Open to Pitzer students only.
Program Title: Spanish Institute for Global Education (SIGE) and the University of Seville
Evelyn Cheung ’13
Location: Seville, Spain
Host Website
SIGE
University of Seville;
Eligibility
One semester of college level Spanish or its equivalent is strongly recommended but not required. Students must be in good standing at Pitzer College and have a 2.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. Preference is given to juniors and first semester seniors but qualified sophomores are eligible if space is available.
Preparation
At least one European area studies course is strongly recommended before departure. Other general preparation options include: Comparative Politics, Intercultural Communications, Introduction to International/ Intercultural Studies, Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology
Application
Students must first apply through Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs. If accepted by Pitzer, students will then be asked to complete the SIGE and Seville applications.
Program Dates
Fall semester: September to December (with early exams for regular university courses)
Spring semester: January to May (with early exams for regular university courses)
For students who wish to take a regular University course who want to take their exam early (to more closely match US academic or personal schedules) must speak with the professor personally and receive their permission before signing up for the course. Beginning spring semester 2021 the independent study project will also be required.
Required Courses
Participants are required to take the Spanish Culture Orientation course and the Spanish Language Seminar at SIGE, 3 courses at the University of Seville (US) and complete one independent study project. Students will take SIGE’s 48-hour orientation course during the first two weeks of the semester followed by SIGE’s semester-long Spanish language and culture seminar, the independent study project and courses taken at US.
Real Alcazar “Reales Alcazares” gardens in Seville, Andalusia, Spain
Intensive Language
Students take the Spanish Language Seminar semester course at SIGE.
Independent Study
All students are required to complete one independent study project, which is worth 0.8 Pitzer credits.
Course Options
The University of Seville offers a program (cursos concertados) for foreign university students through its Department of Philology and Department of Geography and History. The courses range in levels from beginning to advanced. For offerings, please go here: Academic Guide and Calendario Docente.
Classes taken by exchange students in Spanish are for non-native Spanish speakers. They are set up in accord with the needs of people still learning Spanish. The courses for foreign university students range in levels from beginning to advanced. A placement exam at the beginning of the program determines the language level of each student.
Fall 2017 students bicycling
Credit Possible
Students earn 0.5 Pitzer course credits for the orientation course, 0.8 credits for the language seminar, 0.8 credits for the independent study project and 2.4 credits for all 3 university courses (0.8 credits per university course). (See above under Required Courses.) Therefore, students will earn 4.50 Pitzer course credits for the entire program.
Housing and Board Options
Students are housed with host families and share most meals with their families.
Additional Notes
All students enroll in the Tandem (cultural buddy) program to facilitate cultural immersion.
Visa Process: Students should note that the Spanish visa process is extensive and typically takes 90 days to complete. Once students receive instructions and needed documents, they should begin the visa process ASAP. To apply for the visa students must complete the application, gather needed documents, make an online appointment and appear in person at their local Spanish consulate. Some students may need to travel to get to a consulate. To get an idea of what to expect for the visa appointment, please visit: Los Angeles Consulate website.
