College of Arts and Humanities

Spain Study Abroad

HCU Huskies in Santiago de Compstela

About Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The capital of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is a renowned community known as the end point of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This summer, we are going to the University of Santiago de Compostela  — one of the oldest European universities!

Are you ready? Your stay in Santiago de Compostela would provide you with the opportunity to meet people from all over the world: students and thousands of visitors concluding their pilgrimage trips in Santiago.

You will participate in the Feast of Saint James, walk part of the Camino, travel to local attractions and cities in Galicia and Portugal, immerse yourself in the culture, discover the enigmatic streets of Santiago, and enjoy the Spanish way of life — vibrant summer street fairs, medieval markets, free concerts and much more — while learning Spanish.

Program Dates

July 1 – July 26, 2024

NOTE: Students depart from Houston on June 28, 2024.

(Please direct questions or express your interest by contacting Dr. Encarna Bermejo at ebermejo@HC.edu)

Program Highlights

  • Personalized, friendly attention.
  • Intensive Schedule: 80 teaching hours, 4 weeks, 2 courses for a total of 6 credits.
  • Internship Opportunities Available: medical, bilingual education, and business.
  • Various Spanish Levels: transferable into HCU curriculum. Placement of students in the appropriate level is based on the course equivalency form. There is no need to know Spanish in advance.
  • Daily Activities: interactive lectures, cultural visits and sports which will make Spanish culture come to life!
  • Native professors who may only speak in Spanish.
  • Daily Language Practice: enhanced by living with a carefully chosen Spanish host family.
  • Excellent Facilities: classrooms, spacious yards, plazas, sport facilities, wireless Internet, etc.

Student Testimonials

“The time I spent in Santiago as part of the Study abroad program not only served to fortify my confidence in a lab setting and strengthen my Spanish language skills, but it also provided me with gratifying experiences and newfound friendships. As a heritage speaker, I was given the opportunity to work in a microbiology lab, and this internship led me to my current position as a medical technologist. The program offers a well-rounded experience, where you’re able to live with a host family, tour the city learning about its history, participate in different activities, and take weekend field trips. [This experience] will serve you personally, academically, and even professionally.” —Jimena Gonzalez, Spanish major, BA 2017

“My experience abroad in Spain has left a lasting impact. It allowed me to view the dynamics of their healthcare system in comparison to ours. The hands-on experience I was able to receive is beyond anything I could’ve ever dreamed of! It was also a great opportunity for me to network with other students in the medical field. I actually keep up with a good friend I made from Kansas!
I can also attest that an experience such as this proved to be a powerful asset when it came to interviews when I was actively seeking jobs in the field. Interviewers have a keen appreciation of applicants who study abroad, it lets them know that you’re open to step out of your comfort zone and willing to learn new things. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that I received and I encourage those who are in a position to do it: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY!”  —Oscar Benitez, Spanish minor, BS 2020
“I will remember my experience in Spain for the rest of my life. I gained a better understanding of and confidence for speaking the Spanish language. At the beginning of the trip, I was struggling to understand the other students as they spoke Spanish, but by the end of the trip, I was confidently having conversations in Spanish with others.
In addition to my classes, lots of my Spanish growth came from living with a host family. I absolutely loved my family, they were so kind and so welcoming to my roommates and me. Our host parents held us accountable to speak in Spanish, and they treated us like their own daughters. They even had a dance party with us on our last night in Spain.
The relationships I built on my Spain trip were incredibly impactful….  Dr. Bermejo came on excursions with us and encouraged us to try everything. She kept us accountable by speaking to us in Spanish and helping us learn, and she was a resource to others when they needed her. I would recommend going to Spain with HCU to anyone! It is a life-changing and enriching experience for people of any major and background.” —Allison Klinge, Spanish minor, BA 2021

Application

The online application for this summer’s program will be available through March 15, 2024.

Apply Now

Courses

Six credits transfer

Beginning (3 credits each)

    • SPAN 1314   Beginning Spanish Proficiency I
    • SPAN 1324   Beginning Spanish Proficiency II

Intermediate (3 credits each)

    • SPAN 2314   Continuing Spanish Proficiency I
    • SPAN 2324   Continuing Spanish Proficiency II

Advanced (3 credits each)

    • SPAN 3321   Individualized Spanish Proficiency (Special Topics)
    • SPAN 3335  Individualized Spanish Proficiency (Spanish Writing Workshop)

Cost

The cost of the program fee is approximately $3,763 and $4,354 for medical internship, covering tuition, accommodations with a host family, three meals, transfers while in Santiago, laundry services, medical insurance while in Santiago, cultural activities and programmed activities and excursions.

The program fee DOES NOT includes airfare.

The payment schedule for this program is as follows:

    •  $700 deposit due with application
    • March 29, 2024   – Remaining balance due

NOTE: the final cost of the program may change based on factors beyond our control (Euro/dollar exchange rate fluctuation). If a price change occurs, if will be reflected in the last installment of the payment due March 29.

Scholarship

Pell Grant recipients may fill out the application form for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to apply for this life-changing opportunity. Students will be notified with the link to complete their registration and first payment (deposit).

 

Apply for the Gilman International ScholarshipLearn More About the Scholarship

Internship

This internship program aims to enhance your Spanish communication skills in a hands-on workplace environment.

We offer internships in different fields, ranging from health services, to education, and business, design to fit your academic and career goals.

The program combines internship hours and course hours for students who are interested in using their intermediate or advanced Spanish-language skills in professional settings.

Previous Study Abroad Trip

Learn more about Santiago

Watch the video below created by a few HCU Alumni who completed the study abroad in 2016.