Expand AllCollapse AllApplication Process
What is an immersion program, and how does it work?
A language immersion program is a method of learning a language while living in another country. In addition to studying the language in an academic setting, a student lives in the culture for the duration of the program.
Why should I participate in FHU’s Spanish Immersion Program?
Immersion programs provide students with a rich set of language skills much more effectively and more quickly than studying a second language in a traditional classroom setting. For students majoring in Spanish at FHU, the program is a mandatory part of their academic plan.
Who can participate in FHU’s Spanish Immersion Program?
Only full time juniors and seniors may participate in the Spanish Immersion Program. Students do not need to be majoring (or minoring) in Spanish to participate, but they must receive permission from the Spanish Program Coordinator. Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA at the end of the fall semester before departure and must not be on any kind of probation. If you are an intercollegiate athlete, seek permission from your coach before applying for the Spanish Immersion Program. Depending on which program you apply for, the dates may conflict with your summer training schedule.
How do I apply?
The FHU Abroad application can be filled out online. Paper applications can be obtained from the FHU Abroad Office in the Joy Simon McDaniel House. The FHU Abroad Office requires your complete application and a $600 deposit before you can officially be admitted into the Spanish Immersion Program.
When and where is the Spanish Immersion Program offered?
FHU’s Spanish Immersion Program is offered every summer. The 2013 Spanish Immersion Program will be held in Madrid, Spain, July 1 - July 31.
Cost
How much does the program cost?
The total cost of participating in the Spanish Immersion Program is currently $6,000 and includes tuition, airfare, room and board, and travel insurance.
Will there be any other expenses?
The program fee does not include books, a transcript fee (for transferring credit back to FHU), at least four meals, weekend excursions, and additional personal activities/transportation expenses. Students should budget $300-400 for additional expenses.
Can I still use my financial aid?
Any grants and loans that you are eligible for at FHU, including federal financial aid, are transferable to your studies abroad. Institutional scholarships or discounts that you receive from FHU do not apply to studies with the Spanish Immersion Program, including academic and athletic scholarships.
When will I make payments for the Spanish Immersion Program?
Payments toward the program fee are scheduled throughout the months before you travel abroad.
Scheduled payments for 2013:
- December 14, 2012 — $600 deposit
- January 25, 2013 — $1,500
- February 15, 2013 — $1,500
- March 22, 2013 — $1,500
- May 3, 2013 — remaining balance of $900
Where can I make the payments?
All payments may be paid by cash, check, or credit card at the Business Office in Loyd Auditorium.
Living Abroad
Where will I take classes?
Classes will be held every weekday on the campus of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
What are the living arrangements during the Spanish Immersion Program?
Students and a faculty supervisor will live in university housing in Madrid. University facilities include access to laundry services, Internet access, swimming pool, tennis courts, and other benefits.
Will I receive academic credit?
In addition to the one-hour Spanish Immersion Program course (SPA 367), students will receive transferable academic credit for their participation in the program. Students participating in the 2013 Spanish Immersion Program will also receive eight credit hours (4 hours per class).
Where will I travel during the Spanish Immersion Program?
Students will have the opportunity to visit local museums, sites, and cultural attractions in the evenings. The program will also include weekend excursions to locations such as Barcelona, Toledo, and Segovia.
How does the FHU Abroad Office address safety concerns?
The health and safety of students traveling overseas is of the utmost importance to Freed-Hardeman University. Every effort is made to keep our students abroad safe. An entire pre-departure orientation meeting is spent educating students about safety while traveling abroad and what to do in the event of an emergency. The FHU Abroad Office is constantly watching for any travel alerts or warnings that might affect our students who are studying abroad. The U.S. State Department works to alert U.S. citizens of any international travel risks. In the event of an emergency, the FHU Abroad Office will be in close contact with the faculty supervisor traveling with the students as well as the students and parents involved.
How will I access money in Europe?
Students are encouraged to obtain an ATM card or credit card that allows withdrawals to obtain money while studying abroad. We do not recommend that you carry U.S. cash to exchange overseas.
Preparing for the Program
What are the pre-departure orientation meetings?
Students who are accepted into the Spanish Immersion Program will be required to attend pre-departure orientation meetings held throughout the spring semester before traveling abroad. These meetings will cover topics like safety, student conduct, packing, and general information. The orientation meetings are a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your upcoming travels.
When do I need to apply for a passport?
We suggest that you begin the passport application process in the fall semester before you participate in the Spanish Immersion Program. You will be required to provide a copy of your passport (or proof of application) by the beginning of the spring semester. Even if you already have a passport, check the expiration date! The U.S. State Department requires citizens traveling outside the U.S. to have a passport that is valid for three months after they plan to return from their travels. You can find the passport application on the U.S. State Department website.
Will I need a visa?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will not need to apply for a visa for the Spanish Immersion programs in Spain. Spain allows U.S. citizens to stay for up to 90 days without a visa. International students should consult the FHU Abroad Office to determine whether or not they will need to obtain a visa.
Do I need to get any immunizations or vaccinations before I study abroad?
Students are encouraged to maintain their regular immunizations and vaccinations, including Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and MMR. We do not ask students who participate in study abroad to provide their shot records, however.