Application Deadline: March 1, 2017
Students on this program travel to three parts of Spain to learn about some of the critical issues affecting Spanish society in the wake of the global economic crisis. Students will have the opportunity to hear from a range of policymakers addressing these issues as well as affected groups and individuals, and will be encouraged to reflect and write on how Spain’s situation and efforts in these areas are similar or different from the US. Topics will include: the challenge of regional diversity and separatist movements, debates about feminism, the Roma community, integration of immigrants and minority rights, activism against housing evictions, youth unemployment and the broader challenges and repercussions of economic austerity.
The four-week program will run in early fall 2017 and will be led by Dr. Edgar Kiser, UW Professor of Sociology, and Dr. Marisa Herrera, in the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity.
The program will begin with a three-day introduction to Spain in the nation’s energetic capital, Madrid. The session in Madrid is designed to introduce students to historical and contemporary Spain, and will include walking tours of the city, site visits and meetings designed to update students on the country’s current situation and challenges as seen from the nation’s capital.
Most of the program will be located at the UW Leon Center, taking advantage of the Center’s connections to the local community. The Leon Center is located in the heart of the old city in the 16th century tower of the Palacio del Conde Luna. Students will be housed in single-room dorms in Leon within walking distance of the Leon Center. The historic city is famous for its Medieval architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The very popular Camino Santiago pilgrims’ trail runs though Leon, and the city receives thousands of pilgrims and other visitors every year. A very livable and approachable small city, Leon is an excellent venue for getting acquainted with Spanish culture and society.
The program will conclude with a three day trip to the Barcelona, where we will again visit museums, talk with local politicians and activists, and spend some time enjoying local architecture and beaches.
Fast Facts:
- The program runs from August 22 – September 17, 2017 and costs $4,200.
- Costs includes all hotel accommodations (with buffet breakfast), all group travel, several group meals, airport pickups upon arrival, group excursions to Olympia, Mycenae, the islands of Aegina, Hydra and Spetses, the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, metro passes and group museum visits. It does not include airfare.
- Open to all UW students, no special language or other requirements necessary.
- This program is worth 5 credits
Click here to learn more and to apply!