Spanish Language in Madrid, Spain

The Virginia Military Institute, in partnership with Alcalingua-Universidad de Alcalá, is pleased to present a summer five-week language and cultural immersion program (nine credit-hours) in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.

Dates: June 27 - July 29, 2016
Cost: $4,600 plus airfare (subject to BOV approval).

Fees include tuition, insurance, accommodation with host families, and most meals. International airfare costs are not included

Program Director

Dr. Sabrina Laroussi completed her doctorate in Spanish at Texas Tech University. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Spanish at Virginia Military Institute. Her research is focused on literary representations of death and violence in contemporary Peninsular and Latin American Literature. Her studies have also included pedagogical methodologies of teaching Spanish as a second language and Francophone Studies. Dr. Laroussi was born and raised in Algeria, and lived and studied in Spain and Texas. Her study-abroad experiences have broadened the scope of her education and of her career as well.

General Overview

This will be a language, culture, and art history program in which all participants will earn nine hours of Spanish credit at the 200, 300 and 400 level. Students will visit the most significant sites and museums in Spain and will be introduced to the history, traditions, and culture. In addition to language studies, courses are combined with cultural activities such as visits to El Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, Sorolla Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Royal Palace and Navy Museum. Students will be observing the cultural diversity of Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona, among other cities.

Room and Board

Students will be housed with families who speak little or no English. The home stay experience greatly enhances language acquisition and cultural understanding and is often a highlight of the program. The host family will provide two meals a day, breakfast and lunch.