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The Santander program will provide students with a life-changing and unforgettable experience. It is designed to give students the opportunity to improve and practice the Spanish language intensively while immersing themselves in the Spanish culture. Students will gain a rich knowledge of the cultures of Spain by exploring many interesting and fun topics in class, traveling to different areas of the country and, most importantly, by living with a local host family and making local friends. The program will provide many field trips and activities such as flamenco dance lessons, sampling local food, whitewater rafting, adventures in a cave, guided tours by bike and walking, museums and cathedrals visits and more. If you have not completed your "Explorations Beyond the Classroom requirement" make sure to check this option on your application. This class will fulfill the "Explorations Beyond the Classroom" requirement. (Click here)  

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Program objectives: 
 

• Create global citizens.

• Provide and promote cultural awareness and appreciation.

• Experience the Spanish culture first-hand by immersing in the culture.

• Improve language skills by practicing in an relaxed environment while having fun.

• Challenge students to grow professionally and personally.

• Improve the students' resumes.

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The city of Santander:
 

Santander is located in the community of Cantabria, about four hours north of Madrid. It is famous for being one of the prettiest bays in the world with breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Ocean and mountains.  Along its cost there are many beaches, all with their unique charm. Santander is also famous for its rich gastronomy which features delicious, fresh seafood. The city has its own airport and it is easily accessible by train, bus and ferry. Flying to other major European cities is easy to do. It has an excellent local transportation system and it is very easy to walk throughout the town. There is a Ferry that goes to London weekly.
 

The Cantabrian region is of great natural, cultural and historical value.  Some of the famous sites located around Santander are easily accessible by public transportation:  Museo de Altamira (replica of the pre-historic caves from the Paleolithic period). Las Cuevas del Soplao (known for its unique geological formations) and El Parque Natural de Cabárceno (home to a hundred animal species from five continents). In addition, The Basque Country is only an hour away, offering the opportunity to visit this region and to learn and discuss the cultural differences between the Basque and Castilian cultures.

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Santander houses two large and prestigious universities: La Universidad de Cantabria and La Universidad de Menéndez Pelayo. Therefore, a large number of the city’s population is students from all over Spain and other European countries.  The city is very rich culturally. It offers many festivals and events especially in the summer months. Some examples are The Roman Festival, the Music Festival, the Book and Music fairs. Furthermore, the city has ongoing theater and music performances year -round. Students will get a highly rich, authentic cultural experience by living with a local host family, eating local food and attending cultural events.

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In Santander students will use Spanish daily in the classroom, while on excursions and at home with their host families.  All courses and activities will be conducted in Spanish. The degree of immersion in culture and the use of the target language will be maximized to the greatest extent.