Academic Focus
The Spanish Language & Culture program at Antonio de Nebrija University is designed for students at the low intermediate level and above who are interested in focusing their studies primarily on the exploration of Spanish language and culture. By immersing yourself in an entirely Spanish learning environment, you will expand your language skills and increase your knowledge of Spanish culture and history. All courses will be taken at the university's Dehesa de la Villa campus, located a short distance from Moncloa, a popular university district in Madrid.
You will enroll in four to five courses, combining language classes with electives. Spanish language courses focus on oral expression, vocabulary development and listening comprehension. Electives are offered in a variety of subject areas such as Art History, Cultural Studies, Communication and Sociology. All electives are designed to help you further expand your language skills while increasing your knowledge of the Spanish culture. Elective course options are available to all students, but there are very few options at the low intermediate level. Therefore, low intermediate students are required to enroll in the Early Start option in order to improve their language level to intermediate.
Early Start
This program also features a unique Early Start option, where you will arrive early and take a four week intensive language preparation course. This course, focused on grammar and conversation, is designed to help you adjust to the university setting and prepare you for the semester placement exam. Please note, students at the low intermediate level are required to enroll in the Early Start option in order to raise their level to intermediate.
All semester courses meet for a total of 45 contact hours each semester. Students generally receive 3 semester credits per course, for a total of 12 - 15 credits per semester. Students participating in the Early Start option will receive an additional 80 contact hours of language instruction, which is usually worth 5 credits in the US semester system.
Schedule Summary
All semester classes meet either two or three times per week, for a total of 3 hours per week. Classes may be held on any day of the week and are offered at various times throughout the day. During the intensive language portion of the program, students will meet Monday through Friday for a total of 20 hours per week. Class times vary and your final course schedule will be determined onsite.
Course Registration
You will begin your session with a placement exam on both written and spoken competence. You will then be placed in classes with other students of your own language level in one of five language levels: Beginner, Low Intermediate, Intermediate, High Intermediate or Advanced & Above. Course content increases in difficulty with every level. In order to ensure that you receive credit for the level that you place into, it is in your best interest to have courses at several levels approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.
All students are required to complete an elective selection form prior to departure. This form must be returned to the CEA Tempe office with your confirmation deposit, or no later than the application closure date for your program. Any changes to your course selection after registrations have been finalized must be coordinated through Antonio de Nebrija University onsite.
