Semester Abroad: Ronda, Spain

Ronda is a tight-knit, friendly community of 40,000, where students find an opportunity to really get to know Spanish people and make the town their home.

Located in the province of Málaga, in the autonomous region of Andalucía, Ronda boasts the oldest bullring in all of Europe, inaugurated in May 1785. The city consists of an old and a new part that are divided by the Tajo gorge but connected by a spectacular bridge, El Puente Nuevo. The new part of the city is a bustling commercial area centered on a busy pedestrian street called Calle La Bola, where residents conduct business, shop, eat tapas, and socialize at outdoor cafes. From banks to bars, there is almost constant activity on this side of the bridge.

In contrast, the more tranquil side of town, the old part, is surrounded by a huge Arabic wall with a large, arched doorway, and is perched atop the highest point of the rocky cliffs. This area, known as the Barrio de San Francisco, hosts an open-air market every Sunday, providing residents the opportunity to stroll and shop for fresh foods and handmade crafts. This part of the city is the cultural center and the site of the Jalifa Palace, formerly the residence of Arab royalty. It has been completely restored and now houses the University of Málaga in Ronda’s International Program for Spanish Studies.

The Academic Program

The Programa Internacional de Estudios de Español (PIEE) at the Universidad de Málaga in Ronda is designed for students at the beginning or intermediate level of Spanish language study seeking an intensive Spanish immersion experience.

Upon arrival in Ronda, the PIEE tests and places each student in language classes appropriate to the student’s level of Spanish proficiency. Levels range from absolute beginner to low advanced Spanish language skills. Students of all levels have approximately five hours of classes in Spanish language, grammar, conversation, and culture daily. PIEE courses are designed to help students reach a high level of proficiency in both spoken and written Spanish, as well as to gain an understanding of Spanish culture and customs. Classes are taught by native Spanish speakers and include students mostly from the United States and Europe.

Credit

Students will receive 12 hours of KU credit for coursework completed through the Programa Internacional de Estudios de Español. The particular courses for which the student receives credit will depend on the student’s level and previous course work in Spanish. See the KU Office of Study Abroad website at www.studyabroad.ku.edu for a list of courses taught by the PIEE in Ronda and their equivalent KU credits.

In addition to the courses completed at the PIEE, students at the intermediate and advanced Spanish levels will enroll in one three-credit Spanish culture course taught by a Ronda native and professor of the PIEE. This course is mandatory for all students who have completed one year of Spanish study or the equivalent at the university level. Students will receive three hours of credit for SPAN 270 Hispanic Language, Culture, and Civilization II-A for completion of this course.

KU Course Equivalencies for PIEE courses

Accommodations

Students will be housed in private homes with families in Ronda. Homestay experiences help students to improve their Spanish language proficiency and immerse students in Spanish life. Placement is based on lifestyle and interests expressed in the housing application. Three meals daily are provided.

Program Dates

Spring 2010: late January — late May
Fall 2010: late August — late December

Eligibility

Open to undergraduate students from any accredited U.S. college or university. Students must hold a 2.5 cumulative G.P.A., have strong recommendations from their instructors, be willing and able to adapt to a different environment, and be prepared for the challenge of doing so with limited language skills.

Cost

KU Students (2010): TBD
Non-KU Students (2010): TBD

Program Fee: The program fee includes tuition and fees, room and board during the academic period, program excursions, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services, and KU orientation.

Additional costs:Airfare, some meals during the orientation period, books, passport and visa fees, and personal expenses.

Note

All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Financial Aid

KU students who qualify for financial aid in the form of Stafford and/or other loans, Pell or SEOG Grants, and scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a Study Abroad Program.

Limited supplemental scholarships are available to KU undergraduates. Applications are available at the Office of Study Abroad. You can also download the scholarship application. The scholarship application deadline is October 1 for Spring.

Non-KU students should check into the resources available to them at their home institution.

Application Procedures

Application Deadline: October 1 for Spring Semester, March 1 for Fall Semester

Applications are available in the KU Office of Study Abroad. You can also download the application.

Applications submitted after the deadline will only be considered with prior approval of the program coordinator at the Office of Study Abroad.

Useful Websites

KU Department of Spanish and Portuguese
www.andalucia.com/ronda
www.spanish-fiestas.com/ronda

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