not leave the lights on upon leaving a room and be mindful of how much water you are using, as water is scarce and expensive in Valencia.

Meals  

Host families will provide participants with breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day and will be interested in having their host students actively participate in meals with them. Participants should keep in mind that it is important (and polite) to let their host families know if they are not going to be home for one of the meals they are providing. If they want snacks, participants should purchase them themselves.

Meals will be provided on all excursions. For participants with dietary restrictions, they should always double check when eating at restaurants, even if a note has been made beforehand.

Gift Custom

A small gift makes a good impression on arrival. An inexpensive token from the participant's university or hometown, such as a magnet or a mug, is a nice gesture for the hosts.
 

Notes

Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and are expected to arrive in Valencia on the first day of the program, and depart no earlier than the last day of the program (see 'Dates' above). Additional information will be provided upon admission.

Climate

Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate. Rainfall is rare in May and June, and the temperature should be mild and sunny (65-80 degrees Fahrenheit). It is the perfect time to start going to the beach!

Packing Considerations

1. Pack light! Participants will be able to do laundry and will likely return home with new items from the host country. Participants should expect the possibility of carrying their bags on several modes of transportation and up several flights of stairs alone.

2. Keep all essential items in a carry-on bag (e.g., passport and medications). 

Clothing

Participants should pack normal summer clothing like short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and sandals, as well as layers for evening and cooler days. Students should also bring one semiformal outfit. 

Useful Items to Bring

Students should pack sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes suitable for hiking, and a hat. It is also recommended that participants bring a bag that stays close to their body, such as a fanny pack or a money belt, to wear while in transit or in crowded areas.

Electrical Adapters

Spain uses the Type F plug. Inexpensive plug adapters can be purchased easily online or in many brick-and-mortar stores. Participants may want to bring a current converter, but should not need it for their phones, laptops, or other larger electronics. Participants are advised not to bring hairdryers or straighteners, as American hairdryers and straighteners won’t work in Italy, even with adapters. Participants can purchase them if their host families do not have them available for use.

Cultural Adjustment

Although the summer session’s main goal is to learn Spanish, participants should be aware that other languages are spoken in a number of regions throughout Spain, including Valencia, where Valencian is also spoken, especially outside of the city. 

Students should also be aware that bathing suits are not allowed to be worn in restaurants, even restaurants at the beach, and public restrooms are only available to paying customers.

Questions

For general program questions, contact studyabroad@yale.edu.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

Apply to a YSS Program Abroad