Sweet Briar: Junior Year in Spain

» General Information

Location:

Seville, Spain (population: 700,000)

Description:

The Sweet Briar College Junior Year in Spain program gives students the opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills through a variety of course options, including the opportunity to enroll in classes at the University of Seville. Students are able to participate in numerous local activities and benefit from the experience of living with a host family.


Terms:

Fall Semester (Fall Quarter), Spring Semester (Winter/Spring Quarters), Full Year (Fall, Winter & Spring Quarters)

Sponsor:

Sweet Briar College

Website:

Sweet Briar: Junior Year in Spain


» Related Links

» Other Programs in Spain

Language Requirements

  • High Intermediate: 2 years of college Spanish (completion of Spanish 121-3, or the equivalent), and a B average in Spanish courses.
  • Advanced: 2.5 years of college Spanish (completion of Spanish 199, or the equivalent), and a B average in Spanish courses.
  • Recommended: Spanish-language course(s) the term prior to going abroad.
If you think you might declare a major or minor in Spanish or Portuguese, either before studying abroad or once you return, meet with an academic adviser in the Department before you leave. To arrange an appointment, contact the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at 847-491-8249. See the department's website for more information on its policies.

Northwestern Requirements

Advanced Program Semester students: We highly recommend that you enroll in at least one "regular" University of Seville course, defined as a course taught in the host language, for local university students, not study abroad students.

Advanced Program Full Year students: We highly recommend that you enroll in at least one "regular" University of Seville course during the fall and at least two during the spring.

Spanish Majors and Minors: If you plan to take "regular" University of Seville courses, please see the important note below regarding study abroad credit transfer under "Course Type."

Academic Specialties

Geography, history, political science, economics, literature, anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology, among other subjects.

Course Type

  • Orientation Course: required three-week orientation designed to give students an intensive review of Spanish and to acquaint them with the educational system of the University of Seville, as well as with the history, culture, and life of the city.

Students round out their schedule by selecting classes from 3 different course types (all taught in Spanish):

  • JYS Seminar Courses: taught by JYS staff and only open to JYS students; held at the JYS center. 
  • Cursos concertados: taught by University of Seville professors and open to all international students; held at the University of Seville.
  • University of Seville classes (also referred to as "regular" university courses): taught by University of Seville professors and open to international and local students; held at the University of Seville.
Spanish Majors and Minors please note study abroad credit transfer restrictions:
  • The Department of Spanish and Portuguese will accept petitions for major/minor credit for JYS Seminars, Cursos Concertados, and the Orientation Course.
  • The Department of Spanish and Portuguese will not grant major or minor credit for "regular" courses taught at the University of Seville during the fall semester option. This is because exams for these courses are held in January and study abroad students take early exams. If you plan to take a "regular" university course during the fall semester only, choose a course that is of interest to you and for which you will be able to obtain general credit upon return, not Spanish major or minor credit. You may petition for credit for these courses from other departments on campus (e.g., history, political science, etc.).
Important note about travel dates for Fall Semester students taking "regular" courses at the University of Seville:
If you decide to enroll in a "regular" University of Seville course, please keep in mind that these courses end in January, therefore, it is the student's responsibility to arrange an early exam with the professor once onsite. Although an early exam can be arranged to take place in December, please keep in mind that it might take place after the official JYS program ends. You will need to book your return flight accordingly.

Additional Information

  • Not for credit internship and volunteer opportunities are available.
  • Participants will take part in several excursions organized by JYS.

Housing

  • Home stays

Program Costs

Estimated Costs:  Fall 2011
For the most updated program cost information, please refer to your program provider’s website.

  • Tuition:  $11,500
  • Room & Board:  $3,400
  • SAAF:  $2,355
  • Transportation:  $1,000
  • Books & Supplies:  $250
  • Personal Expenses:  $2,800
  • HTH:  $134
  • Total Estimated Costs:  $21,439

Additional Information:

For more information on billing and financial aid, visit the Financial Considerations section of the website.

Approximate Program Size

50-60 students

Application Requirements

Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:
  1. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
  2. Sweet Briar program application.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.