API (Academic Programs International): Granada - Universidad de Granada

The Universidad de Granada was chartered and given official Papal ratification by Clemente VII in 1531. Through its almost 500 years of existence, it has become one of the major intellectual centers in southern Spain. The University’s Modern Language Center, the Centro de Lenguas Modernas, is housed in what was once an orphanage built in the 1700s. It was completely restored in 1992 and is located in the heart of Granada, in the “Realejo” district. The 1:10 ratio of students to general population renders the entire city abuzz with university activity. Strategically located near mountains and the ocean, there is always something for a student to do in and around Granada. API students who study abroad in Granada can live in and learn from one of the most culturally fascinating cities in all of Spain.

Programs in Granada Includes:

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  Semester Intensive Spanish Language Studies: The Intensive Language Program is designed for beginning, intermediate, advanced and superior level students who want to quickly advance their Spanish skills over the course of one semester. There are no cultural electives offered within this program; students instead complete a series of intensive Spanish language courses. Students can expect to advance their Spanish a minimum of two levels during the semester. Each student’s language level is determined by a placement exam administered upon arrival by the University of Granada.

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  Semester Spanish Language and Culture for Beginning/Intermediate Speakers: This program is ideal for students who would like to study abroad in Granada to improve their writing skills and knowledge of upper-level grammar, while also taking culture courses in addition to their language studies. The program offers culture classes in both English and in Spanish. All students take a Spanish language placement exam upon arrival and are placed into the appropriate language level based on the results of this exam. Students may choose to take some classes in English. In order to take electives taught in Spanish, students must place into the high intermediate or low advanced level. Usually students with 2-3 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent place into the high intermediate level (European Framework level B1.2). Students with 3-4 semesters of college-level Spanish usually place into the low advanced level (European Framework level B2.1). High advanced students (5 or more semesters of Spanish; European Framework level B2.2) are encouraged to apply for the Hispanic Studies program. The elective courses are taught at an upper-divsion (300+) level.

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  Semester Spanish Language and Culture for Advanced Speakers: Designed for students who wish to study abroad in Granada to acquire a deeper knowledge of Spanish language and culture, the Hispanic Studies program allows students to take an advanced Spanish language course along with several elective courses in Spanish. Students must have completed a minimum of five semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent. Upon arrival, students take a language placement test to verify that they are ready for classes at the high advanced or superior levels (European Framework levels B2.2, C1 and C2 respectively). Students testing below the high advanced level are transferred to the Language and Culture program and can choose from the courses listed for that program. Academic Year students who do not place high enough for the Hispanic Studies Program during the fall semester may switch to the Spanish Language and Culture Program for the fall and then move into the Hispanic Studies Program for the spring semester. Elective courses are conducted at an upper-division (300-400) level.

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  Summer Intensive Spanish Language Studies: This program is designed for students at all levels who wish to study abroad in Granada to begin or to improve their knowledge of Spanish language in an immersion setting. Students study Spanish grammar and conversation. Students may earn 80-90 contact hours (5-6 semester credits) per summer term. An essentially communicative approach is used in these courses along with the use of the most up-to-date audiovisual technology. These courses are designed to suit the needs of all students. Each student’s level of study is based on a placement exam administered upon arrival by the University of Granada.

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  Summer Spanish Language and Culture Studies: This program has a joint focus on language and culture, allowing the student who wants to study abroad in Granada the opportunity to develop and improve his/her linguistic skills while enjoying an introduction to the major topics of Spanish culture. In addition to the Spanish language class, classes are available in Spanish history, Spanish literature, history of Spanish art, Islamic culture, and more. This summer, students participating in the Spanish Language & Culture study abroad program in Granada enroll in  90 contact hours per session. In general, 90 contact hours is considered to be equivalent to 6 U.S. semester credits. Please note that each U.S. university sets its own guidelines regarding how it accepts credit from abroad, so it is important that you discuss specific credit transfer policies with your home university.