Bates Fall Semester Abroad, Spain

Professors López (Spanish) and Melvin (History)

The Bates Fall Semester in Tarragona provides the opportunity for an intensive immersion experience in Spanish language and culture in a unique location, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Mediterranean coast. Tarragona has a storied heritage: The capital of the former Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis and a meeting point between Christian and Muslim Spain during the medieval period, it is home to ancient Roman ruins, narrow medieval streets, and a twelfth-century cathedral. It is also a modern city, with a bustling port and the region's premier university, the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV). A thriving local culture includes theaters, museums, concerts, and traditional fiestas celebrated in the city's streets. Tarragona is located approximately one hour south of Barcelona in southern Catalonia. The program is affiliated with the URV, an institution attended by approximately 12,000 students. Founded in the sixteenth century, URV is one of Spain's oldest universities. Known for the quality of its teaching, URV has a reputation as one of the leading universities in Europe.

The program begins in late August with a short intensive language program designed to help students of all abilities improve their proficiency and comfort with Spanish. Students continue their study of Spanish throughout the semester with two courses taught by URV faculty. While some knowledge of Spanish language is helpful, it is not required. Two other courses are taught in English by Bates faculty members. The program ends in mid-December.