International Service-Learing: Spain

  Spain

• Valladolid: 
Valladolid

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 2 summer sessions (June and July)

Description: Your volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Spanish society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs. Service Opportunities include:
- Women's shelter
- Preschool
- Centers for immigrant services

Highlights: On the high plain of North Central Spain, in the heart of the wine and castle region (La Ruta de los Castillos), lies the charming city of Valladolid, Spain. Once the capitol of Spain, historic Valladolid lies in the autonomous region of Castile y Leon. This area is said to be the origin of the purest form of the Spanish language. Located along the banks of the River Pisuerga recreational opportunities abound, including hiking and kayaking. Unspoiled by tourism, Valladolid is still within one hour of the thriving metropolis of Madrid.

In the heart of this medieval city located in a setting of outstanding historical monuments is the Universidad de Valladolid, the oldest university in Spain dating back to the 13th century. You will study language and culture at this most prestigious institution that boasts modern, high tech facilities.

You will spend a summer session (or two) studying Spanish language and culture at UVA's Center de Idiomas (Center of Languages), living with a host family and engaging in substantive volunteer service for 12-15 hours per week.

Typical excursions may include: La Ruta de los Castillos, local excursions including the house of Christopher Columbus in Valladolid, Madrid (El Prado, and La Reina Sofía museums).

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: No special qualifications are needed. You will spend 12-15 hours per week serving in a local agency or program. As you work with local people and care for those in need, you will find your experience and understanding of the culture enriched and deepened, and your leadership skills developed.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Please visit our website.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants are typically undergraduate students who want to study and volunteer abroad. They generally take 3-4 academic courses (12-15) credits per semester and 2 courses (6 credits) per summer and do community service (12-15) hours per week. Participants have an integrated experience where learning and service work together.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. There are numerous non-IPSL sponsored scholarships and financial aid that students may apply for.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership's Mission Statement: IPSL has two related missions: 1) offering programs uniting academic study and volunteer service to the community in international/intercultural settings that are models for the practice of service-learning, and 2) promoting the theory and practice of service-learning through research, publications, conferences, and training. IPSL endeavors to engage students, educators, and community members in the union of service and learning so that all may become more civically engaged, interculturally literate, internationally aware, and responsive to the needs of others.

Year Founded: 1982