Spain Exchange

Universitat de Lleida (Catalunya)

Each year, two Centre students will enroll in the Universitat de Lleida in northern Spain (Catalonia) and will take classes in the mainstream university community. There will be no Centre faculty on-site and students who choose this option will need to be mature, motivated individuals who are open-minded, self-sufficient, adaptable, and resourceful.

Eligibility. This program is only open to juniors and seniors. Because there are no courses specially-designed for international students, participants will need to have an advanced knowledge of Spanish. Preference will be given to Spanish majors and minors who will have completed SPA 250 prior to departure. Some basic Catalan also helpful, but not required. Courses will be conducted in Spanish.

Housing. On-campus housing is not an option. In Europe, most university students either live at home and commute to school, or they rent apartments or rooms near campus. Centre students will likely share an apartment with other students, but the variety of housing options will be discussed during the international student orientation period prior to the start of the term. During the semester they spend in Lleida, Centre students participating in this program will not pay room-and-board to Centre; they will instead use that money to pay for their housing and meals in Spain.

Dates. Students should be aware that a semester in Lleida lasts longer than semesters at Centre. Students who choose to study in Lleida in the fall spend CentreTerm there as well; those who study in Lleida for the spring should expect to be in Spain from mid-January through mid-July.

Orientation. Before the UdL semester begins, all international students participate in a two-week orientation to the university, the city, and they are enrolled in an intensive, 40-hour course in beginning Catalan.

Grades. Upon conclusion of the term in Lleida, the students' courses and grades will transfer back to Centre as upper-level credits in SPA. Some of these may be applied to the student's major coursework, while others will count as electives.

How to Apply. By February 5, 2013, interested students should submit to Julie James:

1. A 500-word essay in Spanish describing your academic experience to date, your reasons for wanting to go for a semester to Lleida, and your goals or expectations (personal and/or academic) for the term abroad;

2. The names and contact information of three references who can attest to your character (maturity, independence, adaptability, resilience, and curiosity) and/or to your academic ability (language skills, potential for success, interest areas).

* After the committee has had a chance to read your essay and contact your references, you may be asked to appear for an interview.

Cost. The The comprehensive fee (for tuition & fees, room, and board) is the same as for study in Danville, except that 1) there is a $350 surcharge, and 2) students pay for their own airfare to and from Lleida. All financial aid arrangements in Danville continue in Spain. During the semester they spend in Lleida, Centre students participating in this program will not pay room-and-board to Centre; they will instead use that money to pay for their housing and meals in Spain.

Medical Insurance. Students studying abroad through any Centre program receive travel and accident insurance at no additional cost. Centre's Study Abroad Insurance, while provided through EIIA (Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators), is administered through AIG Assist. Every student studying abroad with Centre College receives an AIG Assist contact and information card as well as a passport sticker. Each has the Centre insurance policy number, which is the only information needed to receive services. The categories of coverage provided are: accident and sickness ($100,000 limit with a $250 deductible); emergency medical evacuation and emergency family travel ($100,000 limit); accidental death and disability ($200,000 limit); and repatriation of remains ($100,000 limit). For specific questions, please contact the International Programs office at 859.238.5285 or leigh.cocanougher@centre.edu.