Designed for students with at least 4 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent), this semester or academic-year program helps students further increase their knowledge of communications and video or magazine reporting while completing relevant coursework in Spanish. In addition to Spanish language courses at CIEE, participants take coursework in communication, journalism, and media at CIEE and choose from elective courses at the CIEE Study Center and direct enrollment courses at the Universidad de Sevilla, the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO) and the EUSA (Estudios Universitarios Superiores de Andalucia) University Centre.

This program is administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) on behalf of an academic consortium of which the University of Iowa is a member. UI participants on the program join a group of students from other U.S. colleges and universities. University of Iowa students earn resident credit for this program.

Academic Program

Students enroll in five courses (15-18 sh) per semester:

• One two-week intensive Spanish language course at CIEE
• One or two CIEE core program workshops: Magazine Reporting and Writing and/or Digital Video Reporting in Context (in Spanish)
• One or two CIEE elective program courses: Digital and Visual Culture in Contemporary Spain and/or Social Justice, Action and Media: Stories that Matter (in Spanish)
• Additional electives chosen from CIEE Liberal Arts courses, CIEE business courses, Cursos Concertados at the Universidad de Sevilla with other American students, and direct-enrollment courses at the Universidad de Sevilla, UPO, or EUSA (all in Spanish)

After the conclusion of the intensive Spanish language course, CIEE classes and Cursos Concertados are held Monday through Thursday and meet twice a week for the remainder of the semester. Direct enrollment courses also meet on Fridays. Attendance is mandatory. The schedule for direct enrollment courses is determined by the host institutions.

Host institution classes provide less support than most US college classes. The host institution course syllabi are less detailed and there are fewer assessments. CIEE courses follow a more American teaching style, with attendance, regular assignments and exams, and participation all factored into grading.

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit CIEE's program webpage.

Excursions, Cultural Activities, and Language Immersion

Excursions & Cultural Activities

The academic program is supplemented with excursions to points of interest in Seville that highlight topics covered in class. Visit cities like Córdoba and Cádiz, tour medieval castles, and hike in the Sierra Norte.

Language Immersion

Students can focus on daily language acquisition by living with a host family. Other language immersion opportunities include conversation exchange programs with Spanish students, working on projects such as the más+menos magazine, and volunteering within the community.

Program Dates

Fall: Early September to mid-December

Spring: Mid-January to early May

For exact program dates, visit CIEE's program webpage.

For More Information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive  program application instructions.

Contact Information

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

Universidad de Sevilla

Since its establishment in the 16th century, the Universidad de Sevilla has held a central position in Spain's system of higher education. With a student population of 75,000, the university offers courses across in a wide range of academic specialties .

Universidad Pablo de Olavide

With nearly 11,000 students, the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO) is located on a 345-acre campus about 30 minutes via bus from down. Its facilities are equipped with the latest in technology including campus-wide internet access; computer, television, video and audio centers; an open-access library; sports facilities; and science laboratories.

EUSA (Estudios Universitarios Superiores de Andalucía) University Centre

Founded in 1961, EUSA (Estudios Universitarios Superiores de Andalucía) University Centre is a private university that has been associated with Universidad de Sevilla since 1996. Students at EUSA can earn degrees in audiovisual communication, journalism, advetising and public relations, and tourism.

Sevilla

The capital of Andalucía, Sevilla (or Seville in English) was one of the last footholds of the Moorish empire that ruled the Iberian Peninsula. Ferdinand and Isabella governed Spain from the royal apartments in the Alcazar Palace. Though the city preserves its past, modern Sevilla is the commercial hub of Andalucía. Sevilla offers an amazing variety of cultural activities, monuments, and local gastronomy that is sure to delight any visitor.

Spain

Situated on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, Spain is a strikingly beautiful and diverse country. The country has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Spain’s distinct regions means there is something for everyone, from lush forests to towering mountains and stunning beaches to vibrant cities, many of which are easily accessible through the country's extensive network of high-speed trains. Widely known for excellent food and art, friendly locals, relaxed lifestyle, Flamenco culture, and lots of sunshine, Spain has been one of the cultural centers of Europe for thousands of years and remains one of the most popular destinations in the world for study and travel.

U.S. Department of State Country Information

The U.S. Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

CIEE students participating in this program have two housing options: a Spanish homestay or a residence hall.

Homestays

Students live in Spanish-speaking homes where three meals are provided daily and laundry service is provided weekly. Each home accommodates one or two students, and each student has their own room. Homestays are the optimal housing arrangement because of their contribution to the program’s goals of language and cultural immersion.

Residence Halls

Residence halls have double or triple rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens. Students live with other Spanish and international students. Meals are not included.

Housing is tight in Sevilla, so housing decisions are at the sole discretion of CIEE. If they cannot accommodate students' first housing preference, they will let them know before arrival.

Passport

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one as soon as possible. More information about how to apply for a passport is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. US citizens who need to renew their passport can find more information on the US Department of State’s website. The passport must be renewed before applying for the Spanish visa required for semester or academic year programs.

Expedited processing service is available at an additional cost. UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for information on how to ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their time abroad.

Travel Arrangements

Students book flights independently. Participants are responsible for being at the orientation site on time.

Local Transportation

Within the host city and around Spain, students will utilize public transportation such as buses and trains. Spaniards are also very used to walking, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA: Student must have at minimum a 2.5 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
• Four semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent: Students must have completed at least four semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Costs

The most recent cost sheet for the program is included below. The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (CIEE program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact your Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Cost Sheets

Cost Sheet for CIEE Seville Communications, New Media & Journalism, Spring 2025

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page and a list of courses to take while abroad.

• Complete the CIEE Online Application.

Important: Students applying to Spring 2024 programs in Spain may be required by CIEE to provide proof of a valid passport (i.e. a passport that does not expire for at least six months after the end of the program) in order to submit their application. If you will not have a valid passport at the time of application, you should work with your study abroad advisor to identify an alternative program.

Post Acceptance

Acceptance into the applicant's chosen study abroad program is made by CIEE directly via an email to the applicant. This acceptance notification will refer the applicant to additional documents posted to the myCIEE account.

Application Deadlines

Fall and Academic Year: Mar. 1

Spring: Sept. 4

Acceptance & Confirmation Materials

Acceptance and confirmation materials will be posted after the next application deadline.

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders must obtain a student visa from Spain in order to participate in the semester or academic year program. U.S. passport holders should follow the batch processing visa application instructions provided by CIEE. If students do not participate in batch visa processing, they must apply for their student visa independently and present their application by appointment at the Spanish Consulate. The Consulate for all UI students is the Chicago Consulate; it is based the location of one's home university, not the state of origin. Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining the necessary visa to enter Spain.

Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with CIEE regarding their visa requirements.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.