There are a number of universities abroad where you can study Spanish as a foreign language. I want to give you a little info, and then you can tell me where you would like to study - and why. Keep in mind it is OK to dream here!
Some of the oldest universities in the world are in Spain. The University of Santiago de Compostela, where SCCC has a study abroad program was founded in 1495 it seems, when a school was opened there. Pope Julius approved the construction of a school is 1504, and a bull - or decree - was issued in 1526 by Clement VII. No matter how you look at it, it's been around for a while! If you check the documents under WileyPlus, there is a Power Point with images.
Our text mentions the University of Salamanca, which was founded in 1218 - at least that is the date that it got the Royal Chart of Foundation. There are records that state that it granted degrees even before that time, and it may have actually been founded almost one hundred years earlier. An extra bit of trivia is that Salamanca had the first university to actually receive the title of "University", grated by the Pope and by King Alfonso X in 1254. I hope this works, it is a link to a promotional video for the university from youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbgMxBtUdl0
One of the problems determining the year that these very old universities were founded is that the definition of a university has changed over time. Early on, they were groups of scholars that got together - in fact the word university comes from a Latin word that means corporation. Even under Islamic rule, there were Madrasahs, or institutes of higher education, in many cities. In Christian Spain, usually the pope gave permission to open universities - sometimes they opened because of the permission, while other times it was a formality granted to an institution that was already in operation!
Other very old universities are in Lleida, Valladolid, Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia...quite a few for a small country!
If we move to the Americas, the UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) was founded in 1551. Back then it was called the Royal and Pontifical University. A video from our text shows the library, where the whole building was painted as a mural by Juan O'Gorman (we can discuss murals at a later time) - that is the picture at the beginning of the blog.
The Mayor National University of San Marcos in Peru was also founded in 1551. The Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic was founded in either 1538 ir 1558.
So if you could study English at any of the colleges, which one would you choose? And why?
If I could study English at any of the college listed I would choose the University of Salamanca. This universtiy is very diverse and welcomes students from all over the world. More than 7,000 foreign students attend each summer and because of these large numbers that have many accomadations avaliable for students who are studying abroad. Due to students studying abroad from all over the world I would be become more aware of different types of culture which would better help me to understand the language. This universtiy was been around for many years and was the first Universtiy founded in Spain. They have over 80 degree specializations and has a program for my major. Many of the classes take place on the patio which is surrounded by many historical figures. Because this school is so old it has many historic accents such as the carvings, architect and paintings throughout the facids of the buildings. This university also offers sports which is something I would like to partake in. "This university is not just your average university. There is so much you will learn from it".
ReplyDeleteIf i could study english at a university it would be at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Its very interesting that the university was founded in 1495. I had no idea that SCCC has a study abroad program there. I would much rather study a language there, such as italian or spanish because that is my major and i think it would be awesome to study spanish in the natural culture and environment.
ReplyDeleteValerie M
If I were to study English and a university I would choose the University of Salamanca. It is the oldest university in Spain and the history would be of great interest to me. The University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, and was acknowledged in 1254 by Pope Alexander IV as being one of the four great Universities in the world. With such a strong historical background it would be something I would really enjoy.
ReplyDeletei have to agree with mike and emily i too would study at the university of salmanca it is the oldest so in my mind it would have the most history and culture behind it and because there are so many other people there not only would i recieve the background from teh school its self and its history but also from the other students attending the school and thier culture and backgrounds all mixing together as one i think that it would provide a greater learing experience then anyone of the other universities
ReplyDeleteI would choose the University of Salamanca because it’s is an old city with an interesting history and it seems to be a popular university of Spain. I would choose to study English at this university because it’s the oldest university in Spain. It university is multicultural and has great academicals and cultural classes. It’s also located in a beautiful part in span.
ReplyDeleteLike everybody else i would choose the University of Salamanaca because it is the oldest and I'm sure it has the most background history to it. I think if i ever had the opportunity to study at the University it would be a great opportunity and i would take full advantage of it. There is so much culture and history in this university. There is so much history and culture in the students attending this school as well. This University is also in the best location in Spain.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to study english at a university I would choose the University of Santiago de Compostela. I like the fact that it's an old University which means it has a lot of history to it and I'm sure the architecture is beautiful. I had no idea we had a study abroad program there. If I were to study another language like spanish I would definitely study there. I feel I would have a better experience and get a lot more out of it if I was in a country that spoke the language.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to study English and a university I would choose the University of Salamanca like mike,travis and emily. its the oldest school and was founded in 1218 and its so historic. im sure because its so old that its absolutly beautiful and would be the perfect place to study at.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to study at a school in any other country. Even though there are a lot of problems with the American education system, i still think its the best in the world. The biggest problems are in focus of curriculum, but since you can choose from thousands of colleges, you can pick the one best suited fro you. It might be nice to learn history in a different country though.
ReplyDelete