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About the Program
Live and study in the walled city of Toledo, home for more than 2,000 years to a succession of Roman, Jewish, Visigoth, Moorish, and Christian civilizations. Declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, Toledo is a living museum, a preserved part of Spanish history where people still live, work, and play. A city of 50,000, Toledo offers an intimate environment where students can be immersed in Spanish culture through coursework, internships, and daily life.
This program is offered in collaboration with the prestigious José Ortega y Gasset Foundation and the University of Minnesota. Based in a converted 16th Century convent, the program offers modern learning facilities surrounded by spectacular views of the city, and easy access to the downtown area and public transit. In addition to the opportunity to improve Spanish language ability, the program offers a wide range of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Located just an hour from Madrid, Toledo is an excellent base from which to explore Spain.
Visit here for images and student profiles for this program.
This program is offered collaboration with the Department of Spanish and Portuguese and other University departments.
About the Program Sponsor: Learning Abroad CenterLearning Abroad Center sponsored programs are:
- Affordable: our programs are cost effective.
- Academically strong: many programs have strong University of Minnesota departmental support and offer pre-approved courses for many majors.
- Culturally rich: regardless of the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Expertly managed: our staff in Minnesota and abroad are trained professionals and are always available to answer your questions from pre-departure to reentry. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and we work hard to ensure you have a rewarding, and safe, experience abroad.
Enjoy individual attention from native Spanish-speaking program faculty who are dedicated to their topics as well as to each participant. Classes are taught by faculty chosen from the staff of the Fundación Ortega y Gasset, the majority of whom hold degrees from renowned American or European universities and/or have experience teaching at such institutions. All faculty are specialist in their academic field and in the field of teaching foreign students.
Housing & Meals
The program is based in San Juan de la Penitencia Residence, a renovated 16th Century convent located in the heart of Toledo. The residence includes dining, classroom, library, recreational and housing facilities. Meals are included in the program fee and are taken at the residence or with the host family.
Live in the Residence. Single, double, and triple rooms with shared bathrooms are available, and residence occupants are almost entirely program participants.
Live with a Spanish family. Participants may also live with a Spanish family. Enjoy your own room in a Spanish home and home-cooked meals.
Meals are included in the program fee and are taken at the residence or with the host family. Click here for a comparison of host family and residence housing.
Excursions & Social Activities
Four one-day excursions (three in summer) are included in the cost of the semester program to provide participants with cultural and historic perspectives of Spain. Visits are made to such sites as Madrid, Aranjuez, Cuenca, the grand El Escorial, Segovia, and the Route of Don Quixote. The excursions are typically held on Fridays to complement the Monday through Thursday class schedule. An optional extended excursion to Avila-Salamanca (fall semester) or Andalucia (spring semester) is available for an additional fee. All trips are led by faculty who specialize in their respective areas.
Contact a Past Participant
Below is a list of students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.
- Sarah A—Spanish major, gender, women, and sexuality studies minor, fall semester 2007
- Andrew C—Spanish and Portuguese majors, fall semester 2007, ESL tutor
- Casey K—Sociology of law, crime, and deviance major, Spanish studies minor, fall semester 2007, internship
- Joshua L—Spanish and physics majors, secondary education minor, fall semester 2007, homestay, internship
- Erin R—Spanish major, management minor, fall 2007, internship
- Laura S—Spanish major, fall 2007, internship
- Claudia VT—Spanish studies and English majors, fall semester 2007, internship
Rosina H—Nutritional sciences major, spring semester 2005, Residencia - Chris Z—Political science major, spring semester 2005, Residencia
- John W—Art major, fall semester 2004, homestay, internship
- Gina M—Spanish major, fall semester 2004, homestay, internship
Access Abroad
Persons with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to explore opportunities abroad. The Learning Abroad Center and Disability Services are collaborating to enhance access to study abroad for students with disabilities. Go to the Access Abroad web page for more information.
Last modified on October 8, 2008 |