Three-Week Spanish Immersion and Homestay
Modern Spanish Studies in the Arts, Language & Literature, Culture & Society
For nearly a decade, Abbey Road’s summer Spanish immersion programs have left high school students from all over the world with an authentic and lasting impression of the Spanish language, culture and society. The ideal program location sets the stage for a rewarding summer:
Located along the Costa de la Luz, on the Atlantic Coast of Andalusia, Cádiz remains the oldest inhabited city in Western Europe. This charming city is characterized by its narrow streets, colorful homes, lively squares and friendly inhabitants. Popular with young people and families from all over Spain, Andalusia is widely known for its unique cultural and historical legacy, as well as for some of the best beaches in Europe. Full of native vacationers, instead of foreign tourists, the city affords our students an untainted view into the southern Spanish language and culture.
Cádiz is the perfect summer study-abroad location for high school students looking to gain all the benefits of a Spanish language immersion program, while enjoying the beauty of the Spanish coast. Ultimately, this unique Spanish homestay program is designed for students seeking intensive Spanish immersion, with the option of participating in a wide range of elective classes, specialty workshops and weekend excursions. |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
All students are enrolled in the daily Spanish language course as their program major. The experiential nature of the course allows students to practice their Spanish in real settings, making the learning process both practical and fun. Students select one of the following courses to serve as their tri weekly elective.
Spanish Conversation and Culture
Strengthen your communication skills and increase your vocabulary with this conversational Spanish language course. On-site discussions are geared toward the practical improvement of pronunciation, syntax, and oral comprehension, while fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary Spanish culture and civilization.
Contemporary Spanish History, Politics, Society and Culture
Discover the fascinating story of a nation whose diversity was
forcibly hidden for decades behind the legacies of flamenco
dancing and bull fighting during this introduction to contemporary
Spanish history, politics, society and culture. Students will discuss
Spain’s transition from dictatorship to democracy and the unique
challenges its rapidly changing society faces today as a result. No
knowledge of Spanish required.
Survey of Spanish Literature
Considered an introduction to Spanish literature of the 19th and
20th centuries, students will read selected works from key authors
of the time followed by in-class discussion. Intermediate and
advanced levels.
Introduction to Flamenco Dance, Music and Culture
This elective course serves as an introduction to el baile flamenco, both as an art form and as one of Spain’s most celebrated cultural legacies. Classes include historical seminars and studio work.
Digital Photography
Learn the basic principles and applications of digital photography as an artistic medium. Classes emphasize visual concepts, as well as basic image capture and camera functions. Important topics covered include the manipulation of camera settings, controls, lighting, and exposure. No knowledge of Spanish required.
OPTIONAL WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
In addition to their weekly major and elective courses, students have the option of participating in cultural workshops and seminars. Enrollment is optional, and space is available on a first-come, first served basis. Summer workshop and seminar topics include:
• La Caleta Beach Community Service Project
• Introduction to Spanish Film
• Spanish Tapas Tasting
• Water Sports
• Art History and Architecture of Southern Spain
• Introduction to Salsa Dancing
• Flamenco Guitar
HOUSING
A good homestay experience is the foundation for a successful Spanish immersion program. We make every effort to match our students with the right homestay, taking into consideration their preferences and needs, in order to help them adjust as quickly and comfortably as possible. Homestays are typically located in quiet residential neighborhoods that are a short walk from our classrooms. On average, students spend 4 evenings per week at home enjoying dinner and activities with their homestays. The remaining evenings are spent with the Cádiz group where students enjoy group meals and a variety of cultural and recreational options.
DAILY SCHEDULE
We begin each weekday with the Spanish Language course. After their morning classes students have a midday recess to enjoy lunch and the town of Cádiz. During the afternoons, you will attend either your elective course or have the option of participating in a variety of workshops, seminars and activities. Evenings not spent with your homestays provide additional options for cultural, athletic and social activities, as well as group meals and free time. Activities change daily and take full advantage of the diversity of options available. Activities include local community service projects, museum visits, salsa dancing classes, visits to local monuments, guided historical tours, Spanish cuisine workshops, tapas tastings, beach volleyball, swimming and much more!"
Sample Daily Schedule
9:00-9:30 Morning Group Meeting
9:30-12:30 Spanish Language Class
12:30-2:00 Afternoon Break and Lunch
2:00-5:00 Tri Weekly Electives OR Afternoon Activities
5:00-7:00 Free Time
7:00-8:30 Dinner: Restaurant, Stipend or Meal with Homestay
8:30-11:30 Evening Activities
11:30-12:00 Face-to-Face Nightly Check-in, Return to Homestay
DAY TRIPS
Weekend day trips expose students to some of Southern Spain’s most celebrated towns and cities. Excursions include the town of El Puerto de Santa María, famous as the departure point of Christopher Columbus’s second expedition; a visit to Jerez, for its annual equestrian spectacle, and beach excursions to Conil.
OPTIONAL TRAVEL EXTENSION: Seville and Córdoba
Seville is one of the most popular and exciting cities in Spain! Students can choose to spend 4 nights in this former capital of the Moorish kingdom, famous for its century-old flamenco tradition and thriving artistic culture. Students visit the world famous Alcázar, tour the Guadalquivir River, climb to the top of the Giralda tower and explore lively plazas and diverse neighborhoods.
Students will also take a special overnight trip to the city of Córdoba. At times a capital of both Roman and Eastern rule, the city of Córdoba has one of the world’s most extensive and fascinating cultural heritages.
DATES + FEES
Click here to view this program's dates and fees.
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