BRIDGES CÓRDOBA, an accredited Gap Year and academic quarter study abroad program in Spain for recent high school graduates and college students, is offered each quarter at the University of Córdoba. Those who complete the twelve-week Spanish Language and Cultural Studies academic course will be awarded up to twenty-four quarter units or sixteen semester hours making it possible to complete one year of university-level Spanish in one quarter.

Designed for students who wish to enrich their academic work with international study before continuing their education the United States, our program is challenging and fun. A solid academic curriculum, an enriching homestay experience and culturally sensitive support services combine with a parallel program of travel opportunities, cultural events and social activities to form an exceptional international educational experience. The emphasis is on achieving fluency and accuracy in Spanish while receiving a broad exposure to Spanish culture.

BRIDGES CÓRDOBA provides a gradual transition into the collegiate academic world for some, a respite from that world for others, and an opportunity for all to become competent and comfortable in another language and culture. Whether you are attending classes, participating in social activities, or relaxing with your host family, the continuous exposure to different ideas, beliefs, and values fosters lasting intellectual and personal growth. The sense of self-assurance built from sharing a semester in a foreign culture with new friends from around the world provides an invaluable experience for success throughout one’s college career.

THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The Spanish Language and Cultural Studies program is an intensive academic experience with a rich cultural component. The focus is on Spanish language acquisition with an additional emphasis on Spanish history, literature, and art history. You are given maximum opportunity to practice spoken Spanish, review grammar and vocabulary, and get a firsthand introduction to Spanish culture with experienced professors from the UCO faculty. All classes are conducted in Spanish.

Developed by UCO Idiomas, the language center at the University, the courses are adjusted to the levels and needs of foreign students. Based on the results of a language proficiency test taken upon arrival, you are grouped with others of the same ability for the principal language class. The course is designed for those who are ready for intermediate Spanish.     

While enrolled in the program, you take three courses and participate in class-related activities and excursions. The following courses are required:
   ▪  Intermediate or Advanced Grammar
   ▪  Spanish History and Civilization
   ▪  Language Skills Practicum

Students who demonstrate an especially firm command of first-year university-level Spanish on the placement test may substitute one of the following courses for the Language Skills Practicum:
   ▪  20th Century Spanish Literature and Film
   ▪  Spanish Art History

Program Format
Classes meet Monday through Thursday with most scheduled in the mornings. At least two hours per day are devoted to direct language instruction; one hour per day is spent on Spanish history, and another on the study of Spanish literature or art history.

Fridays are devoted to language labs, film screenings, and history labs. These form part of the curriculum and are scheduled to coincide with topics discussed in class; they count toward the final grade. Activities may include assignments to visit and report on museums, monuments, art exhibitions, artistic shows, cultural events, or aspects of daily life in Córdoba, as well as weekend field trips to Granada and Seville.     

Academic Credit
At the conclusion of the term, students are tested in each subject. Those who pass the exams receive a Certificate in Spanish Language and an Official Certified Transcript from the University of Córdoba, which contains the titles and letter grades for all coursework undertaken. Grades and credits are listed according to the U.S. quarter unit system. Transfer of academic credit depends on the policies of your college or university in the United States.      

ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS
Two excursions organized by BRIDGES give you a chance to see different parts of the countryside and enjoy new cities. One weekend is spent in and around Madrid, a vibrant city and a major European cultural center, as well as the spiritual, political, and economic heart of the country. Our exciting itinerary includes the not-to-be-missed Madrid de los Austrias, as well as the renowned Prado and Reina Sofia Museums, the Royal Palace, a day in Segovia, and another in Toledo. A day-trip takes the group to Sevilla, Spain’s fourth largest city. The legacy of centuries of magnificent art and architecture make this city one of the most beautiful in Europe. The Giralda, the Alcázar and the cathedral are Sevilla’s main sights. But we will venture beyond this aristocratic core to find the winding streets, flower-decked patios, and taverns where Sevillanos go about their daily lives.     

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
All of our students are placed with host families to assist with their integration into Córdoban daily life and their use of Spanish. Although living with a new family in a new culture requires effort and care on the part of both the student and the family, most students remember their homestay experience as one of the most rewarding aspects of their time in Spain. Host families represent a broad spectrum of Spanish society. All are selected on the basis of a successful personal interview, excellent references, and their ability to provide a stable, caring and healthy environment.     

ORIENTATION
BRIDGES prides itself on its thorough orientation program. It begins with a comprehensive information packet and a pre-departure discussion dealing with some of the issues of living abroad. Upon arrival in Córdoba, you attend a two-day orientation program designed to help you acclimate academically and culturally to your new surroundings. Weekly meetings in small groups with the Student Advisor, give you the opportunity to ask questions, address problems and share experiences and information with a supportive peer group in a relaxed atmosphere.