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Arcos Spain - Semester Abroad

At a Glance
Special title treatment
  • Location
    Granada, Spain
  • Semester Abroad
    Fall (September to December) or
    Spring (January to April)
  • Program Host
    Arcos Learning Abroad

Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain, Granada is a city where history, culture, and student life come together in a breathtaking setting. With its Moorish palaces, lively squares and terraces, and winding cobblestone streets, Granada offers an unforgettable backdrop for academic and cultural exploration.

Home to the distinctive Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is also a hub for authentic Flamenco music and dance, rich Andalusian traditions, and a thriving student community. Whether you're taking Spanish classes, electives, or a credit-bearing internship, Granada provides the perfect environment to learn, grow, and immerse yourself in Spanish life.

Contact the Center for Global Engagement for more information and to apply.

Apply through CGE
Good news!   When you enroll on an Arcos Learning Abroad program, you'll receive a $100 discount thanks to our partnership with this incredible organization!

 


Program Highlights

Crowd Pleaser

Granada is an ideal study abroad destination due to its rich heritage, architecture, and vibrant student life. With a mix of cultural influences and histories, the city offers a unique European experience.

 

Easy to Navigate

Granada is a walkable city with an efficient public transportation system, making it easy for students to explore its historic neighborhoods, cultural sites, and the surrounding region.

Southern Spanish Lifestyle

Granada offers students the chance to experience authentic Flamenco music, taste delicious tapas, and explore the city's Moorish past through its winding cobbled streets, tea houses and terraces with views of its iconic palace.


 

This is a great match for students who...

  • Have completed a minimum of 15 credits before they go abroad.
  • Have some knowledge of Spanish from a language level of Beginner I to Advanced II.
  • Are interested in southern Spanish culture, history, food, and the Spanish language.

Academics Application Tuition Housing & Meals Location

Academics

You will study at the prestigious University of Granada’s Center of Modern Languages (the CLM), located in one of Granada's most historic neighborhoods, the Realejo. Spanish classes are taught in two incredible buildings dating back to the 16th century. The University of Granada, founded in 1531, is now the third largest university in Spain with approximately 60,000 students; 8,000 of whom are from outside of Spain.

  • Snow College students will take a selection of academic subjects specifically designed for them as international students in Spain.
  • You can also enroll in 12 credits of Global Inquiry Abroad.
  • Spanish language classes are available for Beginner I to Advanced II, so if you are new to the language, it’s not a problem.
  • We encourage you to sign up for an intercambio (language exchange partner) during your stay to provide opportunities outside of the classroom to practice Spanish.
  • You might also enjoy participating in a credit-bearing internship in Business, Tourism, Education, Healthcare, or Service Learning & Community.

There are a number of elective classes taught in English or Spanish covering history, literature, health sciences, civil engineering, sociology, politics, economics, geography and culture. For classes taught in Spanish, the prerequisite is Intermediate Spanish II (Common European Framework Level 4). Each class is 45 contact hours.

 

Cultural Immersion
  • Experience hands-on learning through cultural activities such as Flamenco dance lessons, guided walking tours, cooking classes, and art workshops.
  • Explore Spain through excursions to the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Alhambra Palace, and enjoy the white sandy beaches of Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Coast.
  • Take weekend trips to the nearby cities of Sevilla and Cordoba.
  • Live with a local Spanish family, enjoying home-cooked meals and daily cultural immersion.

 

Your Schedule

About two weeks prior to the start of your program, you will receive a Program Calendar that will list activities such as class times, meal times, cultural activities, and weekend excursions.

 

Application Process, Preparations and Deadlines

 

Requirements
  • Students must apply and be selected for the semester abroad program.
  • Students should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
  • Students must be in good academic and conduct standing at Snow College.
  • Students must be 18 years old by the program start date.
  • Students are responsible for acquiring the necessary documents such as a passport and international travel and health insurance.

Inquire now for more information about the program and how to apply at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE).

Contact CGE to apply

 

Important Dates
  • Fall Semester in Spain runs from September to December.
  • Spring Semester runs from January to April.
  • Admissions deadlines are typically in November for a Spring start, and in July for a Fall start.
    • Note: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the greater your chances of being accepted and the more time you will have to prepare!
  • Orientation dates, departure and return dates are determined annually. Be sure to speak with your Study Abroad Advisor for details.
  • If you are using financial aid or scholarships to help pay for your program, a Financial Aid Award Verification Form is due by the Application & Payment Deadline.
Apply early to reserve your spot!   Arcos Learning Abroad programs fill up before the application deadlines.

 

Fall Semester Deadlines

Application & Materials Deadline: July 1

Late applications may be accepted until July 15th, but your program might be full by then so we strongly suggest you apply before the deadline.

Payment Deadline: July 15

Spring Semester Deadlines

Application & Materials Deadline: November 15

Payment Deadline: December 5

Tuition and Funding

All programs include tuition, room and board with a homestay, weekend excursions, cultural activities, onsite director support, international medical insurance, transcripts and much more!

 

Using financial aid and applying for a scholarship or grant

Arcos Learning Abroad allows Snow College students to pay for their program with the use of financial aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and other means of approved financial assistance. Payment works in the following ways:

  • If financial aid will cover your program in full, but with a release date after the final payment deadline, then we require a Good Faith Payment (GFP) by the final payment deadline. The GFP is not a fee; it gets deducted from the program price.
  • If financial aid is only covering a portion of your amount due, then any difference not covered by financial aid must be paid in full to Arcos Learning Abroad by the final payment deadline. 

You may be able to use federal student aid (FAFSA) to pay for your study abroad program. You’ll need to meet the aid eligibility criteria and fill out a FAFSA form before you can receive federal student aid to study abroad.

Starting this process early is important to ensure that all necessary paperwork gets processed on time.

 

Talk to your study abroad advisor

Together, you will:

  • Determine which types of aid may be available.
  • Learn if you can apply your FAFSA funding for studying abroad.
  • Find out if you need to provide Arcos with official written confirmation from Snow College’s Financial Aid Office.
  • Check if you need to submit Arcos’ Financial Aid Verification Form.

 

Pay the Program Deposit when applying
  • A non-refundable $200 program deposit is required to reserve your place in an Arcos study abroad program.
  • This amount goes towards your program price (it is not an additional fee).
  • If you are not accepted into the program, the deposit is refunded.
  • Your application is not considered complete until the deposit has been submitted.
  • Payment instructions will be provided to you after your application is received.

Housing and Meals

  • You’ll live with a local Spanish family, which gives you the perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish skills in a relaxed, authentic environment.
  • Arcos host families conveniently live less than 30 minutes walking distance to your university. They are considered middle-class by local standards and live in very safe neighborhoods. All homes have Wi-Fi.
  • Your program fee includes three delicious meals a day with your host family. They will provide a packed lunch for you when you join weekend excursions.
  • Your host family will even do your laundry for you once a week!

Location

 

Why Spain?

Spain is a country of remarkable diversity, reflected in its people, landscapes, and profound history. Influenced by cultures such as the Romans, Moors, Jews, and Gypsies, Spain offers a unique blend of traditions and heritage.

As the largest country in Western Europe, Spain is a fascinating place to explore, especially through the lens of history, economics, and government. With 17 Autonomous Communities, each with its own distinct character, living in Andalusia offers the chance to experience the deep sense of pride and cultural identity that defines southern Spain.

 

Why Granada?

Granada is one of the most ancient and diverse cities in Spain.

Ernest Hemingway is famously quoted as saying, "If you were to visit only one city in Spain, this should be Granada." Wondering why? Go study abroad there and find out!

While in Granada, you can:

  • Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of the former Muslim quarter (the Albaicin), full of Moroccan tea houses and shops.
  • Indulge in the contrast of history and modernity on Granada's streets lined with Europe's top fashion stores.
  • Wander the labyrinth of passageways throughout the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Enter the white-washed caves of the Gypsies to experience an emotional Flamenco performance.

In addition to the mysteries and intrigue of the city, the Sierra Nevada Mountains provide an impressive backdrop to all that Granada has to offer.


View our study abroad resources for more helpful guides and support before you depart.

Study Abroad Resources