Yale Summer Session in Valencia: Language, Culture, and Society of Spain
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International Study Award (ISA)
The ISA provides a stipend for one credit-bearing summer study abroad experience for eligible undergraduates receiving a Yale scholarship. You must apply to Yale Study Abroad and be approved for a Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad or Non-Yale Summer Abroad program. Yale Study Abroad does not administer the ISA. For all ISA-related details, including how to request funding, when it gets disbursed, how much funding you can expect, and more, visit the ISA website.
Program Information
Location
Valencia, Spain
Term
Summer
Dates
Saturday, May 18, 2024 to Saturday, June 22, 2024
Language
Spanish
Area of Focus
Arts & Humanities
Distributional Requirements
Fulfills L5 or Hu distributional requirement
Structure
Study Center
Course Number
SPAN S242
Credits
2 Yale credits
Instructor
Prerequisites
Yale College Applicants: SPAN 140 (Intermediate Spanish II), 145 (Intensive Intermediate Spanish), or placement exam into L5.
Spanish placement exams are valid for one year. If you took a placement exam prior to July 2022, or if you need to confirm your Spanish language placement level, please contact Professor Jorge Méndez-Seijas at your earliest convenience. Students who do not have a valid placement by the YSS Programs Abroad deadline will not be eligible for a Spanish language YSS Program Abroad in 2023.
Note: Students who have met the pre-requisite by either receiving a 5 on the AP Spanish exam or having taken SPAN 140 or SPAN 145 at Yale do not need to take a placement exam, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.
Spanish placement tests will be offered January 24-January 29 for all Yale students who need it for their study abroad applications. Please contact Jorge Méndez-Seijas for more details.
Other Applicants: Completed four semesters of college-level Spanish at another institution? Please contact Professor Jorge Méndez-Seijas prior to the application deadline.
Description
[NOTE: Program details (overall status, dates, costs, etc.) are subject to change each summer, and the information on this page will be updated as such details are finalized.]
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.
The class will meet each week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 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.)
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.
Budget
Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad updates program budgets in late January. Please note the year listed on the button below.
Trips and Activities
Trips and activities are included as examples only.
A guided cycle-tour of Valencia along its many bike paths and through the old riverbed of the Turia Gardens. Seeing the rice fields in a boat trip on the Albufera (freshwater lagoon and estuary) after savoring some paella, one of Valencia’s most famous culinary gifts to the world. Lingering at the beach by the Mediterranean, and traveling to the region of Castilla-La Mancha with its windmills immortalized in Don Quixote. A weekend trip to Madrid and Toledo, the medieval city of the three cultures: Arab, Jewish, and Christian. Visits to museums, plays, and concerts.
Housing
[NOTE: Students are required to stay in program-provided housing. There is no option for individually-arranged housing.]
Students will be housed with carefully selected host families in Valencia, who will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner on a daily basis. Living conditions and distance to where classes will be held will vary amongst housing assignments.
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 you have any questions about living with a homestay family, we encourage you to reach out to the program instructor.
Participants must depart housing on the last day of the program.
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.
Questions
For course content questions contact instructor, Maria Pilar Asensio-Manrique. For general program questions contact the Study Abroad staff.
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.