General Description
Washington University's Summer Language Institute in Spain is a dynamic, intensive program in Spanish language and culture offering full immersion for approximately 6 weeks in Madrid and other areas of Spain. It is designed to accelerate the language acquisition process of intermediate students in Spanish and to introduce them to the experience of life in this modern European country with its very unique history and traditions. This program is intended to meet the needs of students from all areas of the university, including those who aspire to study business, social sciences, or humanities eventually at advanced levels in a Spanish-speaking country (for example, WU's programs in Spain or Chile) and wish to achieve skill levels rapidly. It is also intended for students at intermediate levels of the language who wish to attain a functional proficiency level and first-hand experience with Hispanic culture but have major requirements that do not permit them to be absent from campus for a full academic semester or year (including particularly students from preprofessional and natural science disciplines). The program is exclusively for Washington University students.
Courses
The Spain Institute offers 6 Washington University. Intermediate students, who complete Span. 307 (Composition I) or Span. 308 (Composition II) before summer, take Span. 311 (Culture and Civilization of Spain) for 3 credits, and Span. 322 (Contemporary Culture and Conversation) for 3 credits. (Both of these courses fulfill Spanish major and minor advanced credits, as follows: Spanish 311 counts either as 380 culture survey or as elective; Spanish 322 counts as elective only). Courses in Spain will be taught at the Instituto Internacional in Madrid and at other locations by regular Washington University Spanish staff and other specialists.
Location
The program will be based in the capital city of Madrid, with Span. 311 excursions to other historic cities, such as Toledo, Segovia, Avila or Granada. Students will be free on long weekends to visit different regions of the country (Andalucía or Barcelona/the Mediterranean coast). Through this structure, students will be able to experience the very active cultural life--museums, theater, politics, music and dance concerts, and other offerings--of Spain's capital, and also to learn about its smaller towns, countryside, and regional differences first-hand.
Housing
In Madrid students live with Spanish families selected by the Institute and evaluated by previous Washington University participants.
Cost
The total cost includes tuition for six Washington University credits, room and board, local and out-of-town excursions, and group cultural activities (visits to museums, theater, etc.). This does not include airfare to and from Spain, local public transportation, books and course materials, or personal spending money. At this time, the total cost is anticipated to be $6,100; drastic changes in the exchange rate may incur an additional modest surcharge to cover program costs.
Dates of Program
Dates for the 2013 program will be Sunday, May 12 - Tuesday, June 18, 2013
To Apply
Application deadline is Thursday, November 1, 2012. Please follow the links below to download all necessary forms. Please note that your application is not considered complete unless you have submitted all of the following documents: 1) application form, 2) waiver of responsibility signed by you and your parents/guardians, 3) one recommendation letter, 4) language assessment form from your current or former Spanish teacher, and 5) current transcript (nor required for freshmen). Please submit your application to Professor Elzbieta Sklodowska's mailbox in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, N. Ridgley 310. Applications received by November 1, 2012 will be given full consideration. After November 1, students will be considered on rolling admissions, as space permits. Professor Sklodowska will contact you for an interview after she has received your completed file. Once accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $750 is due by December 3, 2012 to secure your place in the program. In addition to financial support students may be already receiving from the University or other sources, the Department has a limited number of small, competitive awards for students with demonstrated financial needs accepted into the Institute. Important note: financial aid will be based on applications received by November 1st. We do not anticipate funds being available for applications received after the deadline.
Application Forms
All of these forms are required. They are now accessible from this website, as well as in the RLL Department Office on the 3rd floor of Ridgley.
- Application Procedures
- Application Form
- Recommendation Form
- Waiver of Responsibility
- Spanish Teacher Evaluation (online form)
- Spanish Teacher Evaluation (printable pdf)
If you are not able to download any of these forms, please refresh your browser and try again.
Questions should be directed to:
Elzbieta Sklodowska
North Ridgley 301
Ph. 314-935-7014
Interested students should check the institute bulletin board in the hallway outside of the Romance Languages & Literatures Department for photos of some of the previous Spain Institutes activities... or go to our photos page!
Program Director: Elzbieta Sklodowska
Assistant Director: Ignacio Infante
(Please direct all questions to Professor Sklodowska)