THE NW CÁDIZ

PROGRAM IN SPAIN

2009-2010    

The NW CÁDIZ program offers American students the opportunity to live and study in Cádiz, Spain, for one semester or a full academic year. Administered by the University of Washington, this study-abroad program operates under a formal working agreement with the University of Cádiz. It is the only full-year American study-abroad program located in Cádiz. Students live with a private family and attend classes at the University of Cádiz's Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. NW CÁDIZ courses are especially designed for the program's students and are taught in Spanish by members of the University of Cádiz faculty.

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PROGRAM CALENDAR

2009-2010

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FALL SEMESTER 2009

 

Aug. 28 (Fri.)

Flights to Spain. Arrival in Cádiz Aug. 30 (Sat.).

 

Aug. 31 -Sept. 13

Orientation Program in Cádiz.

 

Sept. 14 (Mond.)

Classes begin at Univ. of Cádiz.

 

Oct.12, Nov.1, Dec.6,8

Holidays (no classes).

 

Dec. 14 (Mond.)

Last day of classes (exams 15-16 Dec.).

 

Dec. 17 (Thurs.)

End 1st semester. Students will make their own departure plans and may leave Cádiz any time after Dec. 17 (and by Dec. 20).

   

SPRING SEMESTER 2010  (tentative)

 

Jan. 8 (Fri.)

Travel to Spain. Arrival in Cádiz Jan. 10 (Sat.).

 

Jan. 11-22

Orientation Program in Cádiz for new students.

 

Jan. 25 (Mon.)

Classes begin at Univ. of Cádiz for all students.

 

Feb. 13-21

Carnival vacation (likely midweek Program Excursion).

 

March 27-Apr. 4

Spring vacation (formerly "Semana Santa").

 

May 21 (Fri.)

Last day of classes (exams 24-25 May).  Students will make their own departure plans and may leave Cádiz any time after May 25 (and by May 29).

 

 

ABOUT CÁDIZ

Cádiz is located on Spain's southern Atlantic coast, midway between Portugal and the Strait of Gibraltar. The city's current population is approximately 300,000. Founded by Phoenician traders around 1100 B.C., Cádiz is the oldest city in Spain and possibly the oldest in Europe. Because of its antiquity and its strategic geographic situation, Cádiz's role in the formation of the Spanish nation has been unsurpassed by that of any other Spanish city. The original Phoenician outpost of Gadir would later be colonized by the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. In 1262, during the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, Cádiz was conquered by King Alfonso X. In the late 15th and early 16th centuries the city and its port played a central role in Spain's voyages of exploration and conquest, including Columbus' second, third, and fourth voyages to America. In 1587, as a prelude to the famous defeat of the Spanish Armada at the hands of the English, Cádiz was sacked and burned by Sir Francis Drake. During the next two centuries Cádiz continued to bear the brunt of ongoing naval hostilities between Spain and England, but it also prospered as Spain's principal port for commerce with the New World and with Europe. This intense international commerce brought with it philosophical, artistic, and political currents from other nations, endowing Cádiz and its people with the tolerance and hospitality that still characterize them today. In the 19th century, with the independence of Spain's American colonies, the city's importance as a shipping center declined, but it continued to play a key role in the nation's political life as Spain's principal window to Europe and as an oasis of liberal thought throughout that turbulent century. The Gaditanos are intensely proud of the fact that Spain's first modern constitution was written and promulgated in Cádiz in 1812.

Today's Cádiz is linked to Madrid and Barcelona by commercial air service, and to all of Spain by frequent high-speed trains. There is ferry service from Cádiz to the Canary Islands and North Africa. The economy of the city and the surrounding region is based on fishing, maritime industries, and the production of Sherry wines. Because of its mild climate and brilliant sunshine, the area's spectacular coastline is known as the Costa de la Luz. While tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, its cultural impact is minimal in comparison to the destructive effect of tourism on Spain's Mediterranean coast.

The narrow peninsula on which Cádiz is situated is divided by a seventeenth-century fortified rampart, the Puerta de Tierra, behind which is located the Casco Antiguo, or old Cádiz. The layout and outward appearance of the old city have remained largely unchanged for the past two centuries. This part of the city is characterized by buildings of three and four stories, clustered on narrow, teeming streets that open onto gracious plazas or the surrounding sea. On the inland side of the rampart is the new Cádiz with its high-rise apartment houses that pose a striking architectural contrast to the quaint Casco Antiguo. The coastal periphery of the city is lined with promenades, old fortifications, an industrial port, and public beaches, including the longest urban beach in Europe.

The traditions of Cádiz offer many opportunities for recreation and cultural enrichment outside the classroom. Geography and history have endowed Cádiz with close ties to Latin America. One product of this link is the Festival de Teatro Hispanoamericano, which takes place in the theatres and plazas of Cádiz each year in October. In February, as a prelude to the Lenten season, Cádiz becomes the site of the Iberian Peninsula's most colorful and spirited Carnival. University classes are cancelled for a week as the city is transformed into a boisterous fantasyland of costumes and revelry. During the week before Easter, Cádiz, like the rest of Spain, celebrates Semana Santa with a timeless blend of solemn rituals and festive pageantry. Again, the university closes for a week so that students and faculty may fully enjoy this most traditional of Spanish holidays.

The Bay and Gulf of Cádiz are ringed with places of interest. Chiclana, San Fernando, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa María, and Jerez de la Frontera are important centers of the subcultures associated with Flamenco music, Sherry wines, and the breeding of Andalusian horses and fighting bulls. The University of Cádiz sponsors frequent student excursions to these and other places of interest. North of Cádiz lies Spain's largest national park, Doñana. Once a hunting reserve for the royal family, Doñana is now a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife. The mountains in the province of Cádiz are famous for their quaint pueblos blancos and are ideal for hiking, biking, and camping.

THE UNIVERSITY OF CÁDIZ

The University of Cádiz, in existence since 1980, is one of the younger members of Spain's national university system. The NW CÁDIZ program operates in the university's Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, located on the old city's shoreline drive, across from an expansive park that opens onto the sea. The Facultad is housed in a recently restored eighteenth-century building whose interior is spacious and bathed in light, thanks to a design that features abundant use of full-length windows and interior patios adorned with the lush vegetation of the region. Classrooms are equipped with modern audiovisual installations. Computer labs are available for student use and open WIFI connection is available in and near the Facultad and here and there throughout the city. The Casco Antiguo, with its endless recreational possibilities, lies just to the inland side of the Facultad. The University of Cádiz has a home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.uca.es .

CURRICULUM

NW CÁDIZ students will enroll in courses designed especially for the program and taught in Spanish by University of Cádiz faculty. Most classes meet three hours per week and carry three semester credits. A typical course load is four or five courses per semester, depending on the requirements of the student's home institution. For students whose American university operates on the quarter system, credits will be converted to quarter credits by the home institution (one semester credit normally equals 1.5 quarter credits). All courses are graded on a 4 point scale. We will convert and assign A, A-, B+ grades for students from other universities at their request. Credit/No Credit is not normally an option. The curriculum consists of advanced Spanish grammar and composition (required of all students except those exempted by their home university), plus a variety of other courses in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts as they pertain to the Spanish-speaking world. In exceptional cases, qualified students may be allowed to enroll in regular university courses. Students with an interest in oceanography and marine ecology will find it possible to participate in activities offered by the university's Facultad de Ciencias del Mar.

During the 2009-2010 academic year the program will offer the following courses:

FALL 2009

      Spanish language (4 levels: UW 301-303; 406)
      Spanish Literature, 20th century: Introduction
      Spanish Literature and other Arts
      Introduction to Spanish Art History
      Spanish Civilization
      Geography of Spain
      Spanish History: 1931 to the present

 

SPRING 2010

      Spanish language (4 levels: UW 301-303; 406)
      Modern Spanish literature
      Spain and the European Union<
      History of Spain in America
      Introduction to Spanish linguistics
      Translation

In addition to the above courses, students will have the opportunity to undertake independent study projects and honors coursework under the supervision of our UCA faculty and the program's Resident Director. Credit for these projects will vary in accord with the scope and difficulty of each project. Occasionally, qualified students may choose to undertake practice teaching (of English) at the K-7 or university level.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

NW CÁDIZ is operated by the Division of Spanish and Portuguese of the University of Washington. In Cádiz the program is directed by a full-time Resident Director well acquainted with the University of Washington degree programs and with the University of Cadiz. The Resident Director is assisted by a UW graduate assistant and by a local faculty coordinator.

ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT

The program will accept applications from students who are currently enrolled in any accredited college or university in the U.S. Students from schools other than the University of Washington have the option of enrolling as non-matriculated students at the University of Washington for a fee of $300 in fall semester ($375 beginning fall 2009), $300 in spring semester ($375 spring 2010 and thereafter). Students thus enrolled will receive a UW transcript of courses taken and grades received in Cádiz. Students who are not enrolled at the University of Washington will receive a transcript directly from the NW Cadiz Program at the University of Cádiz, with grades given on the American decimal system. All UW students must complete the IPE Concurrent Enrollment Form, including the medical portion, and pay the UW Concurrent enrollment fee ($200/quarter; $300/semester ($375 beginning fall 2009); check IPE website for updates). Concurrent enrollment fees are separate from (i. e. in addition to) NW Cádiz Program fees.

Students are encouraged to enroll in the program for the full academic year. Enrollments for one semester are also accepted. Minimum requirements for enrollment are two years of college Spanish (or equivalent) completed prior to departure for Spain, an overall GPA of 2.5, and a GPA in Spanish of 3.0. Even though NW CÁDIZ is primarily a program for undergraduates, special arrangements can sometimes be made for graduate students to receive credit for work done in the program.

Students from the University of Washington, and Western Washington University may obtain application forms from their Spanish or Foreign Languages department or from their International Programs office. Students from other schools should request application forms or further information about the program from:

NW CÁDIZ PROGRAM
Division of Spanish & Portuguese
Box 354360
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-4360

Comprehensive and current information about the program, including the application form is also available on the program's Web site (http://faculty.washington.edu/petersen/cadiz/Cadiz.htm). Please submit all application materials to Padelford C-104 at the above address.

APPLICATION DEADLINES/GUIDELINES

Applications for the fall semester (including letters of recommendation) are due on March 20. Applications for spring semester must be received by October 20. A limited number of early admissions will be granted to exceptionally qualified applicants before the published application deadline. For this reason, early submission of applications is permitted and even encouraged. In the event that more qualified students apply for a given semester than can be accepted, please keep in mind that among the several criteria used to determine admission, in general, priority is given to year-long over single semester students and to more advanced students over those less advanced (in Spanish).

PROGRAM COST

Current information on the cost of the program is provided in the annual insert and on the program's Web site. NW CÁDIZ reserves the right to increase the fee in the event that a fluctuation in the exchange rate makes an adjustment necessary. Such adjustments will be made no later than one month prior to the start of each semester. The program fee includes full room and board in Cádiz, tuition at the University of Cádiz, textbooks & coursepacks, scheduled program activities and excursions, an extra-curricular activity (gym membership, etc.), and transfer from Jerez airport to Cádiz on the scheduled arrival day each semester. In addition to the program fee, students may be required to pay their home institution a fee to maintain their student registration while they are studying in Spain. For UW students this fee is $300 for fall semester, $300 for spring semester ($375 beginning fall 2009). Other expenses not included in the program fee are travel to and from Spain, visa and passport expenses, international student ID cards (all 3 documents required), and personal spending money.

University of Washington students who normally receive financial aid may use most forms of financial aid to study on the NW CÁDIZ program. Students from other institutions should check with their financial aid office to determine applicability of their financial aid to this program. All students who are receiving financial aid should determine the number of courses they must carry in order to remain eligible for financial aid.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND REFUND POLICY

An application fee of $100, deductible from the total program fee, must accompany the application to the program. A payment of $1,000 will be due May 1 for fall semester, and November 1 for spring semester. The balance of the program fee is due August 1 for fall, and December 1 for spring. Checks (or money orders) are to be made payable to the University of Washington. (We are not equipped to receive payment by credit card, nor can we access funds in student UW tuition accounts. Personal or certified checks or money orders ONLY.) Payments may be deliverd in person to Padelford C-104 on the UW campus or mailed to "NW Cadiz Progam", Division of Spanish & Portuguese, Box 354360, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195.

All payments will be refunded in full if the student's application is rejected, or if the program is cancelled. If an applicant is accepted into the program but decides not to participate, all payments except the $100 application fee will be refunded, provided that written notice of withdrawal from the program is received no later than August 1 for fall or December 1 for spring. Except in cases of demonstrated emergency, there will be no refunds to accepted applicants who do not give written notice of withdrawal by these dates, or who withdraw after the start of the semester.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

The cost of travel to and from Spain is not included in the program fee. However, the program will assist students in making travel arrangements that will enable them to travel to and from Spain in accord with the official arrival and departure dates for their semester(s) of study. Students are free to make their own travel arangements, so long as they arrive by the official start date and depart after the last scheduled final exam (for specific dates, see the online Academic Calendar for the year in question).

HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS IN CÁDIZ

Students will normally live in private homes, but it may sometimes be possible to arrange housing in a residence hall for those who strongly prefer not to live with a local family. We do not presently allow shared apartment living as a housing option for undergraduates. For the occasional student who is accompanied throughout the semester by a partner or child, other living arrangements are possible, but it will be the responsibility of the student to make such arrangements.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

The program provides all students with basic medical care in Spain through enrollment in a Spanish HMO. The policy goes into effect 2-3 days after the beginning of each semester and is valid until the official departure date at the end of each semester. Year-long students who remain in Europe over the break between semesters are covered for the entire academic year (early Sept. - early June). There is no deductible nor co-pay and coverage includes hospitalization, emergency room treatment, and scheduled visits to specialists. Dental coverage is minimal (1 cleaning/6 mo.). The group policy does not cover treatment for pre-existing conditions, catastrophic illness, prescription drugs, or emergency repatriation. The NW Cádiz Program recommends that students obtain these coverages through individual or institutional insurance before leaving the U.S. However, emergency repatriation or evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility is covered by the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which all students must obtain before traveling to Spain. We will require proof of a valid ISIC card (such as a photocopy in your file) before departure.

VACATION PERIODS

Students who enroll in the program for both semesters are urged to plan ahead for the Christmas vacation period and, when possible, to plan not to stay in Cádiz. During Christmas vacation the program's office at the university closes and all academic activities cease. The Spanish students leave town and residence halls close or curtail their normal services. Students in private homes may find that their host families have their own travel plans for the holidays, and that the normal domestic routine is disrupted. A similar situation exists during the Easter vacation period (Semana Santa). For students who do stay in Cádiz during vacation periods, the program will assure the availability of basic housing and food. However, these services may be improvised and inconvenient.

EATING IN CÁDIZ

Students who enroll in the program must be flexible in their eating habits. The customs of southern Spain differ greatly from those of the U.S. Breakfast normally consists of bread and coffee, the day's largest meal is eaten around 3:00 p.m., and dinner is eaten sometime after 9:00 p.m. Food tends to be higher in fat than in the Western U.S., and vegetables are eaten less. Strict vegetarians may find it difficult to avoid all animal products; the local diet is heavy in pork, and Spain is not a vegetarian-friendly country. Your host family will attempt to provide you with food that you find acceptable, but you, in turn, must be prepared to make concessions to the local diet. Most people find the cuisine of southern Spain to be exciting and delicious, but to enjoy it you will have to accept new foods and eating customs.

RESPONSIBILITY

NW CÁDIZ will exercise all reasonable care in the operation of its program. However, notice is hereby given that all arrangements for transportation and other services are made for the program's participants upon the condition that NW CÁDIZ, its officers, and its sponsoring institutions assume no responsibility or liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or other irregularity occasioned by reason of or defect in any means of transportation or acts of defaults of any company, agency, or person providing transportation or other services. Information contained in this brochure was accurate at the time the brochure was printed. NW CÁDIZ is not responsible for changes that occur after the printing of this brochure. However, the internet version of the brochure will be updated regularly and the program will do everything possible to assure that its participants are in possession of up-to-date information on the program and the conditions of its operation prior to enrollment in the program and departure for Spain. NW CÁDIZ reserves the right to cancel the program at any time and for any reason.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information about the NW CÁDIZ program may be obtained from the following sources:
  Telephone: (206) 543-2020,
    University of Washington's Division of Spanish & Portuguese;
  E-mail petersen@u.washington.edu

  World Wide Web: http://faculty.washington.edu/petersen/cadiz/Cadiz.htm

OTHER INTERNET RESOURCES (in addition to those at the above URL include:

General Passport and Visa Applications:
http://www.travel.state.gov
http://edit.mae.es/consulados/SanFrancisco/en/MenuPpal/Servicios+Consulares+y+Visados/Visados/ (for states that fall under the San Francisco Consulate jurisdiction). For a list of Spanish Consulates and jurisdictions, see http://edit.mae.es/Embajadas/Washington/en/MenuPpal/Servicios+Consulares/.

General Information on Andalucia:
http://www.andalucia.com/province/cadiz/home.htm
http://cadiznet.com/index.htm

The Spanish train system:
http://www.renfe.es/ (tip: choose origen: Cadiz; destination: Madrid rather than the other way around. From the resulting page, click on the reverse trajectory link.) Cities with an asterisk (multiple train stations are more difficult to use).

An interactive street map of Cádiz:
http://www.cadiznet.com/mapas/ (occasionally unstable display; scroll down to enter street names).

Adventures on horseback in Andalucia and throughout Spain:
http://hiddentrails.com/europe/spain/ronda.htm

Information on Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera and Pueblos Blancos:
http://cadiznet.com/cgi-local/toframe.cgi/guia/arfrae.htm
http://www.highonadventure.com/Hoa98jun/Arcos/arcos.htm

Rick Steves' page on Sevilla and Andalucia :
http://www.ricksteves.com/tvr/sevillarse313_descr.htm

Spanish food- recipes:
http://www.cyberspain.com/friends/gastron.htm
Cocina gaditana

return to Cadiz homepage.