Global Experiential Learning

Study in Spain, Summer 2025

Spain Today: The Intersection & Influence of Diverse Cultures Past & Present

Travel Dates

• Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (arrive in Madrid, Spain) 
• Tuesday, July 29, 2025 (depart Madrid, Spain)

Program Description

Theme: The Intersection & Influence of Diverse Cultures Past & Present

In this unique study abroad program offered through Foothill College you will get to spend four weeks in Madrid, Spain, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of the Iberian Peninsula! Through coursework (delivered in English) in anthropology & global studies, ethnographic fieldwork projects, guided experiential/service learning activities, and multiple faculty-led field trips—including a multi-day excursion to less frequently visited gems of Northern Spain—you will get to dive deep into the fascinating intersection of cultures in Madrid, Spain's buzzing cosmopolitan capital, and gain an informed appreciation of the centuries-long convergence of cultural identities in forming the country and identity of Spain today.

You will also get an opportunity to experience typical Spanish summertime activities in your free time, and on free days off, travel to new places, meet new people, practice your Spanish, and create unforgettable memories.

Program Highlights

 

• 8 units of coursework offered by Foothill faculty lead in Anthropology (ANTH 2B Patterns of Culture) and Global Studies (GLST 2 Global Issues)
• Holistic and immersive academic program design with instruction consisting of lectures, workshops, ethnographic fieldwork activities, experiential & service learning, museum/cultural site visits, reflection and debrief sessions
• Lectures held at a contemporary, centrally-located international campus
• Accommodation in single room/shared bath in well-equipped (wi-fi, air-conditioning, laundry facilities) international student residence in a desirable neighborhood in central Madrid, well connected by public transport.
• 3 meals a day/7 days a week provided. All dietary needs can be accommodated.
• Day trips to surrounding cities such as Toledo and Segovia
• Multi-day excursion to Northern Spain (may include cities such as Burgos--with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Atapuerca with the oldest evidence of hominin settlement in western Europe--, Vitoria, San Sebastian, Pamplona)
• All Spanish language levels welcome. Optional private Spanish classes (not for credit) may be arranged (at an additional cost).
• Our programs tend to attract participants of all ages, backgrounds, educational levels, majors, etc. – with a shared love of travel and exploration!

Program Faculty

Kathryn Maurer, Ph.D. (Anthropology & Global Studies)

Program Host

Foothill College is partnering with Studykai International Education (based in Barcelona, Spain) in the program design, infrastructure and support of this Summer 2025 Spain program. 

Courses Offered

• ANTH 2B Patterns of Culture (4 credits)
• GLST 2 Global Issues (4 credits)

Application and Costs

As part of the application process, please complete the interest form to tell us a bit more about yourself. If you meet the initial program eligibility criteria, we'll provide the official program application.

SPAIN 2025 PROGRAM INTEREST FORM

Program Cost, Fees and Deadlines 

 

Early Bird Program Fee: $4,045
Standard Program Fee: $4,500 

• Early Bird Application deposit (applied towards program fee): $10
• Standard Application deposit (applied towards program fee): $100
• Early Bird Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 (spots filled on a first-come-first served basis/rolling admission)
• Standard Application Deadline: Rolling deadline. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until program is full. 
• 1st Installment of $1,000 program fees: March 15, 2025
• 2nd Installment of $1,000 program fees: April 15, 2025
• Final Installment of $2,035 (Early Bird) OR $2,400 (Standard) program fees: May 15, 2025
• Enrollment Fees & Tuition (8 units) due by July 1, 2025: Variable by units and residency status – see Student Fees & Tuition

Program Components

Included in program fees

• Pre-departure and on arrival orientations, including a comprehensive participant information packet with culturally relevant information for appropriate and safe travel to/from and within Spain
• Faculty-led lectures and seminars, field trips, integrated experiential (out-of-the-classroom) learning opportunities in places of great cultural and historical interest
• Guest lectures/workshops with local experts
• Service learning/volunteer opportunities 
• Guided activities including city tours and museum visits
• Accommodation in single rooms with 3 meals/day
• Airport transfers in Madrid on arrival/departure day
• All in-country transportation as part of program itinerary including unlimited  Madrid metro pass
• Medical and travel insurance, and 24/7 emergency support

Not included in program fees

• Airfare to Spain
• Foothill tuition and enrollment fees
• Personal spending money for independent activities/travel 
• Anything else not named above

Program Eligibility

Open to adults of all ages and experiences who:

• Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Are able to travel to Spain (hold/able to obtain a U.S. passport or a passport from a country with eligible entry to Spain)
• Are ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Questions?

For more information, please reach out to the Office of Global Experiential Learning at globalexperiences@fhda.edu