SiS Newsletter - September 2011
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Recent News September, 2011
• First day, first grade, new language? No problem.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52433333-78/students-immersion-spanish-english.html.csp
• International Graduate Admissions See Largest Increase Since 2006.
http://www.naylornetwork.com/iie-nwl/articles/?aid=151895&issueID=26588
• Library briefs: Program to introduce Spanish to children.
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20110917/WINDSORBEACON01/109170324
SiS Student Ambassadors
• Diana Gor
SiS on the road
• Study in Spain will be traveling throughout the US again this academic year.
Amigos del español
• Jack Black
Institution Profile
• Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Interview Lounge
• Julian Arribas, Ph.D. Modern Languages and Literatures
Diana Gor
My name is Diana Gor and I am an SIS student ambassador at Middlebury College. I have decided to become an SIS student ambassador because of my passion to the Spanish language and culture, and I would like to pass on this passion to other students. I believe that people that get the opportunity to learn about their culture, don’t regret it and most imp,ortantly have a great experience.
I first fell in love with Spain when I went to Cadiz in Andalucia for a week on a school trip. I immediately felt at home because of the welcoming nature of the Andalucians. I enjoyed to discover new things about the Spanish culture and mentality of its people. They were so friendly and warm and were delighted to share their culture with us. I became consumed by their Mediterranean style and, especially, pace of life. I decided that I would like to come back at some point and learn further about Spain; and so I decided to learn Spanish. Learning Spanish opened the door for me to later go on a study abroad program in Madrid and get to know life in central Spain better. Madrid was not any less lively than the south of Spain and my year long stay there was full of great experiences.
This is only the beginning of my senior year and my position as a student ambassador for SIS. I hope that in this time I will successfully help other students to learn about Spanish culture, so in the end they understand where my love and passion towards Spain comes from, and so they have the opportunity to have their own experience there.
Study in Spain will be traveling throughout the US again this academic year
The present year, 2011, will once more have the Study in Spain program participating in the most important education fairs and events.
Since its opening, the Embassy of Spain-Trade Commission Miami, with the support of ICEX (Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade) and EDUESPAÑA have carried Study in Spain all across the US in an effort to promote international education in Spain.
The rewards have been undeniable, as Spain is the third preferred destination for American students worldwide.
This is a brief preview of the projected participation of Study in Spain. The dates and/or events may be subject to changes.
NOV
NOV 18-20
ACTFL -AMERICAN COUNCIL ON THE TEACHING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE
DENVER, CO
DEC
EDUCATION ABROAD WORKSHOP AND NETWORKING
DEC 12-18
MADRID, SPAIN
Jack Black
Actor
Jack Black, well known for his persona in the big screen, is much more relaxed in reality or at least that is the illusion that he projects during the interview. We are sitting with him at the hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica. With Jack we had dreamt the action of Poh in the franchise Kung Fu Panda, and in the film School of Rock. His portraits are always a great adventure for the audience. With a fantastic curiosity and a passion to learn Jack has taught himself a few languages as Spanish and French and he confesses trying constantly perfecting his Castilian watching Spanish movies in his original version.
¿Cómo estás? (How are you?)
Bien (Ok) (answer in Spanish)
¿Do you speak Spanish?
A little bit, yes. MI Spanish sometimes is better than my English. What about you?
The same.
Ah very well then we can do the interview in Spanish (he laughs)
Do you like to read in Spanish?
Only the subtitles of the movies when I’m in Mexico or in Spain.
How did you work on your accent? Do you talk a lot with Spanish people?
Yeah well, first I tried to learn as much Spanish as I could, just to get my mouth used to making the shapes that Spanish makes . . . Certain words that I liked to latch onto that makes your mouth do different things like “mia colless”. That’s my favorite day of the week sound. Wednesday. And I like the word “entonces"
Do you practice in front of the mirror with the Spanish accent?
Yeah, always. Lots of mirror time. Not vanity so much, just trying to make myself laugh.
Do you find yourself funny?
Do I find myself funny? At times. I mean, when I make myself laugh then I feel I’m on to something. It’s hard to surprise yourself, that’s how you make yourself laugh. It’s a trick. It’s a conundrum that some people are good at making themselves laugh all the time. {laughing}
What’s the one thing you like most about yourself?
I don’t know (whispers) I don’t know. I guess it’s my cute little button nose. I know that’s not the answer you want. I don’t know what I like about myself.
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Name: Elizabeth Harris
Position: Study Abroad Coordinator
Address:
Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda km. 1,800
28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón MADRID
Tel: + 34 91 709 14 00
Fax: + 34 91 351 17 16
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web : www.ufv.es
Description:
Established in 1992, the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria forms part of a private, non-profit Foundation. Fully accredited by the Ministry of Education and Local Government of Madrid, UFV offers 19 undergraduate degree programs in six academic areas. As a Catholic institution, the university distinguishes itself by its individualized attention, student-centered and practical classes, attention to social awareness through service learning projects and with its offer of core curriculum courses in the humanities and leadership.
History and Background
The Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) was founded in October of 1993, as a University Centre affiliated with the Universidad Complutense of Madrid. In 2001 it was fully accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a private university.
Francisco de Vitoria (1480 or 1483 to 1546) was a Spanish Roman Catholic philosopher and theologian, founder of the philosophical tradition known as the School of Salamanca, noted especially for his contributions to the theory of just war and international law.
UFV Quick facts
- Non-profit private institution established in 1992.
- Campus located about 10 miles northwest of Madrid.
- 2,730 Undergraduate Students (’08-’09)
- 1,130 Graduate Students (‘08-’09)
- 18 % of students are international (’08-‘09)
- Six Academic Faculties.
- Agreements with 2,200 Companies and Institutions for student internships and Job
Placements in Spain and abroad. - Agreements with 22 hospitals and 10 primary care clinics.
- Over one hundred International Academic Cooperation Agreements.
International Network
UFV is part of an international network which includes eighteen universities and higher education institutions in Europe and America.
Our International Education System extends to all levels of education and reaches 18 countries, serving more than 100,000 students worldwide.
The undergraduate, graduate, and extension student bodies are made up of some 30,000 students.
Programs
The Universidad Francisco de Vitoria offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, as well as postgraduation and excecutive, in-company programs:
- Postgraduate degrees.
- Four year undergraduate degrees.
- Specialization certificates, diplomas and courses.
- Study Abroad and International programs (Aula Internacional, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria).
Aula Internacional Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Aula Internacional offers international undergraduate students the unique experience to reach a competent level of the Spanish language and gain an in-depth understanding of culture and civilization while continuing with their university studies, integrating into university and daily life in Madrid, and having the experience of a lifetime.
Academic Semester Program: Students will combine a four-week Intensive Spanish Language and Culture Course with 12 to 18 weeks of study depending on the semester. Following the Intensive Spanish Language and Culture Course, students have the option to enroll in an additional Spanish Language Course and select courses from the general course offer, and also have to option to include an internship or service learning assignment.
Intensive Spanish Language and Culture Program: In addition to preparing students for entry into classes taught in Spanish at the university, this dynamic immersion program presents students with the unique opportunity to reach a competent level of Spanish and gain an in-depth understanding of Spanish culture and society. This course is offered at the beginning of each semester at the preintermediate and intermediate Spanish levels. Small class sizes and individualized attention make this course especially dynamic. Guided afternoon activities and excursions complement what is learned in the classroom, providing students with a comprehensive perspective of the history, art and culture of Madrid and the surrounding area.
The course is divided into two parts:
1.Language and Communication: 50 hours.
2.Spanish Culture and Civilization: 42 hours (12 hours dedicated to a total of 6 visits to places of interest in Madrid).
During the Spanish Culture and Civilization module, students will study the following: Spanish Golden Age, Spain Today, Interculturalism and Multiculturalism in Spain, Contemporary Spain, Spanish Literature, Panorama of Spain within the Context of the European Union.
Extended Program of Spanish Language and Cultural Inmersion: In summer, students may extend their course with two options: Service Learning or Work Experience. Either assignment has a duration of five weeks.
Hispanic Studies for Heritage Learners: Students from Spanish speaking backgrounds or with a high intermediate Spanish level may take the following classes: Hispanic Languages and Literatures, Hispanic History, Hispanic Art, Hispanic Geopolitics, and Language and Identity. Students may take these courses in fall or spring, so long as a minimum number of students are enrolled.
Tailor made programs: UFV also works directly with universities to design innovative programs meeting group specific needs. In the past, UFV has prepared and executed a wide range of courses and seminars for undergraduate and graduate level students, some faculty led, and others not.
Julian Arribas, Ph.D.
Modern Languages and Literatures, Chair Creighton University
When was the last time you have been to Spain?
I travel often to Spain (once a year or at least every other year) for professional reasons. I am fortunate to have to do some of my research work at Spanish libraries and archives.
What do you enjoy most about Spain?
I enjoy the culture (and the language) as well as the people, the food and wines, the beautiful landscapes and their diversity, the different regional traditions, and the history of a great country.
What do you think are the advantages of Spain as a destination for American students?
Students will benefit from excellent academic programs, while enjoying a safe and welcoming environment in beautiful cities.
Could you describe the Study Abroad programs your university has with Spain?
Right now our students may choose the program of their choice, so long as they arrange the transfer of those credits in advance.
How satisfied are, in general, American students going/studying in Spain?
Very satisfied. Most of them would like to go back again after graduation.
