Spain Study Abroad- Semester Program

Can you say “Olé?” Students who participate in the Spain semester program study in Alicante, a beautiful city located on the Mediterranean about 3 hours southeast of Madrid. Classes are taken at the University of Alicante with students from all over the world. ¡Qué viva España!

Come see the beautiful coast of Alicante!

When is the program offered?

Students attend the semester program in the spring semester. The semester in Spain begins early in January and lasts through early April. Upon completion of courses, students can opt for extended travel time before returning to the states.

When and how do students apply?

Applications are available during the fall semester and may be picked up in the Department of Modern Languages (Jennings 107). The deadline for the semester program is the end of October. However, interested students should contact program director, Beth Stapleton (stapleto@mc.edu) or 601.925.7664 early in the semester for specific application information.

Who is eligible to participate?

All MC students, regardless of major, are eligible. The only language requirement is to have completed at least one college-level Spanish course.

What courses are offered?

Students can receive credit for up to 15 hours of Spanish, 1 hour of P.E. and 1 credit of chapel. Under special circumstances, Spanish majors can receive 18 hours of Spanish during the semester program. Courses range from Elementary Spanish to Conversation to Advanced Grammar to Art and History of Spain. Classes are taught by Spanish college professors who are trained in teaching Spanish as a second language. The University of Alicante has 22,000 students and is located on a beautiful campus. For more information about the University of Alicante, please visit their web site www.sri.ua.es

Are the course credits “MC credits” or do they transfer into MC?

Mississippi College is a “partner institution” of the University of Alicante. This means that students enroll at MC and register as if they were taking courses on campus. The courses that they will actually take in Alicante correspond to course numbers offered here. That way, students earn MC credit while learning abroad. There is no risk in losing credits through transferring hours.

Does the program include excursions to other cities?

Although the semester program cost does not include guided excursions, the University of Alicante with the Sociedad de Relaciones Internacionales sponsors weekend trips with all international students for a minimal price. Students may choose to travel independently, as well, to other parts of Spain and Europe.

Where do students live?

Students are required to live in a home-stay environment. This may be a single parent and child, a married couple, a retired couple, or many other options. The University of Alicante carefully selects the home-stay families and visits throughout the semester. If there are problems with housing, requests for changes are made with the Sociedad de Relaciones Internacionales. There is a detailed housing application to best match up students with the appropriate family.

How much does the program cost?

Each semester the program costs vary, but are comparable to studying on campus at MC. The program costs include tuition at MC and in Alicante, housing, and meals in the family home. The program cost does not include airfare and independent travel. Specific details about program costs are discussed in orientation meetings with the program director. Meetings occur early in the fall semester.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available and MC scholarships do apply. External funds, such as grant and loans, also apply to the semester program. Students should contact a financial aid counselor for details.

For further questions, contact Spain program director:

Dr. Beth Stapleton

Office: Jennings 107

email: stapleto@mc.edu

phone: 601.925.7664