API in Bilbao, Spain: Language and Culture

Description

Classes in this program are designed for international students who want to increase their Spanish language proficiency in an immersive setting. Students choose courses from the following disciplines: Spanish language, Hispanic and Basque culture, Spanish civilization, literature, and more. Classes are taught in Spanish and English. A student’s Spanish level is determined by a placement exam administered upon arrival by the University of Deusto. Students can take up to 15 credits per semester and can add additional courses for an extra fee.

COURSES WITH SPANISH STUDENTS
Students have the opportunity to enroll in up to two classes per semester with Spanish students. These classes are taught in Spanish and English. Students at all levels can enroll in classes with Spaniards that are taught in English as long as students meet the course prerequisites. However, API students must place into level Spanish III or higher in order to be eligible to enroll in classes with Spaniards that are taught in Spanish.

DEUSTO TANDEM PROGRAM
API students at Deusto have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Tandem Program, which facilitates intercultural exchange by matching full-time Spanish students with recently arrived study abroad students. It is a program with mutual benefits! The local Spanish students are eager to spend time with their API conversation partner and show them around Bilbao, and the API students are encouraged to integrate with local students and learn more about Spanish life, both inside and out of the university setting.

EDUCATION INTERNSHIP – 4 CREDITS
This internship is intended for students who wish to double-major in Spanish and Education at their home university and who are registered for Spanish III or have a higher equivalent level of Spanish language proficiency. The internship focuses on the observation of Spanish or English language classes (approximately 1 hour per week), and on the active participation of students as teachers in classes of English as a Foreign Language (about 3-5 hours per week) in primary or secondary schools (public or private). Academic meetings at the University of Deusto will be held on a regular basis (approximately 15 hours over the course of the term), and a supervisor will assist the students in the internship setting. Through these activities, selected readings, and written assignments, students will acquire useful skills for their future career as teachers. Students need to apply for the internship when they submit their application for their study abroad program. They are required to sign an agreement form with the basic information regarding the internships, together with a statement of intent and some information related to their background in education and classroom observation. An additional fee of $590 applies for this option.

BUSINESS INTERNSHIP – 4 CREDITS
The University of Deusto offers advanced-level semester and academic year students with a background in areas such as business, international relations, economics, or public relations who wish to experience a work environment related to their professional interests the opportunity to participate in the Business Internship. The goal of the Business internship is to complement the student’s academic background with an active participation in a work setting. Students are expected to gain professional self-awareness through observation, participation and analysis of professional activities, and through the interaction with colleagues in a work environment related to their field. A supervisor assists the student in the practicum setting. At the end of the internship program, the supervisor evaluates the quality of the student’s work during the semester by completing and evaluation form. At the University, CIDE faculty guide the students throughout the internship program. Meetings with an academic component in the University occur on a regular basis. Students spend a maximum of 10 hours per week at the work placement.

Students must apply for the internship at the time of application for their study abroad program in the University of Deusto. They are required to sign an agreement for with the basic information regarding the internships, and to send a current CV, together with a statement of intent. CIDE attempts to guarantee placement for all applicants. Previous work experience and professional interests are taken into account for placements. Placements depend on availability. An additional fee of applies for this option.

SPANISH LANGUAGE IN CONTEXT (DRAMA & CUISINE) PRACTICUM OPTION – 4 CREDITS
This option aims at improving students’ communicative competence in Spanish by allowing them to use the language in an interactive environment where they are both providers and recipients of in-context, meaningful input. There are two sections to the Practicum: Spanish Cuisine (2 U.S. credits) and Spanish through Drama (2 U.S. credits). An additional fee applies for this option.

Pre-Departure Services: Advising, @api Online Resources, Orientation Materials and Support, Mobile Phone, Peer Mentors, Social Networking, Scholarships On-Site Services: Airport Reception, Resident Directors and Staff, Housing (including meals and laundry with host families), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (overnight and international), Social and Cultural Activities, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, Volunteer Opportunities Re-Entry Services: Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni Network and Development Opportunities