Dates

*Spring Semester Only*

Early January - End of April, 2009

DESCRIPTION

Study abroad in Madrid at TANDEM, Escuela Internacional! As Spain’s capital and largest cosmopolitan city, Madrid is known for its liveliness, friendly locals and innovation in art and culture. You can take a walk down stone-paved streets and through history itself, past beautiful 18th century buildings before arriving in Madrid’s city center, famous for tapas, shopping and entertainment. The unique spirit of Madrid makes it a wonderful place to study abroad.

Students who study at TANDEM, Escuela Internacional will have two options:

Option A: Language Based Semester

This program is designed for students that wish to begin, improve or perfect their knowledge of Spanish language and culture. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of study are offered. Upon arrival in Madrid, students will take a placement test to determine their language ability and will be placed in courses accordingly. All language courses are conducted in Spanish. In addition to the intensive language courses, students will also be able to choose two elective courses from the following options: Spanish Literature, Spanish History, Spanish Cinema, Spanish Art, Business Spanish, and Current Events. The language of instruction for the elective courses varies. During the semester all students will take part in at least two linguistic exchanges with another student. These exchanges will encourage and facilitate comprehension as well as increase vocabulary while providing the opportunity to practice with a native speaker. Students will have the chance to participate in weekend and day excursions to sites of historic and artistic interest as well as an after school cultural program throughout the semester which will allow them to learn about life and culture from a non-academic standpoint.

Option B: Language and Internship Semester

This 16 week program is designed for students, in any major, with an intermediate level of Spanish, who wish to improve or perfect their knowledge of the language and culture through an internship at a company in Madrid. A good command of Spanish is required, both written and spoken and students must pass a written and oral exam before they can be accepted into the program. Once accepted students will be placed in companies according to their abilities, interests, and field of study. The first four weeks of the program students will participate in intensive language courses. This initial immersion helps interns fine-tune their language skills. After the intensive language courses are completed students will intern 4 days per week (Monday through Thursday) for the remaining 12 weeks of the semester as well as take an elective class of their choice, although it's recommended that interns take either Professional or Business Spanish.

There are multiple internship possibilities with various companies and organizations. Below is a list of some of the areas in which students can obtain internships.

• Education
  
• Finance
  
• Graphic Design
  
• Marketing and Sales
  
• NGO's
  
• International Relations
  
• Public Relations
  
• Publishing
  
• Tourism
  
• Translation

 

CREDITS

Earn 12-15 credits

Housing

Homestays will be arranged for students who participate in the semester program. Each homestay is carefully chosen by TANDEM's Resident Director and Housing Department to ensure the best possible living arrangements. Homestays provide breakfast and dinner. Laundry service will also be provided once a week for the official duration of the program. By living with a Spanish family, the students are exposed to countless examples of authentic speech and culture and thus better learn the language.

FACULTY

Faculty Director: Dr. Jennifer Leeman, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, GMU

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to Mason and non-Mason students, regardless of major or academic affiliation. Students must be at least second semester sophomores by the time they study abroad and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students should not study abroad the last semester of their senior year if they plan to graduate on time.

COST

Program Fee: TBD

This includes:

• Tuition
• Welcome and Farewell dinners
• Private room with Spanish host family
• Breakfast and dinner every day
  
• Cultural programs in Madrid (approximately 3 activities per week)
• Transportation from the airport to TANDEM and the host family
• Transportation to and from academic related sites
• Registration in the Instituto Cervantes' online course
• Pre-Departure Orientation
• In-country orientation
• International Student Identity Card
  
• Textbooks and course materials
• Travel Guidebook
• Emergency evacuation insurance

The fee does NOT include:

• Airfare
  
• Passport and visa fees
  
• Housing security deposits
  
• Personal expenses
• Optional weekend trips to Salamanca and Granada
• Optional day trips to Segovia, Toledo, etc.

Financial aid may apply.

CGE reserves the right to raise its program fees in light of currency fluctuations or any other unforeseen circumstances.

APPLICATION & DEADLINE

October 3, 2008

Semester Program Application Details:

For details on how to apply to the semester program, please consult the How to Apply section, then complete the online application. In addition to the online application, students must download and submit TANDEM, Escuela Internacional application and the Housing Preference Form along with the rest of the required supplementary materials.

Internship Program Application Details:

For details on how to apply to the internship program, please consult the How to Apply section, then complete the online application. In addition to the online application, students must download and submit TANDEM, Escuela Internacional application and the Housing Preference Form along with the rest of the required supplementary materials.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, please attend a study abroad info session.
Program Officer: Marie alice Arnold