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The new Spain
Two new study abroad programs popular with students.
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It wasn't like previous Iowa State study abroad programs in Spain weren't
successful.
Past programs however didn't prepare Chad Gasta and the Department of
Foreign Languages and Literatures for the level of participation that
two new Spanish study abroad programs have experienced thus far.
"I knew that the quality of the students’ experience, both
culturally and intellectually, would be finer," said Gasta, assistant
professor of foreign languages and literatures and director of the department's
study abroad programs in Spain. "We were very concerned with having
enough students because of the high level of Spanish proficiency that
is required for the program."
Gasta shouldn't have worried. Almost 100 Iowa State Spanish majors, double
majors and minors have taken part in one of two study abroad programs
the University offers in Spain.
More than 40 students (Gasta says typically Spanish minors) attended the
first program in Alicante, Spain. This fall, almost 30 students are in
Caceres, Spain, for a semester-long program. This comes on the heels of
another 25 students that were in Caceres in the spring of 2003.
Gasta attributes the high enrollment figures to the dedication of the
Spanish faculty at Iowa State to spreading the word of the programs.
"The fact that we are getting that many students from a limited pool
has been great for the program and great for the department," Gasta
said. "Obviously we're very pleased.
"But it should be obvious to the students that you can't become bicultural
or totally proficient in a language by sitting here (in the U.S.)"
Previously the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures ran a study
abroad program in Valladolid, where the department utilized a language
school. But the department's faculty decided they wanted to provide more
options for students.
The summer program in Alicante offers a short six-to-seven week exposure
to Spanish culture. Gasta purposedly located the program in Alicante,
which is an international city on the Mediterranean coast. Courses are
taught at the world-class University of Alicante.
By contrast, the semester program in Caceres is in a traditional Spanish
city, with courses taught at the University of Extremadura, one of Spain's
most advanced and modern universities.
"Our idea was to have two different experiences for our students,"
Gasta said. "If students really want to be immersed into the cultur
and language of Spain, then they should stay for a year."
The two programs are similar in some respects. Students typically live
with host families and will participate in tours outside of class.
"The semester long program offers more flexibility for students in
their coursework," Gasta said. "Plus these programs put our
students into classes not only with Iowa State students, but in some cases
with Spaniards and allow us much more latitude in curriculum."
The Caceres program also offers internships and has placed Iowa State
students in positions ranging from engineering to education.
Around LAS
November 17-30, 2003
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