Palma De Mallorca, Spain (language And Culture) Universitat De Les ...
Palma de Mallorca, Spain (language and culture)
Universitat de les Illes Balears
environmental studies / globalization / internship / mediterranean studies / spanish language / tourism
program snapshot
what you’ll learn
• Study Spanish while living in the city of Palma de Mallorca; all levels offered
The Language and Culture summer program is designed for students just begin-
• Classes include visits to sites of socioeconomic, natural, and cultural importance
ning to learn Spanish or for those wishing to further develop their language skills,
related to tourism, the marine environment, and the history of the Mediterranean
while studying the socioeconomic and cultural impact of tourism in the Balearic
• Become immersed in Spanish culture; program includes a homestay, inclusion of
Islands, the Mediterranean marine ecosystem, and the history and culture of Mal-
Spanish university students in CIEE activities, and language exchange
lorca on the Mediterranean. The program gives students daily interaction in Palma’s
• Participate in an internship at local hotel (for students who attend both sessions)
academic and social cultures through homestays, class-related excursions, and
an internship opportunity in a local hotel.
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(language and culture) Palma de Mallorca, Spain
thoughts from abroad
academics
Academic Program
determine their appropriate placement for the
If I were to define my own identity, I would just say,
environmental studies / globalization / internship / mediterranean studies / spanish language / tourism
Established in 2006, the CIEE Study Center at
language course.
“Mediterranean.” For me, Mallorca embodies the essence of a
the Universitat de les Il es Balears provides
an academic summer program for students
While extracurricular activities and personal
modern Mediterranean island: beautiful beaches and dramatic
interested in tourism studies, biology and
travel contribute to the student’s overall
cliffs, charming mountain towns and castles, windmills in the
environmental studies, and/or Spanish
study abroad experience, attendance in class
Mediterranean culture. Participants also
is paramount. Any extended travel should
fields, Cabrera Island’s national park, history and traditional
have the opportunity to develop or improve
take place prior to the start of the program
fiestas, craft fairs and markets, street musicians and artists,
their Spanish language skills, while learning
or upon completion of the program.
about Spain through living in Palma. Students
cultural diversity, and direct flights to most Spanish and
who participate in both sessions may under-
Nature of Classes
take the Tourism Internship at a hotel during
Participants take classes with other CIEE
European cities. Palma is big enough to support a large
Session II.
students only.
cultural offering and host immigrants from all over the world,
Academic Culture
Language Environment
yet welcoming and approachable for a period of study, to form
Classes are held at Sa Riera, a University
As students gain proficiency in Spanish,
friendships, and become immersed in the culture.
building located right in the center of Palma.
resident staff encourage them to use their
Class sizes are small, and all professors in
language skills in everyday settings. This fos-
the Language and Culture summer program
ters a learning community that contributes
Most past participants especially value having made friends
are accustomed to teaching U.S. students.
to both Spanish language proficiency and
with many European exchange students. Another trait of
The program comprises two sessions; stu-
understanding of Spanish society.
dents may choose to participate in one or
Palma that CIEE students value is how sincerely the locals
both. Courses meet every morning or after-
Grading System
have welcomed them, especially the families with whom they
noon for three hours from Monday through
Students are graded on the basis of class
Friday, with occasional outings. CIEE courses
participation, in-class activities, homework
live and their University friends, who helped them get to know
combine lectures, readings, films, active par-
assignments, examinations, papers, and in
Palma and to love the island and its culture.
ticipation and group discussion, class-related
some cases oral presentations, much like
visits and study trips, and laboratory analy-
in the United States. Grades are given on a
sis. Students are expected to be prepared for
ten-point scale.
class. Language classes are taught entirely
— Antonia Ferriol, Resident Director
in Spanish. Students are given a placement
exam in Palma prior to the start of classes to
About the Resident Director
Dr. Antonia Ferriol earned her Ph.D. in Spanish Literature from The Pennsylvania State Univer-
sity. Antonia has published articles on the contemporary Spanish novel and taught Spanish
language and literature at Middlebury College and Denison University. In 2001, she returned
to Spain to teach at the Universitat de Illes Balears. Dr. Ferriol was the Resident Director of the
CIEE Study Center in Alcalá in 2002 and moved to Barcelona in 2003, where she served as
the Resident Director of the CIEE Study Center for two years. Antonia speaks Spanish, English,
and Catalan.
About the Resident Coordinator
Susan Estay joined the staff in 2006. A native of Chile, she has lived in Mal orca for the past
27 years. Susan studied psychology at the Universitat de les Illes Balears. Susan coordinates
student housing, cultural activities, and excursions.
about palma de mallorca
where you’ll study
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic Islands. Founded by the Romans in
Founded in 1978, Universitat de les Il es Balears (UIB) is rooted in the culture of the
123 BC, the city has inspired musicians, artists, and writers for centuries. Mallorca
Balearic Islands, with a strong commitment to serving society and respecting the
is an island marked with contrasts, from tiny traditional shops with Modernist
environment. A public institution with 15,000 students, UIB has a modern campus
facades to small villages with stone houses in the middle of the mountains, from
with libraries, a bookstore, computer labs, sports facilities, medical services, res-
long sandy beaches and dramatic coves to the urban and multicultural city of
taurants, and cafeterias. With the Serra de Tramuntana mountains as its backdrop,
Palma. Mal orca enjoys a mild climate, a beautiful landscape, urban life, and tra-
UIB is just a 12-minute metro ride from the city center. The Language and Culture
ditional culture.
summer program is located in a UIB building right in the city center, no more than
a 15- to 20-minute walk from the homestays.
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Palma de Mallorca, Spain (language and culture)
living
culture
Housing and Meals
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
Housing and most meals are included in
The academic program is supplemented
the program fee. Students live in Spanish-
with cultural activities and field trips. These
speaking homes where they have breakfast
include visits in Palma (Bellver castle, Almu-
and dinner with the family. During the week,
daina Palace, Arab baths, City Hal , museums,
lunch is at the students’ expense and may
cathedral, historic district, and a bike tour on
be taken at UIB cafeterias or restaurants
the coast). In addition, the program includes
throughout Palma. On weekends, al three
day excursions to historical and natural sites
meals are taken with the family.
around Mallorca, such as the towns of Vall-
demossa, Deiá, Sóller, Pollença, and Alcudia;
Housing is in the center of Palma. Students
the natural beaches of Es Trenc; the island of
can walk from their homestays to Sa Riera,
Cabrera; the Cape Formentor; and the canyon
the University building in which classes
of the Torrent de Pareis. Visits supplement
meet (no more than a 20-minute walk). For
classwork and introduce students to the rich
students choosing the Tourism Internship in
diversity of the geography and culture of the
Session I , the University places students in
Balearic Islands.
the hotel where the internship takes place;
room and meals are included.
CIEE also organizes cultural activities de-
signed to bring American and Spanish UIB
Orientation
students together. These include conver-
A mandatory orientation session, conducted
sation exchanges with Spanish students,
at the beginning of the program, introduces
a Spanish cooking class, game and tapas
students to the country, the culture, and
nights, opportunities to attend movies or the
the academic program, as wel as provides
theater, beach picnics, visits to flea markets,
practical information about living in Spain
and participating in traditional celebrations
eligibility
duration
and Palma. Orientation themes include the
around the island.
Spanish university system, banking, safety,
• Overall GPA 2.75
Session I
how and where to shop, money issues, and
Field Study
• For CIEE content courses in Spanish and
3½ weeks: early June–late June
cultural adaptation. The Spanish language
Each content course also includes field
the internship, 4 semesters of college-
placement test is administered during
study related to topics covered in class.
level Spanish or equivalent
Session II
3½ weeks: late June–mid-July
this time. Orientation includes both struc-
Sites may include prehistoric areas, vil ages,
tured cultural activities and independent
natural parks, monuments and museums,
Sessions I and II
sightseeing. Spanish students also partici-
traditional fairs and markets, areas of mass
7 weeks: early June–mid-July
pate in these activities. Ongoing support is
tourism and over-development on Mallorca,
provided on an individual and group basis
rural eco-tourist sites, social agencies work-
throughout the program.
ing with immigrants, and environmental and
governmental agencies.
immersion
costs
Internet
Students have free access to the computer
lab in the Sa Riera University building, where
Guardian Angels
CIEE Fees
classes meet. There are also affordable In-
Guardian Angels are local University stu-
Summer 2009 (Session I or II): $3,100
ternet cafés located throughout the city of
dents who accompany CIEE students on
Summer 2009 (Sessions I & II): $6,100
Palma. All students are encouraged to bring
group activities and participate in field trips
Summer 2010: available 12/15/09
wireless-enabled laptops to use on campus;
and other events. Guardian Angels introduce
those participating in the internship are
CIEE students to the University and to the
The CIEE fees for 2010 include an optional
required to bring one. Homestays may or
culture of Palma.
on-site airport meet and greet, full-time
may not have Internet access.
leadership and support, tuition, housing and
Tutors
most meals, orientation, Guardian Angels and
Students have access to tutoring and should
tutors, cultural activities, local excursions,
consult with the Resident Director if they
day excursions to historical and natural sites
mallorca and tourism
feel they need additional help in any of
around Mal orca, a comprehensive student
their classes.
handbook, pre-departure advising, and a
Mallorca is the number one tourist destina-
The fact that the island economy depends
CIEE iNext travel card, which provides insur-
tion in Europe, with 12,000,000 visitors
mainly upon tourism has resulted in a
ance and other travel benefits.
annually and 81 percent of its local gross
stronger emphasis on such academic
national product tied to tourism. Some of
and research areas as tourism studies,
Estimated Additional Costs
Europe’s major tourism enterprises, such
business, economics, and environmental
(Summer 2009)
as Sol Meliá, Iberostar, Viajes Iberia, Air
sustainability. The Universitat de les Illes
Europa, Air Berlin, and Barceló have their
Balears School of Business offers a unique
Transportation
$ 1,350
headquarters in Palma. During the height of
and extensive program in tourism studies,
(round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)
the tourist season, the international airport
focusing on business and sociological per-
Personal Expenses
$ 500
becomes one of the busiest in Europe.
spectives. UIB also has a Hospitality School,
Additional Meals
$ 200
which offers courses related to tourism and
Books and Supplies
$
75
A tourist destination for nearly 100 years,
language
a four-year degree in hotel management. UIB
Local Transportation
$ 100
Mallorca experienced rapid tourist growth
students become specialists in the areas of
Total Estimated Additional Costs $ 2,225
beginning in the 1950s, with the island be-
hospitality and management at the national
Catalan
ing transformed from one of the poorest
and international level.
Castilian Spanish and Catalan are both of-
Check our website for current fees.
regions in Spain to one of the wealthiest.
ficial languages of the Balearic Islands. The
Mallorca is seeking new ways to protect its
majority of people are at least bilingual in
treasures by promoting upscale tourism,
Spanish and Catalan. During orientation, stu-
eco-tourism, and cycle tourism, declaring
dents are introduced to Mal orca’s cultural
areas like Cabrera Island as a natural park
differences and bilingualism.
and protecting unspoiled beaches.
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(language and culture) Palma de Mallorca, Spain
coursework
courses
Program Requirements
CIEE Language Courses
Students choose one language or content course per session. Some of the content courses
are taught in Spanish and some in English, while the language courses are taught entirely in
SPAN 1001 PALU
Spanish. Students who wish to take the Tourism Internship, which takes place in Session I ,
Beginning Spanish
must also participate in Session I.
(offered Session I and Session II)
This course is designed for students with 0–1 semesters of college-level Spanish. This begin-
Credit
ning language course is designed to bring students to communicative competency in the
Total recommended credit for each session is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours. Total recom-
Spanish language and to facilitate their immersion in Spanish life.
mended credit for both sessions is 6 semester/9 quarter hours.
SPAN 2001 PALU
Contact hours are 45 hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per
Intermediate Spanish
course, unless otherwise indicated.
(offered Session I and Session II)
This course is designed for students with 2–4 semesters of college-level Spanish. The prima-
Languages of Instruction
ry objective of this intermediate course is to allow students to achieve maximum communi-
English, Spanish
cative competency in the Spanish language and to facilitate their immersion in Spanish life.
Faculty
SPAN 3001 PALU
Language courses are taught by language teachers from Cursos de Español para Extran-
Advanced Spanish
jeros, an institution inside UIB that offers Spanish language courses. Content courses are
(offered Session I and Session II)
taught by UIB faculty.
This course is designed for students with at least 5 semesters of college-level Spanish. This
advanced language course is designed to provide students the opportunity to expand their
knowledge and command of the Spanish language in all areas: reading, writing, listening
comprehension, and oral communication.
SPAN 3003 PALU
Spanish for Students of Business and Tourism
(offered Session I-in Spanish; prerequisite: 3-4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent)
This course consists of an analysis of vocabulary and grammar related to various fields in
the business world (marketing, finance, management, tourism, and administration). It em-
powers students with a practical vocabulary and enables them to understand and analyze
various types of documents and articles common to the business world. Throughout the
course, each student develops the different sections of a business plan.
CIEE Content Courses
Students choose one of the following courses. CIEE content courses include lectures, critical
analysis of readings, films, guest speakers, and field trips.
ECOL 3001 PALU/ENVI 3001 PALU
Mediterranean Marine Environment
(offered Session II-in English)
This course provides an introduction to the Mediterranean marine ecosystem. The purpose
is to help students understand the local marine environment and the correct way to use and
manage its resources. Special emphasis is dedicated to human environmental impacts, pre-
ventive and corrective actions, sustainable development and conservation, marine protected
areas, and restoration. The course includes fieldwork in a fishery, the aquarium, on Mallorca’s
rocky coast, and the national park on the island of Cabrera. Some of the sessions meet in the
laboratory, where students analyze marine material they have collected in the field. Discus-
sion and evaluation of the coast is carried out by groups. No background in biology is needed
for the course, although biology and environmental studies students are welcome.
HISP 3002 PALU
Palma in the Mediterranean
(offered Session I -in Spanish; prerequisite: 4 or more semesters of college-level Spanish or
equivalent)
Taking advantage of the historical development of Palma as a crossroads of civilizations
and of its rich archaeological record, this course illustrates the relationship of Palma with
different cultures in the Mediterranean Basin. This is accomplished through the study
of its history, art expressions, architecture, and culinary and musical traditions.
HISP 3003 PALU
Globalization, Human Migration, and Tourism: The Balearic Islands as a Case Study
(offered Session I-in English)
With international tourism arrivals expected to reach 1.6 billion a year by 2020, this is be-
coming the world’s leading industry. This course focuses on the cultural, economic, environ-
mental, and political effects of globalization with a special emphasis on tourism and migra-
tion in the case of the Balearic Islands, Europe’s most popular tourist destination.
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Palma de Mallorca, Spain (language and culture)
(courses continued from previous page)
INSH 3001 PALU
a student’s story
Tourism Internship
(offered Session I -in Spanish; prerequisite: 4 or more semesters of college-level Spanish or
equivalent. Students with only 3 semesters of Spanish need to take Intermediate Spanish or
Studying abroad in Palma de Mallorca was a life-altering
Spanish for Students of Business and Tourism in Session I.)
experience for me. The summer program incorporated the
The Tourism Internship gives students the opportunity to apply their academic and language
skills in a professional context while working full-time in a local hotel. Internships require 120
language and the culture of Spain through many elements
work hours and additional weekly sessions with a faculty member. The academic component
of the experience.
requires the following: a research project analyzing and applying academic aspects to the
student’s internship experience; a professional journal explaining the day-to-day activities
and observations about the internship; weekly meetings with their academic tutor from the
The Resident Director, Antonia, and the Guardian Angels de-
UIB; participation; and presentation of a final report. Students who undertake an internship
signed excursions that were both fun and educational. On
must also participate in Session I. Contact hours: 120. Recommended credit: 3 credits/4.5
quarter hours. Note: The Tourism Internship lasts four weeks and ends in late July. Students
the night of Saint Joan’s, a celebration of summer’s begin-
undertaking an internship must stay a few days longer than the official program end date.
ning, everyone went to the beach and enjoyed bonfires and
friendship, an unforgettable local tradition. One of my favorite
weekend excursions was the trip to Soller. We took an old
train through the mountains to the other side of the island
to enjoy the incredible beach scenery. The Castle of Bellver,
the only round castle in Spain, and the Gothic Cathedral were
also invaluable excursions. The nightlife on Palma was an
excursion all on its own. My suggestion: a stop at the club
Level to lie outside on a white sofa and take in the indescrib-
able sunset view.
Living with a family was one of the most important aspects
of the program. My host family was extremely hospitable and
made every attempt to make sure that I was as comfortable
as possible. Candy, mi madre, introduced me to Spanish cui-
sine with nightly home cooked meals. She assisted me with
my language transition and informed me of the best local
spots. While living with my host family, I was fully immersed
in the language and had a firsthand glimpse of the traditions
and customs of the culture.
At the CIEE Study Center in Palma, I believe I reached my high-
est potential of learning the language. UIB classes, tutoring
opportunities with professors, and meetings with Guardian
Angels were structured so that students of every level could
learn to the best of their ability. My Guardian Angel and friend,
Esther, was more than happy to meet at a café and review
troublesome material.
One of the most important takeaways from the international
experience was insight into myself. For me, studying abroad
was not just a requirement for a major; it was also a discov-
ery of who I really am. I would highly recommend this both
personalized and broad-spectrum experience to any student
seeking an opportunity to further their knowledge in Spanish,
and into themselves.
— Shannon Wagner, The Pennsylvania State University
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