Study Abroad in Granada: Academics
Orientation
In Granada and Castile
To ensure that students are able to fully integrate into Spanish life and University culture from the first day of classes, AIFS provides a language and cultural orientation at the University at the start of each semester followed by a 4-day visit to Madrid and Castile. Students live in Spanish households or the student residence during orientation, as they do throughout the year.
Based on initial proficiency, students enroll in one of four levels:
- Spanish 100: Elementary
- Spanish 200: Intermediate
- Spanish 300: Advanced
- Spanish 400: Superior
During the fall semester, 80 hours of language contact are offered (5 credits). During the spring semester, due to calendar adjustments for the Christmas holidays, 60 hours of language contact are offered (4 credits).
Orientation credit
Students receive five (fall) or four (spring) credits for the orientation language and civilization course of 80 hours (fall) or 60 hours (spring). Grades and details of hours attended will appear on the final University transcript.
Academic program
This program is open to students in good standing (2.5 or better GPA). No previous Spanish study is required for the Elementary Spanish/English program. Placement in all academic programs will be determined by a language test at orientation. For the Intermediate Language and Culture program, two years of previous college level Spanish are required. For Hispanic Studies, three years of college study are required.- Students in the Elementary Spanish and English program take Spanish Grammar (required), Speaking and Writing Skills (required) and seminars taught in English.
- Intermediate students integrate into the Intermediate Language and Culture program focusing on Spanish language development and specific curricula. Classes are taught by University professors and include Spanish Grammar (required) and Speaking and Writing Skills (required), history, culture and civilization. Students must receive a C or better in the intermediate level during orientation.
- Advanced Hispanic Studies students take more challenging language courses and seminars. For students with a strong background in Spanish, this is a special program designed by the University of Granada to introduce foreign students to the history and culture of Spain. Courses are taught by University professors and include Speaking and Writing skills (required), history, economy, business and culture and civilization. Students must receive a C grade or better in the intermediate level during orientation.
- Honors program: Students in Advanced Hispanic Studies may attend a maximum of two University of Granada courses with Spanish students, but they must take a minimum of three courses in the Advanced Hispanic Studies program. In regular University of Granada courses, classes are usually lectures with little or no student participation.
Transcripts issued by the University of Granada
Class time
Fall semester classes meet for 10 weeks, plus one exam week. Each class meets twice a week, for a total of four hours. Spring semester classes meet for 14 weeks, plus one exam week. Each class meets twice a week, for a total of three hours. (The University increased hours per week in fall semester to end the semester before Christmas and still allow students to obtain the same credit hours as spring semester.)
Course load
Students must choose five courses. Since the University requires that students take a minimum of four, one may be dropped during the first week.
Sample Course Loads
Elementary Spanish and English program
| Spanish 201/202 (required) Grammar | 3 |
| Spanish 203/204 (required) Speaking and writing skills |
3 |
| Three electives (taught in English) | 9 |
| 15 credits |
Intermediate level taught in Spanish
| Spanish 301/302 (required) Spanish Grammar |
3 |
| Spanish 303/304 (required) Speaking and writing skills |
3 |
| Three electives | 9 |
| 15 credits |
Advanced level Hispanic Studies
| Spanish 413/414 (required) Speaking and writing skills |
3 |
| Four electives | 12 |
| 15 credits |
View the course descriptions for more information.
Student advising
AIFS maintains an office with full-time staff in Granada and has a close relationship with officials of the University. The AIFS Resident Director and staff can help students work out a suitable academic program.
