MAJ09440 Spain

Spain occupies the south-western tip of Europe, along with Portugal. This location has made Spain an important historical, religious, cultural and linguistic contact zone where Europe and Africa have met and coexisted, often uneasily. The centre of a vast international empire from 1492 to 1898, in the 20th century Spain was ruled by General Franco in one of Europe's longest-running fascist dictatorships (1937–1975). Since 1975 and the restitution of a parliament-based constitutional monarchy, one that also permits significant regional autonomies, the Spanish people have enjoyed high standards of living and a climate of cultural liberalisation. Spain has also been a key player in drives towards European union, and since the early 1990s has become an important receiver country of immigrants from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, with Romanians, Ecuadorians and Moroccans forming the largest minorities. With a population of 47 million, Spain is one of the world's top tourist destinations, attracting more than 45 million visitors annually. While Castellano (Spanish; Castilian) is the official state language, other resilient regional languages (Basque, Catalan, Galician) reflect contemporary Spain's profound cultural heterogeneity.

Students in the Spain major have the opportunity to learn Castilian, to learn about Spain and Spain's place in European and international affairs, and to spend an academic year of study at universities in Barcelona, Cádiz, Granada, Logroño, Madrid, Málaga, Pamplona, Santander and Zaragoza. The UTS Language and Culture program accepts students with varying degrees of language ability, ranging from complete beginners to native speakers.

Students spend two consecutive semesters studying language and culture at one of the following universities through arrangements made by UTS: International Studies:

• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona
• Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz
• Universidad de Granada, Granada
• Universidad de Málaga, Málaga
• Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño
• Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid
• Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
• Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona
• Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona
• Universidad de Cantabria, Santander.
• Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza

Students are assessed separately each semester, based on subjects undertaken at the host institutions, as well as project work administered by UTS: International Studies.

Students may expect that slightly greater costs will be incurred through undertaking a period of in-country study in Spain than are involved in living away from home in Sydney and that these costs vary from location to location and fluctuate with exchange rates.

Locations

Barcelona

Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, and the capital of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, has long been a centre for artistic and architectural developments, as well as social progressiveness. It is also one of the most industrialised of Spanish cities.

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) campus consists of teaching and research centres, libraries and laboratories. Located 40 minutes from central Barcelona by commuter train, the UAB is, in effect, a separate university town. The university community is made up of 43,000 students, 2700 teachers and researchers, and 1200 administrative staff. The UAB's 11 faculties offer a wide range of study and research, including the humanities and social sciences, law, business studies, health sciences, experimental sciences, art and design, technology, and engineering. Catalan is the primary language of instruction at UAB; a very limited number of subjects are offered in Castilian.

Students who select Barcelona for their period of in-country study spend two consecutive semesters studying language and culture at UAB. In their first semester, UTS students at UAB study Spanish language and culture. During the second semester, students select three electives from a list of options on contemporary Catalan and Spanish history, culture, politics, economics and society.

This site is only available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish and are prepared to undertake classes and subjects taught in Catalan, and depending on student demand in a given year.

Cádiz

Located in the extreme south-west of Spain on the Atlantic ocean coast, Cádiz is the capital of Cádiz Province in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. A small city with a population of some 125,000, it is nonetheless a great destination given the ease of movement the city provides. The old city is particularly significant for the number of heritage buildings it contains.

The Universidad de Cádiz (UCA) is a young university, founded in 1979, with a student body of some 21,000. It is particularly noted for its marine science and medicine courses. Other disciplines taught at the university include: modern languages, health, engineering, labor relations, law, and education.

In their first semester, UTS students at the main campus of the UCA study Spanish language and culture subjects. During the second semester, students select three electives from a list of options on contemporary Spanish history, culture, politics, economics and society.

Granada

Granada is a medium-sized city in Andalucía, home of La Alhambra and Sacromonte, and one of the most picturesque and visited tourist locations in Spain. Although it has a constant and significant influx of tourists from all over the world, the city does not have a large foreign community living there long-term.

The Universidad de Granada (UGR) is the third largest university in Spain, and, having been founded in 1531, it is also one of the oldest. It enrols over 80,000 students annually and is an important and prominent institution in this city of only 270,000 inhabitants. The university teaches in all the main areas of study. Its faculties include fine arts, architecture, information studies, science, physical education and sport, education, human resources, economics and management, psychology, sociology and political sciences, humanities, translation and interpretation, law, pharmacy, medicine, engineering and information technology, and various associated centres offering nursing, dentistry and others. The campus has modern facilities including IT access, a large library system and sport facilities. It is centrally located and the city has a good public transport system.

Granada has a thriving cultural life. There is a mountain range half an hour away with excellent skiing in the winter, and the beach is only one hour away. Granada is also well connected to other major cities and tourist areas in Andalucía and has direct flights to Madrid and Barcelona.

In their first semester, UTS students at UGR study Spanish language as well as enrol in one elective subject. During the second semester, students select three electives from a list of options on contemporary Spanish history, culture, politics, economics and society.

This site is available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish, and depending on student demand in a given year.

Logroño

Logroño is the capital of the Autonomous Community of La Rioja, the most important wine-producing region of Spain. La Rioja is the smallest autonomous community in Spain, bordered by Navarra, Castilla y León, and Aragón. The city has a population of about 150,000, and is surrounded by picturesque valleys and mountains. It was founded by the Romans and forms part of the famous Camino de Santiago, alongside many monasteries and castles that can be found in the area.

The Universidad de La Rioja attained university status in 1992, having been part of the University of Zaragoza previously. The student population currently numbers some 7500. The university offers 26 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a number of disciplines. Most foreign students who attend this university come from non-English-speaking backgrounds.

Students who select Logroño for their period of in-country study spend two consecutive semesters studying language and culture at the Universidad de La Rioja through arrangements made by UTS: International Studies. In the first semester, students further their Spanish language skills, and, if their Spanish levels permit, have access to other subjects as determined by the university. During the second semester, students select a number of electives from a list of options on contemporary Spanish history, culture, politics, economics and society.

This site is available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish; such students may enrol in an advanced Spanish language class as an elective, subject to their faculty's approval.

Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the country's largest city, with a population of some five million, including the city's outlying districts. Madrid is situated in the geographical centre of the country and is regarded by the Spanish state as an autonomous community in its own right. It also wins the prize for being the highest European capital in terms of altitude, being some 700 metres above sea level. Home to some of Europe's most important art galleries and museums, including the Prado, Madrid is a dynamic metropolis, with a cultural life on par with the other great European capitals. It also boasts a vibrant night-life and an excellent public transport system. Two universities are available for students wishing to study in Madrid.

Universidad Antonio de Nebrija is a private university with a high academic reputation in Spain and abroad. It has two campuses: one in the city (Dehesa) and one on the outskirts (Berzosa). The Dehesa campus is readily accessible by metro. The Centro de Estudios Hispánicos, where intense Spanish languages classes are held, is located on this campus. The facilities at both campuses are impressive, as befits this modern, well-run university. Students enrol in intensive Spanish language and culture classes at Dehesa campus in first semester, and in second semester choose from a variety of subjects on contemporary Spanish history, culture, politics, economics and society taught at Berzosa campus.

This site is not available to UTS exchange students.

La Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Charles the Third University of Madrid) (UC3) is a medium-sized university with some 19,000 students, two percent of whom are international students. Among its offerings are highly respected degree programs in business, law, political science, economics, international studies, accounting, journalism and biomedical engineering. The facilities at all three of UC3's campuses are impressive, as befits this modern, well-run university, founded in 1989.

Students who select Carlos III for their period of in-country study spend two consecutive semesters studying language and culture at UC3 through arrangements made by UTS: International Studies. In the first semester students further their Spanish language skills and, if their Spanish levels permit, they have access to other subjects as determined by the university. During the second semester students select a number of electives from a list of options on contemporary Spanish history, culture, politics, economics and society.

This site is available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish; such students may enrol in an advanced Spanish language class as an elective, subject to their faculty's approval.

Málaga

Málaga is a thriving city on Spain's south Mediterranean coast and a popular international tourist destination. The city is close to some of the most historically and architecturally significant cities in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, such as Granada and Córdoba, and the Moroccan African coast is only a short ferry ride away.

Founded in 1972, the Universidad de Málaga has become one of Spain's most dynamic tertiary institutions, especially in the fields of technology, tourism and Andalusian studies. The university has eight faculties and 11 schools, and caters for a wide range of studies and research in the humanities and social sciences, health sciences, experimental sciences, technology, business, law, engineering and tourism. The university is split into two campuses and has modern resources, including excellent libraries, an Olympic-quality sports centre and a range of student services. Spanish language classes are offered at a language centre in the city while Teatinos campus, where students study in second semester, is 15 minutes from central Málaga by bus.

In their first semester UTS students at the Universidad de Málaga undertake Spanish language classes, and in second semester three elective subjects from the regular curriculum of the university.

This site is available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish; such students may enrol in an advanced Spanish language class as an elective, subject to their faculty's approval.

Pamplona

Pamplona, or Iruña as it is known in Basque, is the capital of the Autonomous Community of Navarra, in the north of Spain. Navarra is one of the wealthiest regions in Spain, and while Castilian is the dominant language, Basque is also spoken by a significant proportion of the population. Pamplona is famous for its Fiesta de San Fermín and the associated running of the bulls. In-country and elective students have two options in this city.

The Universidad de Navarra is located on the outskirts of Pamplona in a leafy and spacious parkland setting along the banks of the Sadar River, some 20 minutes from the city centre by bus. One of the best technologically equipped tertiary institutions in Spain, the university prides itself on its commitment to fostering an active student community through various social, cultural and sporting activities. Of the 13,500 students in its undergraduate programs, between 600 and 700 come from overseas, half of those from Latin America. The university was founded in 1952 and currently offers 27 degree courses in a range of faculties and schools, some of its strengths being business studies, journalism, nursing, law and education.

This site is available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish and depending on student demand in a given year.

In their first semester, UTS students at the Universidad de Navarra undertake intensive Spanish language and culture classes. In their second semester, students enrol in classes from the general undergraduate program in a range of faculties, depending on university admission requirements.

The Arrosadía campus of the Universidad Pública de Navarra is located in the south of Pamplona in spacious parkland. An excellent public transport system of buses links the campus to the city proper. Established in 1987, the university is now ranked as one of the most dynamic and outward looking of Spanish universities, with a student body of some 11,000. Unlike most older Spanish universities, Pública is divided into 20 departments, rather than faculties, including Physics, Chemistry, Agrarian Production, Geography and History, Philology and Linguistics, Economics, Statistics, Engineering, Automation and Computer Science, Health Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Private and Public Law, and Psychology. Teaching and student facilities are excellent.

UTS students at the Universidad Pública de Navarra enrol in two elective subjects as well as undertake Spanish language classes in their first semester. These classes are taught using the innovative method of the renowned Instituto Cervantes, which combines formal classroom teaching with computer-based learning. In second semester, students undertake three elective subjects from the regular curriculum of the university.

This site is available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish, and depending on student demand in a given year.

Santander

Santander, the largest city in the Autonomous Community of Cantabria, is a medium-sized city of 200,000 inhabitants, located on the northern coast of Spain and home to the best surfing beaches in the country. The campus is centrally located, surrounded by modern residential areas popular with students, and easily accessible by public transport from other parts of the city.

The Universidad de Cantabria (UC) is a modern university currently enrolling around 13,000 students. It has a modern campus with all necessary facilities. Student flats are close to the campus and there is good public transport to other areas of the city.

Students who select Santander for their period of in-country study spend two consecutive semesters studying language and culture at UC through arrangements made by UTS: International Studies. In the first semester students further their Spanish language skills and, if their Spanish levels permit, they have access to other subjects as determined by the university. During the second semester students select a number of electives from a list of options on contemporary Spanish history, culture, politics, economics and society.

This site is available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish, and depending on student demand in a given year.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is the largest city and capital of the Autonomous Community of Aragón, in the north of the country to the west of Catalonia. It is the fifth most populous city in Spain, with some 750,000 inhabitants. The city is very much marked by a history of occupation and cultural mixing, with Roman, Moorish, Medieval and Gothic styles evident in the cityscape.

The Universidad de Zaragoza (UZ) is one of the oldest and most respected tertiary institutions in Spain. Founded in 1542, the university now has some 40,000 students, and teaches and researches across many disciplines, including: engineering and technology, humanities, experimental sciences, health sciences, law and social sciences.

Students who select Zaragoza for their period of in-country study spend two consecutive semesters studying language and culture at UZ through arrangements made by UTS: International Studies. In the first semester students further their Spanish language skills and, if their Spanish levels permit, they have access to other subjects as determined by the university. During the second semester students select a number of electives from a list of options on contemporary Spanish history, culture, politics, economics and society.

This site is available to exchange students provided they have university-level Spanish, and depending on student demand in a given year.

Completion requirements