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Spanish Language and Culture
in Toledo, Spain

June 22 - July 25, 2008



This program is coordinated by Northern Illinois University’s Study Abroad Office (SAO) and sponsored by the NIU Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and Español en Toledo (ESTO), an affiliate of the Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha.

PROGRAM DATES: Students should plan to arrive in Toledo on Sunday, June 22, 2008 (see “Arrival in Spain” section). The academic portion of the program will officially begin with the commencement of classes on Monday, June 23, 2008. Classes will end on Friday, July 25, however, students may reside in the dormitory or with their host families until Sunday, July 27.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: Every year since 1984 ESTO (Español en Toledo) has been offering a variety of courses on Spanish Language and Culture, aimed at non-natives, under the auspices of the University of Castilla - La Mancha and the sponsorship of the Patronato Universitario de Toledo. The overall objective of this program is to provide students with the opportunity of living in Spain for five weeks, while also being immersed in the language and culture of contemporary Spain. The program endeavors to provide enrichment of the student’s general culture through small classes in the picturesque old part of the city, along with a strong orientation toward both humanistic learning and more pragmatic studies in Spanish business and commercial correspondence. Not only does the program increase the student’s knowledge of Spanish, both written and oral, but a series of afternoon cultural lectures and field trips on dance, film, cuisine, historical monuments and museums provides opportunities to expand one’s cultural knowledge beyond the formal literary, historical and commercial course work of the morning classes. In addition, the program includes various field trips to unique and exciting cultural and historical sites.

NIU PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Professor Michael Morris is an associate professor of Spanish and ForMichael Morris, NIU Professor of Spanish and Foreign Language eign Language Education at Northern Illinois University, as well as coordinator and primary instructor of the programs in Elementary/Intermediate Spanish and Foreign Language Teacher Education. Professor Morris came to NIU in 1996 after serving on the faculty at Northwestern College (Iowa) for two years. He holds the B.A. degree in Anthropology/Sociology and French from Rockford College, and the M.A. (in Spanish) and Ph.D. degrees (in Foreign Language Education) from the University of Iowa. In addition to coordination duties, Professor Morris teaches courses in foreign language teaching methodologies in Spanish language. He has also led two previous study abroad programs to Costa Rica.

UNIVERSIDAD DE CASTILLA - LA MANCHA FACULTY: Professor Enrique Lorente is an evaluator for the Department of Education of Spain and a professor of the History of Spain and Toledo in the Center for Spanish Language and Culture of the University of Castilla, LaMancha, Toledo. His publication topics include social sciences, with special emphasis on the medieval history of Toledo. Publications include, “Routes of Toledo" (1993); "Toledo" (1995); and “Study of the Situation of the Historical City Limits of Toledo" (1997). Professor Lorente won the 1981 "City of Toledo" prize for historical research and currently holds a seat on the Council of Urbanism and the Toledo City Council.

THE UNIVERSITY OF CASTILLA - LA MANCHA: Classes will be held at the beautiful Palacio de Lorenzana, foToledo's cathedralrmerly the residence of a Spanish Cardinal. The University of Castilla - La Mancha is a modern comprehensive Spanish university, with campuses in Albacete, Cuidad Real, Cuenca and Toledo. It was founded in 1982 by combining several university centers which had formerly been under the direction of the University of Madrid. Today it consists of 33,000 students, 7,000 of them at the Toledo campus, and 1,200 faculty organized into 25 departments. The Toledo campus consists of Faculties of Law and Social Sciences; Environmental Studies; Humanities; Engineering; Nursing and Physical Therapy; Physical Education; and Education.

Participants in this program will have access to the University library, housed in the lovely San Pedro Mártir Building, along with the same rights and privileges as Spanish students (sports clubs or cultural activities) for free or reduced prices.
Map of Spain
TOLEDO: THE SITE OF THE PROGRAM: Toledo, the most important city in Medieval Spain, has a very rich cultural history and is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places in all Castile. A fortress town since pre-Roman times, Toledo was the ancient capital of the Visigothic Kings. Retaken from the Moors by the King Alfonso VI in 1085, it became the most important political and social center of Spain throughout the Middle Ages and early Renaissance. It was the scene of a fusion of Christian, Arab, and Jewish culture, an example of which was the School of Translators established by Alfonso X the Wise in the 13th century. Many of its buildings show Islamic influences, including former mosques and the Mudéjar synagogues of Santa Maria la Blanca (12th century) and El Tránsito (14th century). The Cathedral is generally considered the most Hispanic of Spanish Gothic cathedrals. In fact, the historical heritage is so rich that the whole city is a veritable museum. In the 16th century it was the home of the great Greco-Spanish artist, El Greco, many of whose paintings can be seen in some of the buildings of the city, as well as in his former home which has been preserved as a museum. The Alcázar or fortress which dominates the city was begun about 1531 to a design by Alonso de Covarrubias, with a fine patio by Francisco Villalpando. Toledo’s narrow winding streets, its ancient walls, medieval castles and bridges, make it one of the most picturesque cities in Spain. Currently, it is home to over 60,000 Spaniards and a short train ride from Madrid. Toledo is one of the most attractive possible sites in which to learn the language and absorb the atmosphere of Spain.

PROGRAM AUDIENCE: This program is open to advanced undergraduate level and graduate level students. Students should have an interest in Spanish language and culture, along with a desire to increase their knowledge of these areas through the means of an on-site experience (see section entitled, “Eligibility Requirements”).

CLASSES: The program will be conducted totally in Spanish. Students may enroll for a maximum of two courses, or 6 semester hours of credit. Each class will meet for one hour Monday through Friday. Students enrolled for graduate level courses will meet for an additional one hour session daily with Professor Morris. Class attendance is mandatory. Students will also be required to attend informal meetings each day that will provide orientation, exploration and study of Toledo and its culture and history. All students will be required to submit a paper for each class on a designated topic by a deadline to be designated by the professors. Ten-page papers are required of undergraduate level students and 15-page papers are required of graduate level students. The papers will be submitted to Professor Morris on the last day of classes, Friday July 25.

ACADEMIC CREDIT: Participants are required to enroll in one or two of the following courses:

FLSP 438, Contemporary Spanish Literature - undergraduate credit
FLSP 461, Hispanic Civilizations - undergraduate or graduate credit
FLSP 482, Foundations in Spanish Sociolinguistics – undergraduate or graduate credit
FLST 540D, Research Seminar in Literature: Spanish - graduate credit
FLST 561D, Research Seminar in Civilization and Culture: Spanish - graduate credit

An instructor from the Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha will teach FLSP 414, Spanish Business Communications, which is an optional course.

The courses taken while participating on a study abroad program cannot be audited.

UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT:
Undergraduate participants are required to enroll in FLSP 461 and/or FLSP 438.
FLSP 438:     Contemporary Spanish Literature                                       3 semester hours
 
Prerequisite: FLSP 321, Masterpieces of Spanish Literature.
 
FLSP 461:     Spanish Civilization                                                              3 semester hours
 
Description: Development of the Spanish pattern of civilization from pre-Roman times to the present.
Prerequisite: FLSP 321, Masterpieces of Spanish Literature or FLSP 322, Masterpieces of Spanish-American Literature.
 
FLSP 482:      Foundations in Spanish Sociolinguistics                             3 semester hours
 
Description: Introduction to basic principles of Spanish sociolinguistics. Provides necessary background for advanced studies in Spanish sociolinguistics.
Prerequisite: FLSP 480, Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics.
GRADUATE CREDIT
Graduate level participants are required to enroll in one or two of the following graduate level courses offered:
 
FLSP 461:     Spanish Civilization                                                              3 semester hours
 
Description: Development of the Spanish pattern of civilization from pre-Roman times to the present.
Prerequisite: FLSP 321, Masterpieces of Spanish Literature or FLSP 322, Masterpieces of Spanish-American Literature, or consent of department.
 
 FLSP 482:     Foundations in Spanish Sociolinguistics                             3 semester hours
 
Description: Introduction to basic principles of Spanish sociolinguistics. Provides necessary background for advanced studies in Spanish sociolinguistics.
Prerequisite: FLSP 480, Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics.
 
FLSP 540D:      Research Seminar in Literature: Spanish                        3 semester hours
 
Description: Study of special subjects and periods of literature. May be repeated to a maximum of 15 semester hours (outside this program) as the subject and/or period varies.
Prerequisite: Consent of department.
FLST 561D:      Research Seminar in Civilization                                    3 semester hours
                          and Culture: Spanish
 
Description: Selected subjects in civilization and culture of the language area indicated. Specific topics will be announced. Any one language area may be repeated to a maximum of 12 semester hours (outside this program) when the subject varies.
Prerequisite: Consent of department.

ADDITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT OPTION: In addition to enrolling in FLSP 438, 461 or 482, undergraduate students may also enroll in FLSP 414, Spanish Business Communications which will be taught by a faculty member from the Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha.
 

FLSP 414:        Spanish Business Communications                                3 semester hours
                                                                                                                   Undergraduate credit only
Description: Practice in contemporary business and administrative communications and correspondence in Spanish.
Prerequisite: FLSP 411, Advanced Composition in Spanish.

COURSE PREREQUISITES: Students must have completed all prerequisites for each course.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

NIU STUDENT ADVISEMENT: Undergraduate students currently enrolled at NIU must consult with Professor Francisco Solares-Larrave, Director of Undergraduate Advising in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures (FL&L) and Professor Anne Birberick, Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, prior to selecting courses in order to ensure fulfillment of graduation requirements.

Graduate level students currently enrolled at NIU must consult with Professor Eloy Merino, Director of Graduate Advising in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures as well as Professor Birberick prior to selecting courses in order to ensure fulfillment of graduation requirements.

Students must obtain the signature of the appropriate FL&L advisor and Professor Anne Birberick, Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, on the Course Preference Form indicating approval of all course selections. The approval of the appropriate FL&L advisor and Birberick is mandatory before submission of the application to the Study Abroad Office. (See Course Preference Form for department sign-off section)

NON-NIU STUDENT ADVISEMENT: Students who are not currently enrolled at Northern Illinois University must submit an official transcript from their home institution when submitting their program application. The application and transcript will be reviewed by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures before admission is granted into the program. (See Course Preference Form for department sign-off section.)

APPLICATION FORMS AND DEPOSIT: Applicants must submit the following at the time of application:

$200 DEPOSIT: Each application is to be accompanied by a $200 check or money order (made payable to NIU). Applications that are not accompanied by the $200 deposit will be returned to the sender. (This $200 is also required of individuals who will be applying for financial aid.)

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES: Currently enrolled students must meet NIU Office of Admission or Graduate School, as well as Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences course and GPA requirements. Students must be in good academic standing at the time of application. Students who are on academic probation are not eligible to participate. Applicants must participate in the entire program and satisfy NIU undergraduate admission and course requirements.

For undergraduate students to be admitted to the program, an applicant's official transcript must be on file in the Study Abroad Office. Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript; the Study Abroad Office will make this request on behalf of the applicant. Students who want to participate in the program and earn academic credit from NIU who have not previously enrolled at NIU, or who are not currently enrolled at NIU, should ask the registrar at their home institution to forward an official transcript as soon as possible to the Study Abroad Office. (Student-issued and photocopied transcripts are not acceptable.) Questions relating to the admission requirements or transcripts should be directed to the NIU Study Abroad Office.

Students who desire to obtain graduate credit must either be admitted to a graduate program within the NIU Graduate School, or be admitted to the status of a "student-at-large" (SAL) within NIU's Graduate School. For students to be admitted to the program for graduate credit, the applicant's official transcript must be on file in the NIU Study Abroad Office. Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript. However, students who will participate in the program in order to earn academic credit as an SAL (students who have not currently enrolled nor previously enrolled at NIU) must provide a transcript from the baccalaureate institution and from any institution at which graduate credit has been earned. This document must be provided to the SAO before a student can be admitted as an SAL to the program. (Student issued and photocopied transcripts are not acceptable.)

NIU students cannot have any encumbrances against their records. Any encumbrances placed on a student’s records by NIU (i.e., the Graduate School, Undergraduate Admissions, Bursar’s Office, Accounts Receivable, Registration and Records, Health Services, Parking Services, etc.) must be cleared before a student is granted admission to a study abroad program.

FINAL DATE FOR APPLICATION: May 1, 2008. Applications submitted to the SAO after May 1, 2008, must be accompanied by a check or money order for the full program cost to be considered for acceptance in this program. Applications not accompanied by the full program cost cannot be accepted by the SAO.

TRANSATLANTIC TRANSPORTATION: Individuals will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements between the U.S. and Toledo, and for purchasing their own tickets from a travel agent or airline of their choice. (Travel insurance is recommended.) Participants should keep in mind that they need to arrive in Toledo on Sunday, June 22. Students should depart the U.S. no later than Saturday, June 21 in order to take advantage of the coach pick-up at the Barajas Airport in Madrid (see “Arrival in Spain” section).

For information regarding airfares and airlines students may wish to check-out additional airfare sites on the Internet.

ARRIVAL IN SPAIN: There will be a coach at the Barajas International Airport in Madrid on Sunday, June 22 at a time to be specified at a later date. The coach is optional; students may choose to find their own transportation to Toledo.

LAND TRANSPORTATION: Travel on program-related field trips will be by chartered coaches. Travel during free time is the responsibility of the student.

HOUSING AND MEALS: Students are housed in double rooms in the Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha residences located within walking distance (approximately 10 minutes) from Palacio de Lorenzana where classes are held. Three meals per day are provided Monday through Friday with the residence hall option. Students may request to live with a student from the NIU program, or with a student from one of the other programs from around the world being hosted by ESTO.

Students also have the option of staying with a host family in Toledo. The additional cost for this option is $485. Students normally become a part of the family. Meals are taken with the family, therefore making practice of one’s Spanish a necessity.

FIELD TRIPS: Students will participate in a two-day guided tour of Don Quijote sites, a guided day-trip to the Prado Museum in Madrid, a guided excursion to Segovia, and three guided tours of historical sites in Toledo itself.

PASSPORT: All participants are expected to possess a passport in order to participate in this program. Important Note: U.S. passports must be valid SIX months beyond the intended stay overseas. Individuals who do not currently posses a valid passport should apply for one immediately. Information on acquiring a passport is available at the U.S. State Department’s Website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. U.S. passport holders do not need special visas for this program. Foreign passport holders may need special visas for travel in Europe and are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS: These cards are provided as part of the program cost. The International Student I.D. card can provide discounts on international airfare. Students will receive an application and instructions for obtaining this card when accepted into the program.

The International Student Identity Card also includes a limited health and accident insurance policy which is only valid outside the U.S. Students will have to pay bills at the time of treatment and will be reimbursed later. Students should, however, have a more comprehensive insurance plan to supplement the ID insurance.

PROGRAM COST: Final date for submitting full program cost: MAY 1, 2008.
The cost of the program covers the following items and services:
  • Housing (June 22 - July 25) and three meals daily (double occupancy dorm or host family options).
  • Admission fees and land transportation for all program-related field trips.
  • If arriving in a group, transportation to and from Barajas International Airport (Madrid) to Toledo on Sunday, June 22.
  • International Student ID Card.
  • NIU tuition for 3 or 6 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate credit.
  • NIU major medical insurance.
  PROGRAM COST WITH DORM OPTION: $3,825
 
  PROGRAM COST WITH HOST FAMILY OPTION: $4,310
 

All prices quoted are subject to change. The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.

Non-NIU students should consult with their home institutions regarding additional costs that may apply to study abroad. Non-NIU students are responsible for any study abroad charges imposed by their home institution.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS: Other expenses that will be incurred by the participants include:

FINANCIAL AID: As a participant in a study abroad program through NIU, applicants may be eligible for: Pell Grant, SEOG, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, MAP Award or your privately awarded scholarship with consent of awarding organization. Tuition waivers do not apply.

Please contact Pamela Rosenberg, the International Programs business manager, in Williston Hall 407, (815) 753-9530, or prosenberg@niu.edu  for more information.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM: Applicants withdrawing from the program after April 1, 2008 will not be refunded the $200 program deposit.

Applicants withdrawing from the program after this date will also be held accountable for any funds obligated on their behalf. This provision is in effect even if the applicant has not submitted the $200 deposit or additional payments, and if the applicant is applying for financial aid.

If the applicant must withdraw after April 1, 2008 for medical reasons, the $200 deposit will be refunded only if the request is submitted to the Study Abroad Office in writing and accompanied by a signed statement from a physician on the physician’s letterhead. After this deadline, all funds obligated on your behalf can only be refunded if those monies are refunded to NIU by overseas agents and vendors.

CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM: The Study Abroad Office and ESTO reserve the right to cancel this program if the minimum required enrollment is not attained. If, prior to the commencement of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for Spain, all applicants will be notified promptly of the warning and the possibility of cancellation of the program. In the event that the program is canceled by the Study Abroad Office or the Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha, students shall receive a full refund of all monies. If, during the course of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for Spain, students will be promptly notified of the warning and the advisability of canceling the program.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSIDAD DE CASTILLA - LA MANCHA
RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ALTER OR CANCEL THIS PROGRAM
AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY!

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January 2008