SPAN
Especially for nonnative Spanish speakers, but generally for all Spanish majors and minors, study abroad in a Spanish-speaking county offers an extra degree of credibility to your academic Spanish skills and degree. Not only do you have the opportunity to take courses in Spanish, you can experience new perspectives on the language, study Spanish language politics, or—especially for native Spanish speakers—reconnect with a heritage culture. Consider the benefits.
Programs Specifically for Spanish
1.
Carlos III Univ.: Hispanic Studies
Program focused on Spain and Europe for international students offered by innovative university. Opportunities to take some classes with Spanish students and participate in activities organized by EAP office on campus.
2.
National Autonomous Univ. of Mexico (UNAM)
A top-ranked university in Latin America set in the intoxicating urban atmosphere of southern Mexico City. Full access to courses in all majors. EAP Study Center organizes language program to begin and activities in and around the capital. Internships available in human rights, governmental organizations, immigration organizations, and more.
3.
Univ. of Barcelona
Traditional university with departments throughout Barcelona. Access to Humanities, Physical Science, and Fine Arts. EAP Study Center organizes language program to begin, "core" courses for UC students, and activities throughout the year.
4.
Complutense Univ. of Madrid
Highly regarded traditional Spanish university in intensely urban setting. Full access to courses in all majors. Study Center organizes language program to begin and "core" courses for UC students during the semester.
5.
Autonomous Univ. of Barcelona
Excellent university organized on a single campus. Full access to all courses including social science and international studies. Study Center hosts language program to begin and excursions throughout the year. Internship opportunities available in all fields.
6.
Latin American Studies, National Univ. of Tres de Febrero
Intensive summer program in Latin American Studies taught in English. Five weeks in the center of Buenos Aires with local excursions to support and expand instruction. Optional Spanish language instruction available.
7.
Chilean Universities: Catholic University of Chile
Coursework in all majors at either of two top Chilean universities in cosmopolitan Santiago. EAP Study Center organizes language program to begin, multiple excursions throughout the year, and internships with NGOs, government, human rights, and indigenous organizations.
8.
Univ. of Granada
Excellent university in with full access to courses in all majors and especially high ranking in psychology. Granada is beautiful and less expensive (free tapas) than other Spanish centers. EAP Study Center organizes language program and cultural activities to begin. Program highlights include excursion to Morocco.
These are only programs that target coursework in Spanish. Immersion, exchange, field studies, and international school programs should also have a selection of offerings to suit Spanish majors.
Completing Other SSHA Requirements Abroad
SSHA students, in general, can take advantage of the requirement to complete four (4) non-major upper-division general education courses—or equivalent—from SSHA areas as varied as English literature to economics. Most SSHA students complete one or more of these required courses while studying abroad. These courses must be reviewed through the SSHA course approval form (see below).
SSHA students must also complete a total of 60.0 semester units in order to graduate. SSHA students complete many of these units within their major but often need more and can complete these requirements abroad.
Course Approval and Course Approval Forms
With a few exceptions of previously approved courses (ask your academic advisor), courses will need to be approved to meet individual degree requirements. In these cases, students will use the Course Approval Form for the school that would typically offer such a course at UC Merced:
The school will usually require a syllabus or equivalent in order to do a review. Keep in mind that syllabi may be protected intellectual property of certain professors or universities and may not be publicly posted online. If it is a UC Center program, you may be able to acquire syllabi through your study abroad advisor. If the program is with a local host university and the course is not posted online, you may be able to inquire with the instructor or host university in some cases.
Academic Planning
No matter your academic intentions while studying abroad, you should consult your academic advisor in SSHA and your MyAudit report to plan out your study abroad academic goals. Once you narrow your search to 1-3 study abroad programs consult your program page or ask your study abroad advisor about resources for researching courses in your program.