Spain: Intercultural Communication & Service Learning

*Please note:  The next time this program will run is Spring/Summer 2023. Details below are subject to change.

Ourense, Spain — This 3-week Study Abroad program focuses on building intercultural communication skills and competence for careers in business, health, education and more. Students will live with Spanish host families, experience the diverse language and culture of the region, and engage in discussions on cultural awareness.

Students will participate in a minimum of 20 hours of service learning placements in schools or a medical setting. 

Students will begin their journey in Ourense, located in the beautiful Galicia region of Northern Spain. We will continue our exploration of Spain through field trips to Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, “Old Santiago”, and more. The 3-credit course offered during this program will fulfill General Education requirements, making it attractive to students from any major. This program was designed to be accessible to NCAA student-athletes. There will be ample access to facilities and time for work-outs in order to accommodate training schedules.

Check out the VIDEO from the 2019 trip! 

Questions? Contact Alissa Lane at [email protected] or 616-331-3898

Email List For more information or to hear about upcoming info sessions, sign up on our email list! 

Faculty-Led
2.0 GPA Required
English Language Requirement
Issue Friendly

Program Dates and Application Deadline

Spring/Summer 2023

Program Dates: May 25, 2023 - June 16, 2023
Application Deadline: February 19, 2023 (Closed)

Dates are tentative

(3 weeks online followed by 3 weeks in Spain ) 

Courses

ITC 100: Introduction to Intercultural Competence and Communication (3 credits)

Fulfills General Education US Diversity requirement AND

Fulfills (1) General Education Issues course requirement.Reflection required

Language of Instruction: English

Housing

Host families

Cost and Scholarships

2023 PROGRAM COST:

Program Fee : $4,276

Includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Accommodation
  • Most meals
  • Field trips and fees
  • All ground transportation
  • Gym access

Other Expenses

  • GVSU Tuition (3 credits = $1,845)
  • Additional meals ($200)
  • Passport ($200)

Total Estimated Cost: $6,521

 

SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS:

Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad adviser can help you create a funding plan.

FACULTY-LED PROGRAM GRANT: (up to $1,500) All degree-seeking students who apply to their faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant of up to $1,500 from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a current FAFSA on file to be eligible. No application required.

** STUDENT ATHLETES ** Felix V. and Gladys A. Zukaitis Athletic Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to provide assistance to student athletes who excel academically. To apply, visit MyScholarships

** STUDENT ATHLETES ** Student-athlete Study Abroad Scholarship: The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a scholarship in spring/summer semester for student-athletes who have financial need and have not had the opportunity to pursue study abroad previously. To apply, visit MyScholarships

Global Programs Scholarship (Varies): The purpose of this scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad or complete an internship abroad.

James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship:  The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad. 

To apply for scholarships, visit the Study Abroad Scholarships page or  GVSU MyScholarships.

Gilman Scholarship For Pell Grant eligible students. Students are required to work with the GVSU Office of Fellowships ([email protected]) in order to apply. 

Eligibility

Open to all majors. 2.0 GPA required.

Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is required for participation in this program.

Already Applied

CDC Report

CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.

Checkout CDC Report For Spain

US State Department Information

The first step to an international trip is to read our Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to our safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region.  Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad.  If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas. 

Checkout US State Department Information For Spain

Contact Information

Spring/Summer 2023
Alissa Lane
Program Director
laneali@gvsu.edu
Justin Pettibone
Program Director
pettiboj@gvsu.edu

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