Spanish Language in Madrid, Spain

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, art and history program in which all participants will earn six hours of Spanish language credits at the 100, 200 or 300*, and three hours of Spanish culture or History credits. 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 battlefields, Military Museum in Toledo, Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, Sorolla Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Royal Palace and Naval Museum. Students will be observing the cultural diversity of Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, among other cities.

* Each student will take a proficiency test in-situ to determine his or her language proficiency and be enrolled in the appropriate courses.

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.