SiS Newsletter - November 2009 - Interview Lounge: Michael Doyle
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Michael Doyle
Dr. Michael S. Doyle is a Professor of Spanish, Translation, and Latin American Studies, and an Adjunct Professor of International Business, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, he has chaired the Department of Foreign Languages and has also served as Graduate Coordinator, Director of the Certificate in Business Spanish and Director of the undergraduate and graduate Certificates in Translating and Translation Studies.
Dr. Doyle is the lead co-author of Éxito comercial: Prácticas administrativas y contexto cultural, an advanced-level Business Spanish text that has been adopted at 417 colleges and universities in the United States and used by more than 46 institutions and companies.
Dr. Doyle received the Faculty International Education Award, in recognition of his “high standard for international scholarship […] service to the campus community on behalf of internationalization, and efforts to create interdisciplinary connections related to internationalization at UNC Charlotte.”
When was the last time you have been to Spain?
I was most recently in Spain in October 2008 for a conference presentation at the Universidad Da Coruña. In the summer of 2008 I also travelled with my family to pick up my oldest son who had just completed a year of study abroad at the Universidad de Sevilla. We spent a month visiting Madrid, Granada, Sevilla, Badajoz, Salamanca and Barcelona.
What do you enjoy most about Spain?
Everything! The many Spains! The people, the history, the culture, the geographical variety. The literature, the architecture, the museums, the cuisine (and the excellent restaurants, bars and outdoor cafes). The many good friends that I have made over the years. The energetic "vibe" that is always crackling in Spain. The human warmth that characterizes Spaniards.
What do you think are the advantages of Spain as a destination for American students?
Students vastly improve their language skills and cultural knowledge in an environment everywhere marked by history and fabulous artistic achievements. Spain has a long tradition of excellent programs of studies, whether it is at Spanish universities or the many high quality institutes. Spain is accessible for American students, who can easily travel to Spain from anywhere in the U.S. It is a safe learning environment and Spain gives them easy access to travel throughout the rest of Europe.
Could you describe the Study Abroad programs your university has with Spain?
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte participates in a study abroad consortium agreement (summer, semester, academic year) with the Universidad de Cantabria. However, our students, both undergraduate and graduate, can also study at other Spanish universities and institutes, and have done so at institutions such as, most recently, the Complutense de Madrid. We are currently seeking to establish new ties with Spanish university graduate programs in translation studies (e.g., the University of Málaga, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona).
How satisfied are, in general, American students going to Spain?
I think American students are very satisfied with their study abroad experiences in Spain. Such an experience is life-changing and endures over time. I am an example of this. In 1973 I studied abroad at the Universidad de Barcelona, and I am still in contact with people who studied with me!
