The program is open to anyone with a strong interest in immersing themselves in another culture. Qualified high schools seniors 18 and over may be accepted into the program. College students must present evidence of a 2.75 GPA. Community members are welcome.
Orientation
A mandatory pre-departure orientation will be held at College of DuPage. This typically occurs over two days in May.
Language Classes
All students are required to enroll in a Spanish Language class, held at Enforex Language Institute in Spain. Spanish classes accommodate students at Intermediate I and II and Advanced I and II levels.
Prior to the beginning of classes, all students will be tested and placed at the appropriate level. Changes can be made if a student progresses at a faster rate or shows different learning needs.
Civilization and Culture of Spain
All students are required to enroll in this class. The course of study covers the geography, history, political and social institutions and the art and architecture of Spain This class first meets at the mandatory orientation session.
In Spain, the course will continue with guided cultural excursions to theaters, museums and other places of interest that are integral components of this class, and therefore, attendance is required. A short written report on each visit is also required.
Program Directors/Faculty
All language classes will be taught by instructors at Enforex Language Institute. The Civilization and Culture of Spain class will be team-taught in Spanish and English by COD Program Directors/Faculty, who are available daily, in Spain, to counsel, supervise and assist students.
Director
Bonnie Loder is an Assistant Professor of Spanish at College of DuPage. She previously taught at Penn State University, where she completed her M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish American Literature. She has studied abroad in Madrid, Spain and later worked for one year in Guadalajara, Mexico. Her love of languages brought her back to Mexico in the summer of 2009 when she studied the language and culture of Náhuatl at El Colegio de Jalisco. Bonnie also has experience working with students abroad in Spanish-speaking countries. In May of 2015 she was Assistant Director of an educational trip to Havana, Cuba, and she later served on a five-week program in Puebla, Mexico. More recently, she served as Co-Director of College of DuPage's Costa Rica summer study abroad program in 2017 and Spain program in 2018, and Director of Costa Rica in 2019 . In addition to her academic interests, Bonnie enjoys traveling, reading, and learning about different cultures.
Co-Director
Danielle Berry Herrera, Adjunct Instructor of Spanish, began teaching at College of DuPage in 2016. She has a B.A. in Spanish Literature from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. in Spanish Literature from Middlebury College where she studied abroad in Guadalajara, México and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Danielle lived in Spain from 1995-1996 with a host family through an international exchange program. Additionally, she has traveled with student groups to several countries including, Austria, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Slovakia and Spain. She taught Spanish at Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois, from 2002 until 2015, when she left full-time teaching to stay home with her daughter and start a small business. In addition to teaching, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, running, reading and writing.
Credits
Upon successful completion of classes, students will receive credit for one semester
of Intermediate or Advanced Spanish (3-4 semester credit hours) depending on placement, and Civilization and Culture of Spain
(3 semester credit hours.)
Housing and Meals
Students will be housed in a "residencia" (dorm), with breakfast, lunch and supper provided.
Activities, Field Trips and Excursions
Activities specified in the program schedule are included in the price of the program.
Optional Excursions
Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions that are not included in the price of the program.
Program Cost
The program cost includes: round trip airfare from Chicago to Spain, ground transportation in Spain, admissions and excursions as listed; course materials, room and board.
Not included in the program cost: tuition for 6 to 7 credit hours, passport fees, visa fees (if not US citizen), optional excursions, personal expenses, some meals, telephone calls and checked baggage fees.
Program fees may be subject to change due to increased transportation costs or currency fluctuations that are beyond the control of the College.
Late Applicants
We welcome students beyond the application deadline, space permitting. Additional charges may apply.
Passport
Each participant must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after the anticipated return date to the U.S. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own passports. As passports can take substantial time to obtain, apply for it as soon as possible. Information can be obtained at travel.state.gov/passport
Visa
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Spain. Non- U.S. citizens may need a Visa.
Insurance
All participants are required to have medical insurance, which is valid outside the United States and to show proof of such insurance.
Trip cancellation insurance can also be purchased to provide protection against cancellations and lost or damaged baggage.
Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form
Participants in all Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad programs must complete the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk form.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
In the event that the participant withdraws from the program, the right to a refund is limited.
All cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing and sent to:
College of DuPage
Field Studies/Study Abroad
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Contact Information
Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
General inquiries: (630) 942-2356
Email: fssa@cod.edu
Additional Contact Information