Overview
Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- 3 semesters of college-level Spanish language or SPAN 3/SPAN 20 at Penn State
Program Description
Ronda is a small town of about 35,000 people located in the province of Malaga, in Andalucia, in southern Spain. Its history goes back as far as the Neolithic period. In the 6th century BC, it was settled by the Celts, then the Phoenicians, then the Romans in about 200 BC. In the 8th century, the Arabs made it part of the Cordoban Caliphate. Ferdinand and Isabel, the Catholic monarchs and sponsors of Christopher Columbus’ voyages, retook the city in 1485 as part of their reconquest of Spain.
Ronda is in a mountainous area, situated in an impressive escarpment (about 2,500 feet above sea level). The Guadalevin River gorge divides the city into old and new Ronda. The river lies nearly 350 feet below the bridges that span the canyon.
A popular tourist stop for visitors to Andalucia’s pueblos blancos, Ronda has hosted Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells, among others, who stopped for extended stays over several years.
Classes will be taught by Penn State and local faculty. All students will live with families while in Ronda. The program includes several cultural excursions. Please visit the Ronda site for more information.
Dates
Summer: May 14 - June 24, 2023
Program Note
This program may have limited space, so we recommend that you identify an appropriate backup program and complete the Education Abroad Backup Questionnaire in your Penn State Application when applying to this program. Should you not be accepted for your first-choice program, you will automatically be reviewed for your backup choice. For help on choosing an appropriate backup, please contact your education abroad adviser.
Program Leader Information
- Susana Garcia Prudencio, Assistant Teaching Professor of Spanish, Coordinator of the Spanish Basic Language Program, Penn State College of Liberal Arts
- Miguel Ramirez Bernal, Assistant Teaching Professor of Spanish, Penn State College of Liberal Arts
Course Descriptions
All students will be enrolled in 3 courses for 9 credits, from the choices listed:
- SPAN 100 (3 credits)- Intermediate Grammar and Composition
- SPAN 200 (3 credits)- Intensive Grammar and Composition
- SPAN 253W (3 credits)- Introduction to Hispanic Literature
- SPAN 297 (3 credits)- Spanish Language and Culture
- SPAN 397 (3 credits)- Special Topics (Spanish Culture)
- SPAN 410 (3 credits)- Advanced Conversation
- SPAN 497 (3 credits)- Special Topics (Spanish History)
SPAN 100 – Intermediate Grammar and Composition (3 credits) is an intensive course designed for students who have previously taken Spanish 3. This course is based on an integrated skills approach to intermediate Spanish that develops both your receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) skills simultaneously. In this way, students use multiple skills at once, as in real life, to develop your communicative skills in Spanish. The nature, pace, and level of complexity of the course may require that students spend more time studying than they might have needed to spend in previous courses. This will be especially true since it is an intensive course hosted in Spain.
SPAN 200 – Intensive Grammar and Composition (3 credits) is an intensive course designed for students who have previously taken Spanish 100. This course is based on an integrated skills approach to intermediate Spanish that develops both your receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) skills simultaneously. In this way, students use multiple skills at once, as in real life, to develop your communicative skills in Spanish. The nature, pace, and level of complexity of the course may require that students spend more time studying than they might have needed to spend in previous courses. This will be especially true since it is an intensive course hosted in Spain.
SPAN 297 – Intermediate Language and Culture is an introductory Spanish culture and provides a general view of the culture of Spain and the Spanish people. The overall goals of the course are to achieve a greater knowledge of the rich and varied Spanish cultural aspects. In this communicative course, students will also achieve greater fluency, accuracy, speed, pronunciation, intonation, and vocabulary. The course is largely a discussion-based class. Students are expected to come to class prepared and participate actively in the discussions or presentations.
SPAN 253W – Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3 credits) will introduce students to Hispanic Literature. Students will learn how to write, and will practice writing, critical and analytical essays based upon the different genres of literature studied in class. All students will write compositions during the semester, which will be written twice incorporating in the final draft suggestions made by their instructor. The writing of the second version will be preceded by a conference with the instructor in which they will make comments and suggestions to the students about how to avoid the same errors made in the first draft. The themes for all papers must be chosen in consultation with the professor.
SPAN 397 – Special topics (Spanish Geography and Culture) (3 credits) is a course for students who wish to go in depth Spanish language through Spanish culture and geography, providing a general view of the culture of Spain and the Spanish people. It is designed for those who have achieved a good basic fluency, and who already have a good command of grammar in Spanish. The overall goals of the course are to achieve a greater knowledge of the rich and varied Spanish cultural aspects like art, cuisine, lifestyles, etc. In this communicative course, students will also achieve greater fluency, accuracy, speed, pronunciation, intonation, and vocabulary. The course is largely discussion-based. Students are expected to come to class prepared (i.e., not only having done the readings but also having considered them in depth) and participate actively in the discussions or presentations. The course also has fieldwork, with activities such as field studies to local markets, museums, interviews, etc.
SPAN 410 – Advanced Oral Expression and Communication (3 credits) is an advanced Spanish conversation course that is not intended for native/heritage Spanish speakers. It is designed for those who have achieved a good basic fluency, and who already have a good command of grammar in Spanish. The overall goals of the course are to achieve greater fluency, accuracy, speed, pronunciation, intonation, and vocabulary, in a variety of contexts, using cultural and current events to initiate conversation. Students should aim to develop more native-like oral expression.
SPAN 497 – Special Topics (Spanish History and Art or Linguistics): TBD
Course Selection
Students are required to take the prescribed courses listed above as participants on the program. The Education Abroad Office will register you for these courses. To determine how these courses will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
- Research courses offered on your program.
- Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements.
- Complete your Course Selection Questionnaire in the ‘Post-Decision’ section of your application to choose the courses you want from the program options.
Academic Policies
- You must enroll in 9 credits
- You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
- If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation
Housing
Homestay
Students will be housed with local host families.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be provided by host families. Some meals are provided on excursions, including some group meals.
Program Costs
Summer Costs
Program costs are estimates and subject to change up to the program commitment deadline. If Penn State tuition rates are adjusted for summer 2021, then the education abroad program fee would be scaled accordingly to arrive at the same total billable amount listed on the budget sheet.
For more information on program costs, please be sure to review the budget sheet. These budget sheets include information on costs that are billable to the bursar bill, as well as estimated additional costs. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.
Please note that tuition rates may vary depending on major and class standing.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. For faculty-led freestanding programs, there is a specific withdrawal penalty schedule.
Education Abroad makes every attempt at keeping the program and administrative costs to a minimum. However, when you commit to participating in a program, Education Abroad begins to make financial commitments on your behalf. In case of withdrawal, the following fees will be charged to your Bursar account
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Upon Commitment - 90 Days Prior to Departure: 25% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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30 - 89 Days Prior to Departure: 50% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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29 Days - Departure Date: 100% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
Following the start of the summer semester, any adjustment of tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. More information can be found on the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
General Information
Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.
Accessibility Considerations
Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Programs Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.
Gender and LGBTQA Considerations
There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.
Race, Ethnicity, and Faith Considerations
When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.
Non-U.S. Citizens
It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
Steps to Study Abroad
The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website.
How to Apply
Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!
Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website.
Deadlines
You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline, February 1. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.
This program can be competitive so we recommend you start your application early.
Contact Education Abroad
If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.
Peer Advisers
Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website.
Education Abroad Advisers
Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website.
Social Media
For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
