 Location
The Notre Dame 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
academic year in Toledo begins in early September and ends in early May.
Notre Dame students must take 15 credits per semester, which can either be five courses, or four courses and one three credit internship. Students study together
with students from both North and Latin American institutions. In addition
to Spanish language and literature, students choose courses in history,
anthropology, government, philosophy, economics, theology and interdisciplinary
studies. Course offerings for the Toledo program are available
here.
All courses are taught
in Spanish by Spanish and Latin American faculty chosen for their teaching
experience and their scholarly records. Credit bearing internships are also
available at various sites, including museums, the media, social service
and government organizations. Grading is according to the American system
and results are entered on the students' records at the University of
Notre Dame where they are included in the computation of the grade point
average.
Program of Study - Advanced Track in Toledo
Students interested in an advanced course of study while in Toledo may apply to this unique program for the 2008-09 academic year. Selected students will enroll in two or three courses at the Fundación Ortega y Gasset with other Notre Dame program participants. In addition to their courses at the Fundación, these students will complete their remaining two or three courses through direct matriculation at the Universidad Castilla la Mancha (UCLM).
Students pursuing this option may enroll in a variety of classes alongside Spanish students attending UCLM and will earn Notre Dame credit for their coursework. This unique opportunity will allow Notre Dame students to further integrate into Spanish society through increased interaction with Spanish college students and professors.
Due to the timing of the academic year in Spain, this option is available to students who participate in the academic year or spring programs only. Note that Spring semester courses at UCLM finish in June.
 Eligibility
for the Program
Notre Dame students
should plan to attend the program during their sophomore or junior years.
Seniors will also be considered.
Applicants must have a 2.75 GPA and must complete a minimum of four semesters of college-level
Spanish (or the equivalent) before departure. Ideally students will have completed courses above ROSP 20202 before departure. Additionally, students must maintain an average grade of B or better in Spanish language courses. Application deadline for fall,
spring or academic year: November 15.
Eligibility for Study - Advanced Track in Toledo
Students must have completed a minimum of five semesters of college level Spanish or the equivalent by December 2007. Qualified students will have at least a B average in Spanish language courses. Please indicate in the essay of your Spain application if you are applying for the advanced track option and whether you are applying for the spring or academic year option. Students who apply for the Advanced Track are given special consideration during the selection process.
Students enrolled in UCLM course work should plan to stay in Toledo until their final exams end in June. Application deadline for spring or academic year: November 15.
Additional Information
There is much more
we can tell you — about this location, vibrant religious, cultural
and recreational life of this community ... about the student housing,
transportation, health care and much, much more. It is, after all, the
details that make this program so appealing. Interested? Just click
here for additional information. |
