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Our Education Abroad Programs

Winter Term Programs

Business and Conversational Spanish in Argentina

This winter-term program in Argentina is an opportunity to earn 6 credits that satisfy requirements for the Spanish major and minor. Course offerings: SPN 341 taken in conjunction with SPN 317 enables students to improve oral proficiency, language skills, and foster cultural awareness. Students also explore business concepts and practices pertaining to several key industries involved in Argentina’s economy, such as tourism and agriculture. Outside of the classroom, students experience Argentinian life, via living with host families and engaging with the community through cultural events and excursions. This program is unique as it travels to various locations throughout Argentina and home stays are arranged and planned by the director — not involving a third-party provider. This allows for flexibility to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience abroad.
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Integrating Spanish and Health in Costa Rica

Integrating Spanish and Health aspires for students to make comparisons and critically reflect upon healthcare practices. This involves the institutional delivery of healthcare in both the United States and Costa Rica. Students will live with host families in Heredia, a city in Costa Rica, for thirteen days. During that time, students will learn about the healthcare system in Costa Rica, interact with and observe healthcare professionals as they work with patients, learn about longevity in the Blue Zone, and investigate alternative medicinal practices. In addition to attending classes, students will attend lectures about the healthcare system in Costa Rica — plus participate in workshops and simulations at a medical school to acquire practical skills.
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Spain: The Way is El Camino

The Way of St. James is a journey like no other to deepen understandings of Spanish and European cultures (and, by extension, both Western civilization and pilgrimage studies). It is something that anyone out of the hundreds of thousands who have done El Camino would be more than likely to corroborate. This course takes place during three weeks of the winter term, while hiking along The Way of St. James (Camino Mozárabe and Camino Francés — a UNESCO world heritage site).
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Summer Term Programs

Immersion Spanish for Intermediate Level Students

Immersion Spanish (SPN 201/202) offers a great opportunity to study Spanish, live with a host family in Costa Rica, and volunteer in the community for three weeks. In a five-week period, students will be able to complete two semesters’ course work and meet the CAS language requirement. The first two weeks of class will take place online and will prepare students for the last three weeks of immersion in Costa Rica. Once students arrive in Costa Rica, they will live in the city of Heredia. Heredia is an important cultural center for Costa Rica and has managed to retain a typical Latin American pueblo feel despite increasing modernization. It is home to the National University and is only 20 minutes from the airport and the capital city of San José. Known as the "City of Flowers" for the colorful tropical vegetation in the surrounding mountains, Heredia provides the convenience and manageability of a smaller city (pop. 75,000). As tourism is minimal in Heredia, students experience a truly authentic cultural and linguistic immersion during their stay. 
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Summer in Spain

In this academic and cultural immersion workshop, students experience Spanish culture from multiple perspectives. The program offers courses in the Spanish language, Spanish literature, and Spanish linguistics that taught by Miami faculty in Spain. Along with regular Miami classes, all students will be part of a multifaceted cultural experience that will be filled with immersion and hands-on experiences — including cuisine courses. 

Students can complete up to 9 credit hours, including thematic sequence options and major requirements. All credit hours count toward the requirements for Spanish minors and majors, although all majors are welcome. These courses satisfy both university and several departmental and program requirements, including the Global Perspectives requirement of the Miami Plan.
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FAQs about Education Abroad in Spanish

Can I study abroad even though I am a Zoology (Art, Chemistry, etc.) major?

Yes! Most students can, with some careful planning, work study abroad into their program. Remember that Miami Plan courses, primarily in the fine arts and social sciences, are available in most recommended programs in addition to those directly related to the Spanish major or minor.

I have loans to pay for school; isn't studying abroad a lot more expensive than attending Miami?

Programs vary in cost, some more, some less than Miami’s tuition. There are interest-free loans exclusively for studying abroad, study abroad scholarship opportunities, and the possibility of utilizing existing loans and federal aid for the study abroad program.  

When is the best time to schedule study abroad?

Most study abroad programs are designed to serve the needs of juniors. It is possible that you will be ready before that point, and in some cases after. There is some flexibility here. Deadlines for application are usually mid-way through the previous semester, eg. for spring semester, plan to apply by end of Sept-early October.

How do my credits/grades transfer back to Miami?

Currently, only the credits (not the grades) transfer from programs abroad (we are working to change that!). With the proper paperwork, classes abroad can be counted for specific courses at Miami, including classes for your major, minor, or even Miami Plan. You should talk with the CDA of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese before departure in order to choose specific courses. Once you return, these courses will be accredited according to your prior agreement or adjustments made according to specific circumstances.

I love Miami, why would I leave to study abroad?

We all love Miami, but going abroad is an important part of a complete education, and essential for students majoring in a foreign language. Immersion in language and culture is the fundamental step toward achieving fluency. Students learn so much about the world and themselves while abroad. It is always a challenge to work international travel into life, and even harder to actually live for an extended period abroad. Do it now, while you can: you won’t be sorry. Studying abroad also looks amazing on resumes!

Wouldn't it just be easier for me to study abroad after I graduate when I have more time and money?

The time to study abroad is now. You may have more money after graduation, but you won't have more time. Now is when you have the most time-flexibility in your life. Make the most of it.

Will I graduate on time if I study abroad?

The earlier you plan, the better. You can set aside classes and take them abroad. Spanish majors and minors should talk to the Departmental CDA as soon as you know you are interested; all students should contact the appropriate divisional advising office about your courses in general.

Are classes abroad a lot harder than classes at Miami?

Most students say that classes abroad are NOT harder than classes at Miami. Just different. It is a very different atmosphere in non-American classes, which is exactly why we study abroad in the first place! 

Isn't it too dangerous to study abroad nowadays?

Statistically, you are far more likely to have an accident at home than on a study abroad experience. If you use the same caution you would when visiting a big U.S. city, you won't have any trouble.

So, the Department’s CDA helps me choose programs and courses. Whom can I talk to about the rest of the process?

The Office of International Education in 216 MacMillan Hall is devoted to helping students with the non-academic part of the study abroad: finances, visas, etc. They also maintain a list of student reactions to the various programs. And don't forget to talk with the appropriate divisional advising office. Make planning part of the adventure!

Contact the Department

Irvin Hall South Entrance