Location

The Notre Dame Summer Spain program is located in Toledo at the Jose Ortega y Gasset Foundation, which was founded by a private academic research institute from Madrid . The Foundation houses the International Program of Spanish Language, Latin American and European Studies and preserves the international interests of the great Spanish philosopher, Jose Ortega y Gasset, by promoting cross-cultural student and faculty exchanges. Toledo , located about 40 miles south of Madrid , has been called the quintessential Spanish city; for Cervantes, Toledo was "the glory of Spain and the light of her cities." For two thousand years its central location made Toledo the coveted prize of a variety of peoples — Romans, Visigoths, Moslems and Christians. Toledo 's architecture and monuments display a splendid variety of medieval and renaissance styles, from Arabic mosques to Jewish synagogues and Christian churches. The city is also famous for its collection of El Greco paintings, one of the largest in the world. Students live and take classes in a renovated 16th century convent, the San Juan de la Penitencia Residence, a beautiful example of renaissance and mudejar architecture with its peaceful inner courtyard and arched balconies.

Program of Study

The Summer Toledo program dates are June 15 to July 27, 2009.

Summer participants will enroll in two courses each worth 3 credits.   All students will enroll in Exploring and Sharing Spanish Culture through Digital Technology, taught by Notre Dame's Chris Clark. This course explores culture through reading, writing, discussion, and firsthand visits. Areas to be explored may include art, food, religion, sports, movies, tourism, and education. Students record their experiences, share them in class, and post them on the Internet.  They also investigate a single area in depth. Class topics may include digital photography, sound recording, and how to publish work online.  Students must have a laptop computer and digital camera. They will also purchase a digital audio recorder for the course.

Students will select a second course from a variety of disciplines the Fundacion offers, many of which have been approved to fulfill major and/or University requirements.

Participants in the 2009 program may apply for grant to attend a conference on the Spanish Civil War in Segovia, June 25-28.

Eligibility for the Program

Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Notre Dame students who maintain a 2.75 GPA are eligible to apply.  All classes are taught in Spanish and students must complete at least four semesters of college-level Spanish to be eligible (through Intermediate Spanish) by the beginning of the program.

Application information

Applications are to be submitted on-line by March 1.  Instructions for completing the on-line application can be found by clicking here. 

Cost

The Summer 2009 Toledo tuition and fees will be 3764 euros (which will be paid in dollars based on the exchange rate at the time of the invoice). Additionally all students will pay a $500 ND administrative fee. Costs include 6 Notre Dame credits, full room and board, and site visits in Toledo. Interested students may opt to live with a host family for an additional fee of 586 euros (this option also includes a bus pass).   Airfare between the U.S. and Spain is not included.

Students should plan their own travel and should arrive to the Madrid, Barajas airport before 11:00am on the first day of the program.  Students who arrive before 11am will be met by a representative of the Fundacion and will receive transportation to Toledo. 

Contact Information

For more information contact:

Lesley Antonelli Sullivan

Assistant Director

Office of International Studies

University of Notre Dame

153 Hurley Hall

Notre Dame, IN 46556

574.631.5882 (phone)

574.631.5711 (fax)

lsulliv4@nd.edu