About the City
The province of Cantabria provides a distinguished setting for those wishing to learn the Spanish language. The stunning city of Santander, the capital, lies on the northern coast of the Bay of Biscay near the famous Picos de Europa mountain range. Santander enjoys a mild climate even during the summer months and attracts international visitors year round. A peninsula juts out into the Bay with a medieval castle that captures the eye. During the summer families and students flock to the beautiful beaches of Santander. In the summer the city of Santander truly comes alive with festivities, concerts, galleries, bull fights and many other cultural events. Santander’s intimate surroundings make for a picture perfect language immersion destination.
VIEW MAP OF SANTANDER & EXCURSION SITES!
What Students Say
"The classes at the University of Cantabria were great and the teachers were so nice and friendly! But, I actually learned the most from talking everyday with my host family and the people that I met on the beach or in the Centro. I couldn't have had those opportunities had I stayed home this summer!" -Melissa, Austin, TX
"Learning to surf in Santander was awesome! The boat trip to Somo Beach was really cool and a great way to relax after studying."
"Studying abroad in Santander with SPI was a once in a lifetime experience! You won't know how much you loved it and how much you miss it until you return back home." -Tessa, Park City, UT
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Prerequisites:
Must be completing grades 9-12 and have at least two years of high school Spanish or equivalent.
Academic Information:
School: Universidad de Cantabria
Curriculum: Spanish Grammar, Conversation, and Culture. Classes are taught Monday-Friday, 4 hours a day, by teachers who hold advanced degrees in teaching Spanish to foreigners. Classes are held with other SPI program participants and are broken up by skill level.
Academic Credit: Students receive 40 contact hours (2 WK), or 80 contact hours (MONTH) on their transcript that they may petition for up to 2-4 hours of college credit.
Universidad de Cantabria:
The University of Cantabria enjoys one of the most favorable staff to student ratios within Spain. According to the National Planning and Assessment Agency the University ranks third out of all Spanish universities in regards to quality and standards of research. The University of Cantabria has offered summer courses in Spanish as a Foreign Language for well over two decades. Students will have access to the library facilities as well as to computers and internet. The UC gymnasium facilities are also available for student use upon request.
Homestay Family:
The homestay families are carefully selected by the housing coordinator at the Universidad de Cantabria as well as screened by SPI. The families are well experienced in hosting foreign students and are committed to help in learning the language, serving you great food, and adopting you into their way of life. Remember that families come in all shapes and sizes and an open mind to try new things is important.
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Summer 1&2:
| Day 1 |
Depart USA for Spain. |
| Day 2 |
Arrive in Madrid MAD Airport. Transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the city's Art District. Join your group for an orientation lunch followed by a small walking tour around Madrid. Stroll through the Plaza Mayor, visit the famous Prado or Reina Sofia art museums. After dinner with the group, take an evening tour around the city. |
| Day 3 |
After breakfast depart for Segovia and Burgos. Visit the Alcazar Castle where Columbus obtained permission to sail to America and see the famous Roman Aqueduct! Enjoy an incredible evening in Burgos strolling around the lively streets with the famous Spanish gothic cathedral as the backdrop. |
| Day 4 |
Visit the Burgos Cathedral and see where ‘El Cid’ made his mark. Travel to Bilbao for lunch and to explore the Guggenheim museum. Arrive in Santander to meet your host family. Enjoy the first night getting to know your family. |
| Day 5 |
Start your first day of classes. You will take an informal placement test to determine your level. Spend the afternoon exploring the city on a guided orientation tour. |
| Days 6-9 |
Regular morning classes followed by various afternoon activities. Possible activities include: hikes around Santander's beautiful coastline, beach volleyball, a night at 'El Cine' to watch Spanish movies, a boat trip across the bay to Somo, surf lessons at Somo Beach or a daytrip to the quaint Cantabrian village of Santillana del Mar. |
| Day 10 |
Full day excursion to Picos de Europa mountains in nearby Asturias. Take the cable car to the top of the mountains and stop in the village of Potes to experience small town Spanish life. |
| Day 11 |
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday with your host family. |
| Days 12-16 |
Regular morning classes followed by various afternoon activities. Possible activities include: Flamenco dance lessons, a visit to the Cabo Mayor lighthouse with lunch on a secluded beach, bowling and shopping at the Valle Real Center or a visit to the Santander soccer stadium. |
| Day 17 |
Summer 1 & 2: Travel to historic Toledo. Explore the historic sites with a guided tour to the cathedral, El Greco museum, Alcazar, and the city walls. Enjoy a final dinner with your group.
Summer Month: Full day excursion to neighboring province. Depending on weather the group will either travel to San Sebastian, Gijon, or the beautiful seaside villa of Laredo. |
| Day 18 |
Summer 1 & 2 LAST DAY: Wake up early and travel from Toledo to the Madrid Airport via private bus. Depart Madrid for USA.
Summer Month: Enjoy a relaxing Sunday with your homestay family.
SUMMER MONTH ITINERARY BELOW: |
| Days 19-23 |
Regular morning classes followed by various afternoon activities. Possible activities include: exchanges with local students, optional volunteer project, cultural musuems around Santander, and volleyball or soccer on the beach. |
| Day 24 |
Enjoy a full day excursion to a typical Cantabrian village outside of Santander. Enjoy the day hiking, exploring and seeing first-hand the life in the Spanish countryside. |
| Days 26-30 |
Regular morning classes followed by various afternoon activities. Possible activities include: continued exchanges with local students, photography contest, visit the cathedral in Santander part of the 'Camino de Santiago" |
| Day 31 |
Travel to historic Toledo. Explore the historic sites with a guided tour to the cathedral, El Greco museum, Alcazar, and the city walls. Enjoy a final dinner with your group. |
| Days 32 |
Wake up early and travel from Toledo to the Madrid Airport via private bus. Depart Madrid for USA. |
*Potential afternoon activities listed above are subject to change due to weather or logistics. The Program Director makes final activity decisions while the program is underway.
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