Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Hours completed	12
Student Conduct	Good status
Grad credit	No
Non-WIU	No
Pre-requisite	SPAN 121 or permission of instructor
Student Year	Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Entry Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until at least December 31, 2025.  For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see Passports 101 .
Current passport processing times are 6-8 weeks.  Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your ETIAS, visa, airine tickets, and other necessary items for travel.  Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel permit required for US citizens.  Starting in the first half of 2025, all citizens allowed to enter Europe without a visa are required to have an ETIAS travel permit.  More information, including a link to apply, can be found on the ETIAS website .  ETIAS cost not included in program cost.

Visa required if not a US citizen. It is your responsibility to check the Consulate of Spain in Chicago's website for more information.  Visa cost not included in program cost. 

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you are on your program.  Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) from International Medical Group (IMG)

 

Health Precautions

COVID-19 - You are REQUIRED to follow the policies of your host country, the CDC and TSA.  It is your responsibility to know and understand these policies.  If policies change before or during your Course, it is your responsbility to comply with the new policies.  Failure to do so can result in removal from your Course and/or the host country, financial consequences and academic consequences.

Walking/mobility/travel - Walking included in excursions but varies in length and intensity.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day, sometimes over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs.  Some excursion sites and historic areas have limited handicapped accessibiity.  Sidewalks in these areas can be narrow with uneven surfaces. 
You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage.

Environmental - Average daytime temperatures are in the low 70s to low 90s for this time period.  Excursions and some portions of the Course will be conducted outside, rain or shine.  Sun protection is strongly recommended.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel  if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. 

Vaccination - No vaccinations are required for entry into Spain.  Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Accessibility - Accessibility and accommodation are very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$5,000-$5,500 based on a minimum of 10 students
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging, entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	January 31, 2025
Payments
Non-refundable deposit	$1,575 due February 28, 2025
Second payment	$1,000 due April 1, 2025
Final payment*	Balance due May 1, 2025

* Costs subject to change based on student enrollment, exchange fluctuations and flight costs.

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals .

 

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: February 28, 2025.  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and increased costs.

ETIAS copy deadline: May 1, 2025

MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2025

Academics

Credit offered

SPAN 31 - Taught by Dr. Guada Cabedo-Timmons.  Includes cultural components of the program.

SPANN 499 - Taught by Colegio de España instructors.  Placement determined by Foreign Languages.

Participation in this program counts towards a Foreign Languages major or minor.  Option for Multicultural graduation requirement.

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Program fits your specific academic needs.  

Objectives/Activities

• Improve your speaking/listening and reading/writing skills in Spanish in a total language and cultural immersion environment
  
• Learn aspects of Spanish culture not easily gained from traditional classroom instruction--habits, food, traditions, etc.,--by living with a host family
  
• Learn about Spanish history and culture through tours and site visits in Salamanca
  
  

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Guada Cabedo-Timmons .