Handbook Supplement

CGIS: Spanish Language and Culture in Salamanca, Spain

Handbook Supplement

Summer 2013

University of Michigan Center for Global and Intercultural Study

TABLE OF CONTENTS Program Overview ...... 2 2013 Program Dates ...... 2 Onsite Program Staff ...... 2 Academic Information ...... 3 Spanish Community Practicum ...... 3 A Foodie’s Guide to Spain ...... 4 Avoiding the Tourist Trap ...... 4 Dance, Play, and be Merry ...... 4 Placement Levels ...... 4 Level A ...... 4 Level B ...... 5 Level C ...... 6 Course Selection and Approval ...... 8 Attendance Policy ...... 9 Grading ...... 9 Spanish University System ...... 9 Packing ...... 10 Toiletries ...... 10 Electrical Appliances ...... 10 Laptops ...... 10 Travel ...... 11 Communicating Travel Plans ...... 11 Arriving in Salamanca ...... 11 Entry/Exit Requirements ...... 12 Program-Sponsored Excursions ...... 12 Local Transportation ...... 12 Living in Spain...... 12 Supplemental Activities ...... 13 Living with a Host Family ...... 13 Host Family Expectations ...... 13 Manners and Etiquette ...... 14 Conflict Resolution ...... 14 Food ...... 15 Visitors ...... 15

April 5, 2013 1 Amenities ...... 15 Electricity Use ...... 15 Computer Use ...... 16 Use of Host Family’s Phone...... 16 Cell Phones ...... 16 Diversity in Spain ...... 16 Additional Resources ...... 17 Emergency Contact Information ...... 19

Program Overview Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Michigan program in Salamanca, Spain! This handbook supplements the CGIS General Handbook. You are responsible for reading and understanding these resources, which provide important academic, cultural, and pre-departure information. We encourage you to discuss all aspects of the program with your family thoroughly, and to contact the Center for Global and Intercultural Study or onsite staff with any questions.

2013 Program Dates

Monday, June 24: Program Director and Program Assistant arrive in Salamanca. Faculty should arrive at least a day before the program starts.

Wednesday, June 26: Student Arrival/ Program Begins

Friday, June 25: First meeting with UM Professors, Practicum Classes Begin

Monday, July 1: Cursos Internacionales Classes Begin

Friday, July 26: Cursos Internacionales Classes End Tuesday, August 6: Final UM Class Exam, last night with homestay families

Wednesday, August 7: Student Departure/ Program Ends

A detailed schedule will be distributed to participants during onsite orientation.

On-site Program Staff Director: Andrew Noverr ([email protected]): Andy has taught Spanish at the University of Michigan since 1999. This summer will mark the sixth time he has worked with students in Spain. In 2004 and 2006 he co-directed Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates field sites hiking the Camino de Santiago.

April 5, 2013 2 Instructors:

Maria del Mar Freire Hermida ([email protected]): After receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas, Mar moved to Spain where she worked in study abroad for nine years. There, she taught literature, language and culture courses to international students from different parts of the world, but particularly from the USA and the UK. In the Fall of 2010, she was a visiting professor at the University of Michigan. She has taught on the Salamanca program for several years now.

José Luis Fernández García ([email protected]): This is Jose Luis’ second time teaching on the Salamanca program, and he is very excited to return.

Program Assistant:

Sandra Rodriguez Pareja - [email protected] is a language teacher who has been living in Scotland for 4 years and in Minnesota for a year teaching Spanish as a Fulbright TA. She holds a Bachelor degree in English Language and Literature and master's degree in Spanish from the University of Sevilla. Sandra is currently living in Ann Arbor with a scholarship through her graduate school, and is teaching in an elementary school with a focus on literacy, assisting in a high school, and working as tutor and translator in the Romance Languages department. Sandra is excited to share her culture and language, and has experience leading similar programs with Spanish students coming to study in English speaking countries!

ACADEMIC INFORMATION The Salamanca program is designed to provide students with instruction in Spanish language, literature, and culture in the country where the Spanish language originated. All coursework will be conducted in Spanish. Classes are taught with academic standards and requirements comparable to what students are accustomed to at the University of Michigan. While in Salamanca, students will be joined by U-M faculty and staff, as well as international students from around the world.

All students will receive a total of seven credits for coursework taken in Salamanca: 1 credit: Spanish Community Practicum, taught by U-M instructors 3 credits: Spanish Level Course, taught by U-M instructors 3 credits: Two Cursos Internacionales modules (1.5 credits each), taught by local instructors

SPANISH COMMUNITY PRACTICUM Every student, regardless of level placement, will enroll in the Spanish Community Practicum course, designed to introduce students to a particular issue relevant to the local community. Students will develop practical use of Spanish language through interviews with local residents and/or site visits with local community organizations. The Spanish Community Practicum will meet during the first and last weeks of the program, in seminar-style format, culminating with the presentation of team projects. The course will not count towards a Spanish concentration or minor but will still count as in-residence credit;

During the program orientation, students will rank-order their preference for the Community Practicum sections. Please note that you may not get your first choice and that we will try and match you with a different U-M professor than you have for your other class.

April 5, 2013 3

A Foodie’s Guide to Spain Practicum, CGIS Salamanca 2013, Andy Noverr This practicum focuses on the relationships between food production and consumption in Spain. We will consider the historical, economical and geographical factors that influence one of the most critically acclaimed cuisines in the world. Coursework will include fieldtrips, extensive blogging, preparation of dishes and active research (“eating”) onsite. Participants are encouraged to bring cameras (both video and digital) to record their experiences. Last year’s blog: http://salamancafoodie2011.blogspot.com/

Avoiding the Tourist Trap Practicum, CGIS Salamanca 2013, Mar Freire In 2010 the United Nations World Tourism Organization ranked Spain among the top 4 international destinations in the world. Study abroad students are included in these statistics and can fall in the trap of a powerful tourist industry. This practicum exposes how that industry works in Salamanca and other popular international destinations in Spain. At the same time, it looks at what Spaniards do to avoid falling into the tourist trap.

Dance, Play and Be Merry Practicum, CGIS Salamanca 2013, José Luis Fernández García This practicum will expose students to the world of performing arts in Spain by engaging with variety of art forms. While in Salamanca, students will have the chance to either see some plays, both professional and student productions and have round tables about them, a flamenco show and/or to visit the bullfighting museum to acquire an understanding of performance arts in Spain. I will try to make some of the performers available to be interviewed by students.

PLACEMENT LEVELS Additional course offerings are determined by level placement. All students in the Salamanca program are placed into one of four levels at the time of application. Levels are determined by progress in Spanish coursework, academic degree program, and overall progress towards degree.

Level A Reading, Grammar, and Composition Taught by José Luis Fernández-Garcia. This course will count toward the Spanish concentration/minor as Spanish 277 (3 credits)

Course Description: Spanish 277 is a hybrid course. The grammar is presented, for the most part, online and your knowledge of the grammar is tested online. Students will be responsible for preparing and taking six diagnostic exams. Students may take these exams as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score, but must take each one for the first time by the dates specified in the syllabus. If students are not able to achieve this score on the initial attempt(s), a variety of resources will be available on CTools. These include grammar explanation handouts with Power Points, covering preterit/imperfect, ser/estar, the subjunctive, and the passive voice; self-correcting grammar exercises; and numerous links to web sites with additional exercises.

You will also take two mini-classes at Cursos Internacionales. These two courses are combined and will appear on your UM transcript as one 3 credit 300-level course.

11-12pm Historia de la España Contemporánea (1.5 credits)

April 5, 2013 4 Instructor: Cursos Internacionales In this class of Spanish History we will look at the different historical aspects of the 20th century in a contextualized manner, whereby the student can understand the modern-day repercussions of important historical moments. The knowledge of the history of a country is one of the means that contributes to a better understanding the country, and, for this reason, it is another resource for motivating the student in learning the language. The different tasks, activities, and materials permit an active participation in the class by the student.

1 -2pm Cultura Española (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales The objective of this course is to help the student understand the different aspects of Spanish culture with the idea of contributing to a better understanding of the country and of the way its people live. The program includes not only information about geographic, political, historic aspects, but also the customs, behavior, and values which form a part of Spanish character. The method of instruction includes contextual explanations, assignments, exercises, and other activities which look to immerse the student in Spanish culture in order to more easily facilitate the acquisition of the language.

Level B Topics in Contemporary Spain Taught by Andrew Noverr. This course will count toward the Spanish concentration/minor as a 300 level elective (3 credits). Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with a unique insight on Spanish culture and contemporary topics. After a concise analysis of the recent history of the country, we will begin to assess the connections between past events and the current situation. In order to do so, students will read and watch a variety of news outlets from all over the country and follow several trending topics as they maintain a daily journal. Class sessions will help us explore and understand these events in their historical and contemporary contexts. Students will not only gain a greater understanding of the host culture, they will document their experience abroad through their assignments, journals and blog entries.

You will also take two mini-classes at Cursos Internacionales. These two courses are combined and will appear on your UM transcript as one 3 credit 300-evel course.

11-12pm Choose ONE of the following:

Historia de la España Contemporánea (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales In this class of Spanish History we will look at the different historical aspects of the 20th century in a contextualized manner, whereby the student can understand the modern-day repercussions of important historical moments. The knowledge of the history of a country is one of the means that contributes to a better understanding the country, and, for this reason, it is another resource for motivating the student in learning the language. The different tasks, activities, and materials permit an active participation in the class by the student.

Cultura Española (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales

April 5, 2013 5 The objective of this course is to help the student understand the different aspects of Spanish culture with the idea of contributing to a better understanding of the country and of the way its people live. The program includes not only information about geographic, political, historic aspects, but also the customs, behavior, and values which form a part of Spanish character. The method of instruction includes contextual explanations, assignments, exercises, and other activities which look to immerse the student in Spanish culture in order to more easily facilitate the acquisition of the language.

12-1pm Choose ONE of the following:

Literatura Española Contemporánea (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales The course offers a general vision of Spanish and Latin American literature in the 20th century with special focus in the presentation of the different literary movements in chronological order and in the development of the genres via the authors and the most important texts. Special attention is placed on the linguistic resources for each of the fundamental genres that will be studied: poetry, narratives, and theatre. Parallel to this will be the attention to the social, cultural, or ideological aspects that will be broached in the different themes throughout the course.

Prácticas de Destrezas Orales (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales This course aims to develop students’ listening and speaking skills in a wide variety of situations. Guided classroom activities offer contexts in which students will improve their comprehension and expression. Special focus is given to tailoring language usage for each specific situation, interacting properly, improving fluency, and deploying appropriate communicative strategies.

Level C To Make a Long Story Short Taught by Mar Freire Hermida. This course will count toward the Spanish concentration/minor as 300 level literature (3 credits). Course Description: “Los buenos perfumes vienen en frascos pequeños” (‘Good things come in small packages.’). Just because something is presented in a small container does not mean its content is of any lesser value. In fact, essences are typically distilled in small bottles. So can short literary pieces condense historical, cultural or social meaning. With this idea in mind, this course will provide students with a panoramic view of Spanish 20th and 21st century literature through the study of short texts. Readings will include short stories, poems and short plays by authors such as Ramón Gómez de la Serna, Federico García Lorca, Max Aub, Miguel Delibes or Juan José Millás among others.

You will also take two mini-classes at Cursos Internacionales. These two courses are combined and will appear on your UM transcript as one 3 credit 300-level course.

From 11-12pm choose ONE of the following:

Conversación y Redacción (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales The objective of the course is to help the student develop written and oral skills through the analysis and production of different written texts (reports, letters, notes, curricula) and oral texts (dialogue, presentation, debates). Students will learn and work with different aspects related to oral and written discourse: textual cohesion and coherence, conversation markers, written expression, and strategies.

April 5, 2013 6

Español de los Negocios (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales This course is for the student who needs to delve more deeply into a more specific Spanish, in this case Spanish for Business. Through a series of relevant themes in the area of business (the company, the bank, the labor world, etc.) the student will not only learn the specialized vocabulary in each area, but will also develop and perfect the four basic skills: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, oral comprehension, and writing, by means of activities that consolidate and expand knowledge related to the business.

Comentario de Textos Literarios (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales This course is geared towards the comprehension and analysis of a selected number of texts representing a range of genres, writers of Spanish and Latin American backgrounds, and highly stylized text types (journalism, advertising, headlines, and others). Literary analysis centers on themes and structuring as well as salient linguistic and literary features. Reading comprehension and written expression will also be the focus of classroom work.

Traducción: Inglés-Español (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales This course promotes reflection on the mechanisms and structures of the students’ native language and that of the foreign language via translation from students’ native languages into Spanish. Using a wide variety of different types of authentic texts written in a range of styles, the importance of source-text and target-text contextual and cultural factors is stressed and the most common errors (lexical, morphological, syntactic and pragmatic) are analyzed.

From 12-1pm choose ONE of the following:

Historia del Arte Español (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales This course will try to provide knowledge of the principal tendencies in Spanish art during its long history, as well as analyze the principal artistic works (paintings, sculptures, and architecture) of Spanish patrimony. The immense wealth and artistic variety of Spain is demonstrated to the student through contextual assignments so that the student not only acquires basic knowledge of artistic vocabulary, but also develops critical analysis skills.

Economía y Sociedad de la España Actual (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales

April 5, 2013 7 This course expects that the student will acquire the basic tools that permit him or her to understand, interpret, and discuss economic themes and relationships, such as the function of private and public institutions. Through this course, students will better understand the existing relationship between economic agents and the principal economic dimensions. Special emphasis will be placed on the close link of the economy with the social and political context of Spain’s population.

OR from 1-2 Choose ONE of the following:

Prácticas de Destrezas Escritas (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales Students are taught to use writing as a tool for achieving a variety of communicative objectives. The skill of writing is learned through comprehension and production of different text types (narrative, descriptive, argumentative, formal letter-writing, and others). By making the structural characteristics of each text explicit and analyzing the cognitive processes behind them, students will learn how to search for ideas, plan, outline, and compose written texts.

Cultura Española (1.5 credits) Instructor: Cursos Internacionales The objective of this course is to help the student understand the different aspects of Spanish culture with the idea of contributing to a better understanding of the country and of the way its people live. The program includes not only information about geographic, political, historic aspects, but also the customs, behavior, and values which form a part of Spanish character. The method of instruction includes contextual explanations, assignments, exercises, and other activities which look to immerse the student in Spanish culture in order to more easily facilitate the acquisition of the language.

COURSE SELECTION AND APPROVAL All students are required to submit the Course Credit Worksheet as part of the course selection and registration process. The Course Credit Worksheet should be submitted to the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures for approval from the Salamanca Resident Director. Students planning on applying all summer term credits towards concentration, minor, or upper level credit in Spanish do not need to make additional appointments to meet with a Spanish faculty advisor.

Completion of the Course Credit Worksheet fulfills the requirement for completing the CGIS Advisor Approval Form, and students do not need to complete the CGIS Advisor Approval Form if they are not

April 5, 2013 8 planning on applying the coursework to other academic departments. Students planning to apply summer coursework towards departments, Schools, or Colleges other than the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures should still make plans to meet with the appropriate academic advisor to complete the CGIS Advisor Approval Form requirement.

ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance is an absolute requirement of all program courses. You are responsible for contacting your instructor to make up work if you are absent. Absences will negatively affect your final grades. More than three absences may result in loss of credit.

GRADING Courses taught by U-M instructors will be graded on the U-M letter-grade scale, in a similar fashion to classroom expectations in Ann Arbor.

The Cursos Internacionales modules will be graded on a numeric scale ranging from 0-10. The final grade for the Cursos Internacionales modules will be calculated according to the following scale:

Cursos Internacionales University of Michigan 10—9.5 A+ 9.49—8.5 A 8.49—7.5 A- 7.49—6.5 B+ 6.49—6 B 5.99—5.5 B- 5.49—4.5 C+ 4.49—4 C 3.99—3.5 D 3.49—0 E (F)

SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM The U-M program is set up in such a way as to provide a transitional experience from U.S. to Spanish practices. Courses taught by U-M instructors will similar to courses taught on campus in Ann Arbor, and will include only U-M students. Cursos Internacionales classes follow a style more commonly found in Spanish universities, and may include international students from other programs. It is important for students to be aware of the following characteristics of Spanish universities and faculty: • Communication between professors and students tends to be very formal. In general, classes tend to have less communication between professors and students. • Professors tend to be less tolerant if students come unprepared for class. While there may be fewer tasks demanded of students on a daily basis, you must prepare for class daily. If you are unprepared, you may get skeptical looks from your professor. • It is common for professors to say outright when a student is wrong. Respect in class is gained through performance, not charm or enthusiasm. You should accept this as a cultural difference in teaching style, and not take such criticism personally or be offended. • Courses are typically graded entirely based on a final paper or exam. Daily homework assignments are less frequent. You must discipline yourself to study as you go along, and not try to catch up on the last day.

April 5, 2013 9 • There is no make-up system for missed exams. If students miss a final exam, they will fail the course.

PACKING Clothing that you wear in the U.S. will be generally appropriate in Spain, and you should feel comfortable with what you would normally choose. Styles in Spain are a bit dressier than in the U.S., but summer attire can be more casual. Jogging and athletic attire are worn for exercise purposes but normally not as casual attire. There may also be occasions such as a visit a local church, theater, or restaurant, when you will want to dress a bit more formally than usual, so men should bring at least one dress shirt, tie and nice pants, and women should bring at least one nice dress and pair of shoes.

In addition to the items listed in the CGIS General Handbook, a suggested packing list includes:  A sweatshirt or lightweight sweater: the climate in Salamanca is generally very warm and dry in the summer, but it may get chilly in the evening  A light rainproof jacket or a folding umbrella  Comfortable walking shoes: long walks through town are normal; many streets and sidewalks are made of cobblestone  Clothing for special events, such as theater performances or visits to historical churches. We suggest men avoid baggy pants and women avoid short shorts. Spanish students generally do not wear shorts to class, but nice jeans (no holes) are typically acceptable.

Toiletries Toothpaste, hair products, dental floss and other items can be expensive in Spain. You may be able to find the American brands you like, but you will likely pay more. Former students have specifically recommended bringing deodorant, contact lenses (and cleaning fluid), and feminine hygiene products from home. Fortunately, toiletries brought and used during the summer create space in your luggage for your return home.

Electrical Appliances The standard electric current in Europe is 220 volts/50 cycles; the standard electric current in the U.S. is 110 volts/60 cycles. Electricity is very expensive in Spain, which typically results in less electrical outlets. Electrical items brought from home will need to be adapted for European current and electrical outlets by use of both a transformer and a converter plug, which allows you to plug an American item into a European wall socket. Former students have felt it is better to purchase electric hair dryers, curling irons, and shavers in Spain, thereby solving both the transformer and converter problems. For some items, such as clocks, battery-operated may be the best way to go; even with an adapter these items may break and are usually cheaper to replace than fix. If you purchase a transformer, it is recommended you purchase one that converts 125 volts to 220 volts and reaches 1500 watts.

Laptops Students are encouraged to bring laptops with them to Spain, but it is not mandatory. Wi-fi is widely available in university areas, although the coverage might not be what you are accustomed to in Ann Arbor. Public computers are widely available in university libraries and local cafés.

If you choose to bring your personal laptop or iPod, it is strongly recommended that you purchase insurance and service plans for your equipment in case of potential loss or damage. While most laptop computers have internal transformers, you should discuss this with the manufacturer and take the

April 5, 2013 10 proper measures to protect your machine; low quality power transformers can end up damaging your laptop.

TRAVEL CGIS does not encourage extensive travel while program classes are in session. If you plan to travel outside of Salamanca while the program is in progress, you must inform the Program Director or Program Assistant of your travel plans, and provide contact information.

We ask that you make wise travel choices in order to fully benefit from your academic and cultural immersion in Spain. We encourage you to consider the benefits of exploring Salamanca on the weekends, forming local relationships, and traveling with non-English speaking friends. When making travel plans with family and friends, we recommend that you plan your trips to other European countries for before the program starts or after it ends.

COMMUNICATING TRAVEL PLANS Students are responsible for making their own travel plans. By April 22, students must submit their travel itinerary through the Travel Itinerary form on M-Compass. If students’ travel information changes throughout the program, students should update their travel information, since this is essential for communicating with emergency responders. The most important information needed in the travel registry is your arrival information to Spain. It is not necessary to have a return flight set up at the time of booking, if you are staying in Spain past the end of the program.

ARRIVING IN SALAMANCA Students are responsible for securing independent arrangements in arrive in Salamanca on Wednesday Sunday, June 26, 2013. Students should plan on meeting at the Salamanca train station, where local staff will be waiting to match students with their host families. Additional details for an arrival meeting location will be emailed to students closer to departure.

Accommodations with local host families will begin the night of Wednesday, June 26, 2013. The last night of paid accommodations will be Tuesday, August 6, 2013. Students will be responsible for securing independent arrangements for return travel at the end of the program.

Most international flights will arrive in Madrid Barajas Airport. Various forms of public transportation are available from Madrid, including both buses and trains.

The Madrid airport can be a bit confusing. It might be worth printing out some maps and plans before you go, so that you can point and ask appropriate directions when you arrive. There are 4 terminals and one is completely separate from the other 3. See picture. Many students fly from the U.S. so they land in Terminal 4. They have to go outside of that and pick up a shuttle that takes them over to where terminals 1,2, & 3 are (the bus to Salamanca leaves from Termina 1).

April 5, 2013 11

Trains vary in quality, price and speed. RENFE is the only train company in Spain. Regardless of the type of train or route followed, there are a number of discounts available. In Spain, inquire about Chequetren coupons, Tarjeta Joven, Tarjeta Turística, Interail, and Eurotren passes. Eurail passes are also a good way to travel around Europe, but can only be purchased in the United States. Rail passes often require a supplement for sleeper cars and fast trains. Due to Spain’s varied geography, bus transportation may be less expensive and faster than rail travel.

The program strongly recommends against renting cars for travel for several reasons. First, it can be dangerous because traffic systems and road signs are different from the United States. Cars are manual in Spain. Second, full insurance plus the daily rental rate is expensive. Third, the alternatives are excellent and readily available. Spain has an efficient and reasonably priced transportation system that provides access by train or bus to almost all cities and towns.

Entry/Exit Requirements Upon arrival to Spain, you should be prepared to show a copy of your program acceptance letter if asked by an immigration official. Your official program acceptance letter was emailed to you directly; we recommend printing a copy to include with your travel documents.

We recommend all students familiarize themselves with entry/exit requirements. Currently, U.S. citizens may travel as tourists in the European Union for 90 days without needing a student visa, so it should be possible to travel before or after the program using only your passport. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Consulate General of Spain for required travel documents and regulations. For more information on entry/exit requirements: Department of State: www.travel.state.gov

PROGRAM-SPONSORED EXCURSIONS Two group excursions are included in the CGIS Program Fee. These group excursions provide students with the opportunity to explore an area of interest in nearby cities. We are currently working with a travel agent in Spain to solidify the excursions for this year, and more information will be shared about those shortly via e-mail. These UM group excursions are mandatory, and will take place towards the beginning of your program. This allows some free weekends towards the end for independent travel. There are also additional excursions arranged by Cursos Internacionales. Additional fees apply and must be paid onsite.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Walking, buses and taxis are the most efficient ways to get around Salamanca. Students should be prepared for a daily commute from the host family apartment to the university. Please bring your M- Card! Students get discounts on public transport around town!

LIVING IN SPAIN The city of Salamanca is full of history and charm. Salamanca became world famous with the foundation of its university by Alfonso IX in 1218. The university soon rivaled those of Bologna, Paris, and Oxford, and it made Arabic philosophy available to the Western world. In the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Salamanca was the center of Christian Spanish cultural life and theology. In the

April 5, 2013 12 Peninsular War (1811), the city was partially demolished by the French. Later, Salamanca became the capital of the insurgents in the Spanish Civil War (1937–38). The city is still rich in architectural treasures, such as a Roman bridge. Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor is among the finest public squares in Spain and serves as the cultural center of the city. Students will find today’s Spain offers both historical insights and contemporary cultural diversity.

While in Spain, you will be adjusting to new ways of living and learning in a Spanish culture. For example, the work-day is structured quite differently in Spain than in the U.S. Classes usually end at 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. to allow for the main meal, comida, and siesta. A number of businesses close between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. Dinner, or cena, is lighter and generally much later in the evening, around 9:00 p.m. Since evening activities don’t get started until late, students should take advantage of the long period between lunch and dinner to study and prepare for class.

While participating in the Salamanca program, you will have free time to attend concerts, films, and other performances. You are encouraged to take advantage of such cultural activities, as they offer to learn about Spanish culture outside of a traditional classroom. Since Spanish university students typically do not remain in Salamanca during the summer, you will be in class with other non-native speakers of Spanish. Tourists from all over the world visit Salamanca during the summer, speaking every language but Spanish in local restaurants, shops and museums. Therefore, your home stay and cultural activities offered the University of Salamanca are your best opportunities to learn as much as you can about Spanish culture during your brief stay.

SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVITIES Cursos Internacionales also offers additional supplemental courses and activities. Students may elect to participate in these non-credit opportunities, which may include dance, guitar, cooking, and cinema. You may elect to participate in supplemental activities offered by the Cursos Internacionales provided you will not miss class. Additional fees apply, and the cost is not included in the CGIS Program Fee.

LIVING WITH A HOST FAMILY While in Salamanca, students will live with host families, in single rooms. Students benefit greatly from the home stay experience, which provides daily opportunities for language and cultural exchange. Host families are arranged for U-M students by the University of Salamanca Cursos Internacionales program staff, and in most cases the hosts have housed students every summer for several years.

Students are required to complete housing preferences on the Salamanca Housing Form through M- Compass. This form helps Cursos Internacionales staff place students with an appropriate host family. When placing students with host families, priority is given to dietary and medical considerations. The program will make every effort to house students according to their preferences, but students should be aware that it may not be possible to accommodate all needs and preferences. Your flexibility and openness will make your time with the family and the program much more comfortable and enjoyable. Students can expect to receive host family information within two weeks of the program start date.

Host Family Expectations Adaptation to a new living situation is an important part of intercultural learning. Accordingly, students are encouraged to approach the host family placement process with a generous degree of flexibility and open mindedness. The home stay experience will offer you a unique glimpse into the daily life and customs of Spain. Family structure in Spain varies as much as does in the U.S. Host families may range

April 5, 2013 13 from a widowed señora to a family with small children. Likewise, the personalities of each host family member will vary. The best method is to approach your home stay with an open mind, and to show an interest in learning about Spanish culture.

Most host families house two international students in single rooms. Although the program generally does not place more than one U-M student in one home, some host families may be hosting students from another school, also attending classes at Cursos.

Salamanca is a large city, so you can expect your host family placement to be further from the center of campus than if you were in Ann Arbor. Most home stays are in apartment buildings, generally within a twenty to thirty‐minute walk from the University of Salamanca. In some cases, you may be required to take a bus. Under no circumstances will you be placed outside the public transportation system.

You should be aware that this is a boarding situation, paid for by the program fee, and not a free exchange, like one might find in a high school program. While the families do have some interest in the cultural aspects of housing a student, there is a clear economic motive driving the relationship.

Manners and Etiquette Though hosting a university student is a favorable financial arrangement for a Spanish family, most students find that they develop a friendly relationship with their host families. This is not something you should take for granted, however, and it may take a concentrated effort on your part. It may be some time before you feel accepted, but in the meantime you should take advantage of the benefits available to you, such as the opportunity to eat Spanish food, practice speaking Spanish, watch Spanish television, and observe Spanish customs. While you are not expected to perform any household chores, and you will not be held to a curfew, you will be expected to comply with certain family rules, such as making your bed daily or calling if you will be late for a meal. This is common courtesy, and will go a long way in establishing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere at home.

One way to establish a friendly relationship with your host family is to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. Since you will not know who you will live with prior to departure, it is best to bring a gift appropriate to share with an entire household, such as a food item typical of your home town. Remembering to show appreciation to your hosts can make a significant impact on your relationship. As part of your daily routine, bid family members buenas días and buenas noches and ask them about their family, pastimes, work, etc. It may seem formal, but it will help to establish a comfortable relationship in the Spanish culture.

Conflict Resolution Cultural and personal differences will naturally surface as you and your host family gets to know one another, and the best advice we can offer is to communicate. It is important to proactively discuss your concerns before problems escalate. If you experience problems, you are welcome to talk to the Resident Director or Program Assistant, who will work with you and your host family to remedy legitimate complaints. However, please be mindful that personality conflicts are not a valid reason for terminating a housing arrangement.

Unless based on immediate student safety or security issues, host family reassignments can only be considered after you and your hosts have discussed the problem in coordination with the Program Assistant. In the rare event a host family requests a student be moved due to inappropriate behavior by the student, and U-M staff members determine the reasons to be valid, the student may be required to

April 5, 2013 14 pay all fees associated with a new home stay placement. If the behavior were sufficiently bad as to have constituted grounds for expulsion from on-campus U-M housing in Ann Arbor, CGIS reserves the right to dismiss the student from the program entirely, with no refund of fees.

Food Sharing meals is a significant part of Spanish culture. Establishing an easy, friendly relationship with your hosts is best done during mealtimes, so the program encourages you to be present for meals in the home whenever possible. Your hosts are asked to prepare three meals a day for you, and to put aside a meal for you when you are not able to be there. Many host families will wait for you to arrive to begin eating, so it is essential that you let your hosts know when you are not going to be home for a meal. As a matter of courtesy, you should remain at the table until everyone has finished.

Eating new things and experiencing new tastes are part of exploring a new culture, and Spain is no different from many cultures in the pride it takes in its cuisine. The food may be different from what you are used to, both in the way it is prepared and in the varieties of food. If you have particular food preferences, please let your hosts know, but remember that you are expected to try to conform to the family as much as possible, including at meal times. When your hosts prepare a meal that you enjoy, make sure to compliment them, and you will be likely to be served that dish again.

If you have serious dietary restrictions due to allergies, please make this clear in your Salamanca Housing Form. Please be aware that very strict vegetarians (vegans) and kosher eaters will find it extremely difficult to maintain their dietary regimens during their stay in Spain. Very few Spaniards eat only vegetarian or kosher foods, and not all families are willing to make special meals. If you are strictly vegan or kosher, it may be necessary for you to supplement your diet at your own expense, to maintain proper nutritional balance. Students with additional questions or concerns about dietary matters are encouraged to talk to their home university advisor prior to the start of the program.

Visitors Visitors, including fellow program participants, are not allowed overnight visits in your home stay. Students anticipating visits from family or friends are encouraged to arrange itineraries around the class schedule, and to schedule visits after the official program end date. Students planning visitors are responsible for making arrangements for them to stay in local hotels or hostels. Salamanca is a major summer tourist site, so it is advisable to make such arrangements early.

Amenities You can expect certain basic amenities from your home stay. Most home stays provide linens and a pillow. You will be able to access bathroom and shower facilities, although facilities may vary by household.

Laundry service is not included in the home stay, though in most cases host señoras are willing to do you laundry for a modest fee, compared to the cost of having it done outside the home. If you have your señora do your laundry, your clothing probably will be washed in a machine and line-dried. Electricity is expensive in Spain and the summer weather does not necessitate dryers.

Electricity Use Electricity is considerably more expensive in Europe than in the U.S. Turn lights off when you leave your room, take shorter showers or baths, and conserve energy as much as possible. Never leave electric

April 5, 2013 15 appliances running while you are gone. It is essential to the success of your home stay experience that you develop these good habits early during your stay.

Computer Use Due to high rates of service, internet connections may not be available in all home stays. Even if the host family owns a computer with internet access, students should plan to use computers or laptops outside of the home. Wi-fi is available throughout University of Salamanca buildings.

Use of Host Family’s Phone Landline telephones are extremely expensive in Spain. A call from Spain to the U.S. costs nearly three times as much as a call from the U.S. to Spain. All host families do have telephones, but you will find that family members, especially young adults, frequently use public pay phones, or cell phones, for outgoing calls. Even local phone calls in Spain are expensive, and phone bills do not provide a breakdown of calls such as we are accustomed to here.

Please be courteous if using your host family’s phone. Limit the amount of time that you spend on the phone so that the family is able to make and receive their own calls. When you first arrive, we suggest asking your host family if you are permitted to make outgoing calls from the home. For international calls from your family’s home, you must have a calling card, which can be purchased in the U.S. prior to departure or locally in Spain. It may be more inexpensive for friends and family to call you rather than the reverse, but please remind them that if they call you, they should be mindful of the time difference between Spain and the U.S. so that such calls do not disrupt your hosts.

Another alternative form of communication is Skype, which offers free video chat and low-cost calls from a computer to a land line.

Cell Phones For purposes of safety and convenience, we highly recommend students purchase or rent a cell phone, or móvil. You most likely will not be able to use your current cell phone in Europe, and you should check with your carrier to verify coverage and international roaming surcharges. Prices and calling plans can vary, but there are several affordable options, such as Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar. More information on cell phones will be discussed during onsite orientation. Program staff will maintain a list of cell phone numbers for use in contacting students during an emergency. You must inform program staff of your cell phone number and any changes to it.

DIVERSITY IN SPAIN Spain is a racially, ethnically, and to somewhat religiously diverse nation, although not to the degree you might find in some areas of the U.S. Spaniards may recognize there is discrimination against gitanos and some immigrant groups in their country, but they are less likely to have extensive experiences and interactions with people different from themselves. Some students have reported feeling uncomfortable or offended by being perceived as different. Others have simply pointed out that Spaniards have very different conceptions of identity than we do in the U.S. Most students who are initially concerned about how they will be treated in Spain return with very positive things to say about their experience. Almost all students report making local friendships, which can help form basis for cross-cultural understanding.

April 5, 2013 16 Regardless of your social identity, you will find a range of attitudes and responses that may be shaped more by perceptions of you as a representative of the U.S. than as a member of a minority group. If you are concerned about how you might be perceived or treated while in Spain, we encourage you to talk with former students, CGIS advisors, or program staff.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Print Ali, T. (1992). Shadows of the pomegranate tree. London: Chatto & Windus. Balfour, S. (2005). The politics of contemporary Spain. New York: Routledge. Batali, M. (2008). Spain: A culinary road trip. New York: Harper Collins. Carr, R. (2000). Spain: A history. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Casas, P. (1996). Discovering Spain: An uncommon guide. New York: Random House. Fuentes, C. (1992). The buried mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World. Boston: Hougton Mifflin. Graff, M. L. (2005). Culture Shock! Spain: A survival guide to customs and etiquette. Portland: Graphic Arts Publishing Company. Hemingway, E. (1996). For whom the bell tolls. New York: Scribner. Hooper, J. (1995). The new Spaniards. London: Penguin Books. Kenny, M. (1962). A Spanish tapestry: Town and country in Castile. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Lewine, E. (2005). Death and the sun: A matador’s season in the heart of Spain. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Meaney, M. (2008). Spain Culture Smart! The essential guide to customs and culture. New York: Random House. Menocal, M. R. (2002). The ornament of the world: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians created a culture of tolerance in medieval Spain. Boston: Little, Brown. Michener, J.A. (1968). Iberia: Spanish travels and reflections. New York: Random House. Pierson, P. (1999). The history of Spain. Wesport, CT: Greenwood Press. Preston, P. (2004). Juan Carlos: Steering Spain from dictatorship to democracy. New York: W.W. Norton. Stanton, E. F. (2002). Culture and customs of Spain. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Tremlett, G. (2008). Ghosts of Spain: Travels through Spain and its silent past. New York: Walker & Co.

Film & Television Almodóvar, A. (Director). (1988). Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Almodóvar, A., García, E., Novella, T. (Producers) & Almodóvar, P. (Director). (2007). Volver. Amenábar, A., Otegui, E., Bovaira, F. (Producers) & Amenábar, A. (Director). (2004). The Sea Inside. Cuerda, J. L., et. al. (Producers) & Cuerda, J. L. (Director). (1999). Butterfly. Pinsky, C. (Director) (2009). Spain…On the Road Again. Seavey, N. G., Higgins, S. (Directors). (2008). The Matador. Vila, A., et. al. (Producers) & Aranda, V. (Director). (2003). Carmen.

Web General Cursos Internacionales http://corintion.usal.es Spain Official Tourist Information www.spain.info Glimpse: Your Stories from Abroad http://glimpse.org

April 5, 2013 17 Travel Lonely Planet Travel Guides and Travel Information www.lonelyplanet.com RENFE trains www.renfe.es/ Alsa busline www.alsa.es/portal/site/Alsa Iberia airline www.iberia.com/ Spanish Youth Hostel Network www.reaj.com Media ABC www.abc.es El País www.elpais.com La Guía de Ocio y Entretenimiento de España www.guiadelocio.es El Mundo www.elmundo.es Tribuna de Salamanca www.tribuna.net Free Podcasts News in Slow Spanish Notes from Spain Notes in Spanish Cuisine from Spain

Summer 2010 blog: http://2010salamanca.blogspot.com/ Students participating in the 300-level course maintained a blog as a course assignment; the blog contains a special section for advice for future students

April 5, 2013 18 Contact & Emergency Information

Sandra, your program assistant, will be getting a cell phone upon arrival to Salamanca. Sandra should always be your first point of contact, but you will also be given a phone sheet with all of Cursos Internationales staff contact information as well at your on-site orientation.

University of Michigan Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) University of Michigan G155 Angell Hall 435 South State Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1003 Phone: 734-764-4311; Fax: 734-764-3229

Kate Lilly , Intercultural Programs Advisor Phone: 734-647-1798 Email: [email protected]

Emergencies:

Contact your local program assistant/on-site staff immediately if you are the victim of crime or need emergency assistance. Please also contact the University of Michigan to let us know of the situation as soon as you are able. The University of Michigan Department of Public Safety has a 24 hour number which is (734) 763-1131.They will then contact the necessary on-campus offices, including CGIS, to respond to your situation. You may provide this same 24 hour number to your parents should they experience an emergency and need to get a hold of you while you are abroad and are unable to contact you directly. To contact HTH Worldwide in the event of an emergency, call 1-800-257-4823 or [email protected].

Cursos Internacionales/Universidad de Salamanca Patio de Escuelas Menores s/n 37008 Salamanca, Spain 011 34 923 29 44 18 phone 011 34 923 29 45 04 fax www.usal.es/cursosinternacionales [email protected]

U.S. Embassy American Citizen Services Unit c/Serrano, 75 28006 Madrid, España 011 34 91 587 2240 phone 011 34 91 587 2200 after hours http://madrid.usembassy.gov [email protected]

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