A special three-week, 3  or 6-unit Spanish language and culture courses offered by San Jose State’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at the University of Burgos (intermediate Spanish 4A and/or 4B).

• Stay at the home of a Spanish host family
• Interact with students from all parts of Spain studying in Burgos
• Field trips to the surrounding region for history and culture, including Salamanca, Madrid, and Toledo.
• Visit the famous Bilbao museum (optional)
• Expand and enrich your knowledge about this region and the role of Spain in modern day Europe

City FACTS

Burgos, Spain

Ancient Burgos is a small historically rich city located a few hours north of Madrid in the Castile and Leon Autonomous Region. Not only is this part of Spain traversed by the Pilgrims’ Way to Santiago de Compostela, but also it positively abounds in historic sites. The cathedral is Burgos’s most valuable treasure and an officially designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a population of 166,000 and is one of the most visited cities in Spain.

Campus FACTS

The University of Burgos was founded in 1994 and currently ahs about 11,000 students and is divided onto two campuses. The setting of the University of Burgos provides an infrastructure suited to quality education with modern didactic methods 9 audio-visual equipment, language laboratory, and library).

Eligibility Requirements

One year of Spanish, (1A and 1B), or the equivalent skills. The program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students from SJSU, as well as any other matriculated students from other universities. All majors and minors are welcome to apply.

Academic Program

The curriculum for this course at the University of Burgos will take place in the classroom four hours per day, Monday to Friday. Class time will include students’ interaction with the community where they will put into practice their classroom studies. A minimum of four hours per week of on-site guest lectures by local faculty and guides will also be a feature of the program.

Course Enrollment

This course is offered by the Foreign Languages Department and all participants must take the following following 3-unit and/or 6-unit course:  Spanish 4A and/or 4B, students have the option depending on their level. Students may refer to these links for more information.

Program Overview

Professor Carrión-Upson will lead the program at the University of Burgos from May 30th to June 20th, 2008. Prior to the trip, there will be two orientation meetings on the SJSU campus. We will take excursions to cultural and historical sites in Burgos and the surrounding area. Students will have weekends free to explore independently, or they may choose to participate in cultural activities organized by the host University. Classes will be held at the University of Burgos.

Accommodations, Safety and Visas

Students will be living with Spanish families arranged by the University of Burgos. The purpose of the home stay is to experience the local culture and language firsthand. Families prepare meals, converse with their students and integrate the students into their daily lives. Students on this program do not need a special visa. In addition, Burgos is a very safe city. However, students should exercise the same caution as any other unfamiliar location.

Program Leaders

Prof. Irene Carrion-Upson
Professor Irene Carrion-Upson is a professor of Spanish language and culture in the Department of Foreign Language at San Jose State University. Professor Carrion-Upson teaches from beginning to advanced levels. She was born and educated in Lima, Peru. She has led programs to Spain, Mexico, and other areas of Latin America. Professor Carrion-Upson's interests are Pre- Columbian Art and Textiles, cultural anthropology, and children's literature.
Email   irupson@aol.com or Irene.carrion-upson@sjsu.edu
Phone 408-924-4615
Clark Hall 418M

Program Dates

Summer 2009 May 24 – June 14

Application Forms

Estimated Costs

Contact us at the Study Abroad Office, Clark Hall, Room 543 Tel  (408) 924-5931 Fax (408) 924-5976
or send us an email