| Location | Academic Structure | Travel |
| Cost | Eligibility | Financials |
| Housing | Credit | Insurance |
| Food | Orientation | Health |
| Program Structure |
Where is the program located?
The program is in Toledo, Spain, approximately one hour south of Madrid.
How much will it cost me to participate in this program?
See the Budget Estimate sheet, available at the Learning Abroad Center.
Are there any fees I will have to pay to apply?
There is a non-refundable $50 application fee.
Where will I live?
The program fee covers room and board in a residence (single, double, or triple rooms). Homestays are available for an extra fee.
When will I find out where I am living? With whom will I live?
You will learn about your living arrangements once you are on site. While no guarantee can be made, program staff will make every effort to place you according to requests you submit on your housing request form.
How close will my housing be to my classes?
Depending on which housing you choose, you could live in the same building or have a 15-20 minute bus ride, or you may live farther outside the city and have the host family drive you to and from school.
Will I be able to meet and interact with people from the country I am studying in?
Yes! The Fundación program staff will set up intercambios with students in the area. You will also have opportunities to interact in local shops and restaurants–taking the initiative to talk to people will greatly facilitate your interactions.
Where will I be eating my meals?
At the Fundación or with your homestay family.
Are there food options available for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, with some variations. Being vegan is difficult in Spain—the word didn't exist in Spanish for some time. It is possible, but realize you need to be flexible.
Who is in charge of this program?
The Learning Abroad Center office is your main US contact. The overseas partner is La Fundación Ortega y Gasset.
Who will I work with for all my pre-departure planning?
The Learning Abroad Center is available to answer any sort of pre-departure questions you may have.
How much work will I need to do on my own to prepare?
Before departure, you will have to obtain a passport and visa for study in Spain, as well as attend orientation and fill out the necessary paperwork from the Learning Abroad Center.
What subjects can I study?
The curriculum crosses the spectrum of the humanities, and course offerings vary each term. You will pre-register through the Learning Abroad Center.
Will I know the exact classes I'll be taking before I leave?
No. Final registration will take place on site.
How many students are accepted into the program and does the program usually fill before deadline?
Because of its large capacity, the program doesn't normally fill.
Who will I be taking classes with and who will teach my classes?
The program enrollment averages around 100 students in any given term. About 75% of the students are from the US, and 25% are usually from other countries. Courses are taught by Spanish professors.
How often will I attend class?
Classes are held Monday through Thursday.
What language are my courses taught in?
All of the courses in Toledo are taught in Spanish.
How will I know what level of language I should be in?
You will need two years of university-level Spanish.
Is the Global Identity course required?
No, but this course is highly recommended and will help you make sense of the new ideas and experiences you encounter while abroad. Global Identity is a 1-credit, online course that will help you gain a better understanding of how to apply your new intercultural skills to your post-graduation plans.
What are the eligibility requirements for this program and do I have to take any prerequisite classes before I go?
The program is open to freshmen and above and does not require student or university status. A 2.5 GPA is required, and a “B” average in Spanish is preferred.
Do I have to be an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota to participate?
No. Neither student nor University of Minnesota status is required.
Am I too advanced for this program?
No. The program can even benefit native Spanish speakers. Students from Puerto Rico and other parts of Latin America participate. It is impossible to be under-challenged based on your level of Spanish.
How many credits will I receive and what kind of credit will I get?
You will receive 12–18 credits for a semester session, 6–9 credits for a summer session, or 3 credits for a May session. All classes must be taken with an A-F grade base. All credits and courses transfer as University of Minnesota Resident credit. Grades, credits, and course titles will all appear on each student's University of Minnesota transcript.
How long will it take for my credits to show up on my transcript?
It will take about 6–8 weeks after completion of the program for your grades to show up.
How will I know if these credits will count toward my degree requirements?
All the Toledo classes are pre-approved for the Spanish major and minor at the University of Minnesota, but you must still meet with the Spanish Department to ensure proper course selection. For other majors, you must meet with your major adviser.
Will I attend an orientation before I leave?
Yes. University of Minnesota students and students from surrounding colleges are required to attend an orientation approximately six weeks before departure. There will also be an orientation on site shortly after you arrive.
Are there any other meetings I will have to attend?
You will attend meetings with your advisers and the financial aid office if appropriate, but there are no other mandatory meetings with the Learning Abroad Center. There are advisers to answer your questions if you need help.
Will I have to arrange my own travel or will it be arranged?
You are responsible for your own travel. The dates listed in your program brochure are generally the same as your arrival and departure dates. There will be a group flight option, and you will be sent that information after acceptance.
Is there a group flight?
Yes, but it is not mandatory.
Will someone meet me at the airport when I arrive?
If you are on the group flight, a staff member from Toledo will greet you in Madrid, and a bus will take you to Toledo. If you are an independent traveler, you will receive an explanation of arrival procedures three weeks before your departure.
Can I travel during this program?
Yes. Weekends and most Fridays are available for independent travel.
Are there any excursions planned during this program and will I have to pay for them separately?
There are four semester excursions (three for summer) that are included in the program fee, and one optional excursion that is not included.
Can I use my financial aid for this program?
Yes. If you are a University of Minnesota student, you will need to obtain a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) from the Learning Abroad Center after you are accepted.
Can I use my scholarships for this program?
Scholarships can usually be applied. Check with your scholarship provider.
Are there any scholarships that I can apply for?
The Learning Abroad Center offers scholarships. Visit the Scholarships page for more information.
Will I be covered by insurance while abroad?
Yes. The program insurance covers you in Europe for the duration of the program. This cost is included in your program fee. You will only have to pay out-of-pocket prescription expenses.
Do I need to keep my US insurance while I'm abroad?
Yes. It is recommended that you maintain your current insurance in order to cover pre-departure, return, and pre-existing conditions.
Are there any vaccinations I will need to get before going?
You need to check the Centers for Disease Control website for an update on possible shots. Currently there are no vaccinations required in order to enter Spain.
What should I do about the prescription medicine I take?
Have your prescriptions filled before you leave the country.
Last modified on November 21, 2008 |