This summer, head on a European vacation while earning college credit.
By Alana Aimaq, Staff Writer
Valley College students are urged to sign up for the one-month study abroad program in Alicante, Spain to immerse themselves in the culture, all while earning college credit.
This program is an affordable opportunity for students enrolled or planning to enroll over summer or fall in a Spanish class in the Los Angeles Community College District. From June 29 to July 27, students are encouraged to join on an adventure of a lifetime.
“Courses will be taught at the University of Alicante Centro Superior de Idiomas, which offers an extensive language program and accommodates all Spanish levels taught at our community colleges, including level I Spanish to advanced Spanish,” states Maria Zamudio, professor in the Department of Foreign Languages.
Alicante, Spain is the capital of the Costa Blanca region, according to European Best Destinations. With its white, sandy beaches and rich culture, this seaside town has everything from medieval fortresses to stunning art museums. A short eight-mile distance from the airport, Alicante is a quick jump to other major European destinations.
At the cost of $3,500 per student, this trip covers all food expenses, laundry once a week, guided tours and study trips, a trip to Valencia and tuition for the courses taken in Spain. Ground transportation is also included for study trips and excursions. Students will also need to pay for their own flight and the $46 per unit for Valley’s Spanish class enrollment.
The summer program also places you in a Spanish family’s home for the month while you attend school from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. five days a week. Afternoons and weekends are free for excursions, including some planned with the program.
Due to low enrollment last year, the study abroad program was canceled, regardless of it coming down to the last three slots. In order for the trip to happen, 15 students must be signed up to go. With nine students already signed up, this year’s trip is looking hopeful.
Valley is generously offering scholarship opportunities for this program to help encourage students to join. When applying online, a page for the LAVC Foundation will appear with an option that states, “I have taken Spanish class.” The student will be prompted to write an essay, which will then mark them eligible to earn the scholarship.
Informational meetings will be held on March 22, 28 and 31 in Foreign Language 115 for about an hour. There, they will go in detail about how to register, what to expect and any other questions students may have about the trip.
To learn more about the program, you can visit www.spanishstudies.org. To enroll, click the “apply now” tab. Applications must be completed no later than April 25.