Study Abroad Programs - Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
The city of Santiago de Compostela (population 93,000) is located in northwestern Spain in the autonomía of Galicia. Santiago has been a major place of pilgrimage in the Roman Catholic church since the 9thcentury when the discovery was made nearby of the alleged bones of the apostle Saint James. Outside the city of Santiago, the Galician autonomous state is mainly agricultural, though fishing and timber are also important. Although the people in the four provinces speak Galician in their daily lives, a language that closely resembles Portuguese, they also understand and speak Spanish. Courses at the university are taught in both Spanish and Galician. Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, which recently celebrated its 500th birthday, is located in buildings throughout the city.
Faculty Coordinator
Prof. Kathleen March in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics is the faculty coordinator for this direct exchange program. Students should contact Prof. March to learn more about the academic program at the University of Santiago de Compostela.
Academics:
A minimum 5 semesters of Spanish language study is required for this exchange program. All courses are taught in Spanish. In addition to pursuing course work in Spanish language, literature, and culture taught by the Instituto de Idiomas especially for international students, UMaine students may enroll in one or two classes with University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) students in the departments of Art History, History, Geography, Classics, Philosophy, Anthropology, Spanish Literature, and Linguistics.
Fall semester: October – February
Spring semester: late February- July
Housing:
Student housing is scattered throughout the city of Santiago de Compostela in publicly and privately owned student residences. The SUR (Servicio Universitario de Residencias) maintains a listing of available housing. Meals may be taken at reduced rates at one of the student cafeterias throughout the city, eaten at local restaurants, or cooked for oneself. Bus service throughout the city is excellent. The University has an active student life with regularly scheduled concerts, lectures, and movies; opportunities for involvement in sports; and a whole variety of student clubs and organizations.
Accepted students may apply for housing in the residence halls. The price for a space in a double room is 246 euros per month for academic year 2010-2011. See other residence hall rates. Other housing options are available. There is a 150 euro housing deposit. Students may pay through a bank transfer of funds and then send USC an electronic receipt by email.
Helpful Links:
Application process:
Schedule a meeting with the Study Abroad Advisor to start the study abroad process at 207-581-1509. Read about the application process here.