International Program in Toledo, Spain
Academics
Take upper-level Spanish courses, complete a Spanish minor in one semester, complete a service-learning project or intern with a Spanish company.
This program appeals to students who are interested in gaining fluency in Spanish, would like to choose classes from a wide range of fields and/or want to take classes at a Spanish university.
Academic Structure
Program type: The International Program in Toledo is offered in collaboration with the Jose Ortega y Gasset Foundation and the University of Minnesota. Take classes at the Foundation with the opportunity to take one or two courses at the University of Castilla la Mancha in the academic year or spring semester.
Level: 3000 level coursework.
Prerequisites:
- 2.5 GPA
- 4 semesters college-level Spanish
- A "B" average in Spanish is preferred
Courseload:
Students are required to maintain a minimum of 13 credit enrollment status per semester or maintain the minimum program credit enrollment determined by their study abroad program, whichever is greater.
13–16 credits per semester, 3 credits for May session or 6–9 credits for summer session. Classes are held Monday–Thursday on the semester and summer program, leaving long weekends for cultural immersion.
Coursework
Semester or Summer Program
Courses cover a wide range of topics, including anthropology, archaeology, art history, economics, history, interdisciplinary studies, linguistics, political science, Spanish cultural heritage, Spanish language, Spanish and Latin American literature, women's studies, Spanish theatre and business.
View the Course list for a complete list of classes offered. Syllabi are available upon request.
You may also take classes at la Universidad de Castilla la Mancha. Courses are available in environmental science, sport science, history, art history, philosophy, psychology, geography and other areas. There is an additional fee to enroll in courses at the university. Students should also plan to stay beyond the official end date of the program as the university term ends after the program end date.
University of Minnesota students can complete a Spanish minor in one semester of study in Toledo. Most courses in Toledo count toward requirements for the Spanish major. Contact the Spanish Department for more information.
May Session
Tracing Three Cultures (TLDO 3024) explores the cultural heritage of Toledo. This three-week, 3 credit, intensive course combines in-class lectures and discussions with regular field trips and excursions to museums and monuments, including Madrid's Museo del Prado and guided tours of Judaic Toledo and Mozarabic Segovia.
Approved for Arts and Humanities core and International Perspectives theme.
Internships
Participating in an internship is a great way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture while gaining work experience. Internships are available during the semester (3 credits) or summer (3 or 6 credits) and include an academic seminar.
Semester students who have an internship should be prepared to work seven hours per week at their site. Summer students should be prepared to spend 15 hours per week at the internship site (for the 3-credit internship option) or 30 hours per week (for the 6-credit option).
Examples of internship sites include the Regional Parliament, museums, newspapers, Toledo City Hall, schools, radio stations, community service organizations and a physical rehabilitation hospital. Internship site descriptions are available for the semester program and summer program.
Selection for the internship requires successful completion of the internship application and an on-site interview.
Service-Learning
Semester students have the opportunity to take TLDO 3975 service-learning and the Immigrant Experience in Spain. In this course, work with one of several Toledo institutions related to the immigration phenomenon in Spain, collaborating directly either with the immigrant population or with the Spaniards who are working with immigrants. Connect your experience working three hours per week with these organizations with the seminar portion of the course. Readings, discussion and debate in the classroom help you better understand the important issue of immigration in Spain. At the end of the course, a workshop day is held to which collaborating institutions, students, and residents of Toledo are invited.
Academic Fit With a University of Minnesota Degree Plan
Many courses have already been reviewed to meet Liberal Education requirements. Go to the Liberal Education Database to search for courses or submit ones for approval.
Major Advising Pages tell you why University of Minnesota faculty think study abroad is important for a particular major, what the department wants students to think about when selecting a program, and gives helpful academic planning hints. There may also be profiles of students who studied abroad in your major.
