Living in Spain

You will depart either in the middle of August or the second week of January on a group flight organized by the program, and spend two weeks living together at a university dorm in Salamanca. During an informal “boot camp,” you will become acquainted with Spanish culture and with each other and have the opportunity to bond as a group.

Lunch at Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. FALL 2005

Lunch at Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. FALL 2005

Colegio Delibe  provides a language immersion course (50 classroom contact hours) tailored for the specific needs of each student. Escuela Internacional also conducts group tours, and introduces students to practical aspects of life in Spain  The program personnel organizes orientation meetings to review specific issues addressed in the Student Handbook –Safety and Security; Hopkins rules of conduct abroad; what to expect when living in a Spanish household; tips for navigating  the Madrid transit system; etc. Also the Academic Director provides individual academic advising sessions.

Students and Resident Director, Manuel Colás, in El Escorial. FALL 2007.

Students and Resident Director, Manuel Colás, in El Escorial. FALL 2007.

To help the student adapt to Spanish customs and see how Spaniards actually live, the Academic and Resident Directors treat the group to coffee in the Plaza Mayor, tapas in local bars, etc.

Donna, Alice, Candice and Sanchita in Madrid. FALL 2005.

Donna, Alice, Candice and Sanchita in Madrid. FALL 2005.

The process of social and cultural orientations that began in Salamanca continues in Madrid. You will be given a crash-course introduction to the public transit system on the day after you arrive and will be taken on an excursion on a Madrid tour bus, a surprisingly pleasant way to discover the basic geography of the city, at the end of Orientation Week.

Life in a Spanish-speaking household is an essential part of the learning experience we seek for you. You will live in the university-approved housing arranged by the Housing Coordinator. All homes are located near transit stops in central Madrid, most with easy access to Atocha Station and the cercanías line and buses serving Universidad Carlos III. Host families provide private rooms, weekly laundry service, and most meals –breakfast and dinner every day and lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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