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CIEE Summer Language and Culture Program in Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of Instruction: English, Spanish Class Standing: 2. 3rd Class
Housing Options: Host Family Program Type: Study Abroad
Minimum GPA: 2.75 Areas of Study: Biology, Economics and Business, Engineering, English, History, Modern Languages
Program Description:

Overview

Whether you’re looking to begin your study of Spanish, or you’re an intermediate to advanced student ready to take your Spanish proficiency to the next level, come spend your summer in beautiful Palma de Mallorca.

In Palma, you’ll find intensive language instruction, and a rich selection of area studies electives that are supplemented with substantial interactive and experiential components. That means stepping out of the classroom into fieldwork that encourages learning by doing. And with homestays, site visits cultural activities and excursions provide you with a unique academic and intercultural experience abroad.
Study abroad in Palma and you will:

  • Study Spanish while living in the Mediterranean coastal city of Palma de Mallorca; all levels offered, including business Spanish
  • Take classes which include visits to sites of socioeconomic, natural, and cultural importance related to tourism, the marine environment, the history and traditions of the Mediterranean, and contemporary history, culture and literature of Spain
  • Become immersed in Spanish culture through a homestay, the inclusion of Spanish university students in CIEE activities, and language exchange partners
The CIEE Difference

Intercultural Comparative Experience

Travel with friends to a new city to explore history, art, architecture, culture, and social challenges. Part of every short-term program, our three-day Intercultural Comparative Experiences are an ideal way to highlight cultural differences and sharpen critical thinking skills.

Expand your global perspective. Choose to spend your three-day intercultural weekend in one of these European cities:
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Berlin, Germany
  • London, England
     
Coursework

Choose from a variety of courses in the humanities and social sciences – taught in both English and Spanish – on subjects ranging from Globalization and Tourism, to Mediterranean history, travel writing and politics.

Excursions

Enjoy a variety of visits and excursions that supplement classwork and introduce you to the rich diversity of the geography and culture of the Balearic Islands. These include visits in Palma, a one-day excursion by boat to the island and natural park of Cabrera or Dragonera, and a one-day kayaking trip along the coast. In addition, the study abroad program includes day excursions to historical and natural sites around Mallorca, such as the towns of Valldemossa, Deiá, and Alcudia; the beaches of Es Trenc; and the breathtaking views of the Cape Formentor.

Immersion

Study abroad in Palma de Mallorca provides various activities and programs to help integrate you into the local and university communities, including: ‘Guardian Angels’, conversation exchanges; a Spanish cooking class; game, movie, and tapas nights; beach picnics and visits to flea markets; and participation in traditional celebrations around the island.

Credit

Total recommended credit for each session is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours. Total recommended credit for both sessions is 6 semester/9 quarter hours.

Program Requirements

Study abroad students choose one language or content course per session. Some of the content courses are taught in Spanish and some in English, while the language courses are taught entirely in Spanish.

About Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca, capital of the Balearic Islands, has inspired musicians, artists, and writers for centuries. The city, with its tiny traditional shops, Modernist facades, and tall buildings crowding the bay’s shore, is a stark contrast to the rest of the island and its small romantic villages with stone houses found in the northern mountains. Blessed with a gentle climate and cosmopolitan urban life mixed with traditional culture, no wonder Palma is so attractive.

Mallorca is the number one tourist destination in Europe, with 12 million tourists per year and 80 percent of its local GDP generating from the tourism service sector. Some of Europe’s major tourism enterprises, such as Air Europa, Air Berlin-Spain, Barceló, Hotel Beds, Iberostar, Orizonia, Sol Meliá, and Viajes Iberia have their headquarters in Palma. During the height of the tourist season, the international airport becomes one of the busiest in Europe.

A tourist destination for nearly 100 years, Mallorca experienced rapid tourist growth beginning in the 1950s, with the island being transformed from one of the poorest regions in Spain to one of the wealthiest. Mallorca seeks new ways to protect its treasures by promoting upscale tourism, convention and meetings, cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and sports tourism. Since 1991, Cabrera Island became a natural park, and in 2011 the Tramuntana Mountain Range was declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO for its great physical and cultural significance.

Where You’ll Study

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) is a young university with a population of 13,000 students. Mallorca’s economy depends mainly upon tourism which has resulted in a stronger emphasis on such academic and research areas as tourism studies, business, economics, human resources, and environmental sustainability. Its modern campus has libraries, a bookstore, computer labs, sports facilities, medical service, restaurants, and coffee shops. With the Tramuntana Mountain Range as its backdrop, UIB is just a 14-minute metro ride from the city center. The summer program is located in a UIB building right in the city center, no more than a 15- to 20-minute walk from the homestays.

Housing & Meals

Study abroad students live in a Spanish speaking home where three daily meals are provided. On weekdays, the mid-day meal could be a sandwich to take to the university or equivalent. Housing is in the center of Palma. Students can walk from their homestays to Sa Riera, the University building in which classes meet (no more than a 20 minute walk). Homestays are an important contribution to the students’ commitment to cultural and linguistic immersion. By living with a Spanish family, students practice in day-to-day life the Spanish learned in the classroom, and experience Spanish culture first-hand.

Academic Program

Established in 2006, the CIEE Study Center at the Universitat de les Illes Balears provides an academic summer study abroad program for students interested in tourism studies, environmental studies, Spanish literature, Spanish contemporary history, and/or Spanish Mediterranean culture. Participants also have the opportunity to develop or improve their Spanish language skills, while learning about Spain through living in Palma. Spanish language courses at offered at all levels. CIEE courses include a substantial interactive and practical component. Learning by doing is promoted with field study activities outside the classroom.

Academic Culture

Classes are held at Sa Riera, a University building located right in the center of Palma. Class sizes are small, and all professors in the CIEE Language and Culture summer program are accustomed to teaching U.S. students. The program comprises two sessions; students may choose to participate in one or both. Courses meet every morning or afternoon for three hours from Monday through Friday, with occasional outings. CIEE courses combine lectures, readings, films, active participation and group discussion, class-related visits and study trips, and laboratory analysis. Attendance is mandatory and absences affect final grades. CIEE classes provide a detailed syllabus, and students are expected to be prepared for class.

While extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student’s overall study abroad experience, attendance in class is paramount. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program or upon completion of the program.

Nature of Classes

Participants take classes with other CIEE students only. Language classes are taught entirely in Spanish. Content classes are offered either in Spanish or in English.

Language Environment

As students gain proficiency in Spanish, resident staff encourages them to use their language skills in everyday settings. This fosters a learning community that contributes to both Spanish language proficiency and understanding of Spanish society.

Grading System

Students are graded on the basis of class participation, in-class activities, homework assignments, examinations, papers, and in some cases oral presentations, much like in the U.S.. Grades are given on a 10-point scale.

Language of Instruction

Spanish
English

Faculty

CIEE language courses are taught by instructors from UIB Department of Cursos de Español para Extranjeros, who are professionals in the field of teaching Spanish as a second language. Content courses are taught by UIB faculty.

Please check the CIEE website for final program dates, and speak with your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor prior to booking airfare. 
 

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer 2024 08/15/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.