Verano Español
Study abroad in Spain at the Verano Español program.
This popular, long-running program is celebrating its 64th year in 2024 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious American summer programs in Madrid. Students spend six weeks studying Spanish language and culture with Rollins' own Professor Prieto-Calixto. The program is designed for students of all proficiency levels and includes cultural activities and excursions designed to provide students with a fuller sense of the Spanish language, life, and culture.
Application Deadline: February 17, 2025
What It’s Like … to Study Spanish at the Source
Get a firsthand look at Verano Español, Rollins’ longest-running study abroad program, where students spend six weeks in Madrid studying Spanish and experiencing local culture.
Academic Information
Don Quijote
- The foundation of instruction at dQ is a communicative methodology of language learning that stresses students' immediate and active engagement in language acquisition.
- Classes are small, usually around 8 students, and instructors utilize strategies of rapid and intensive language acquisition.
Courses
- The program is 6 weeks long and all courses conducted in Spanish by native Spanish faculty.
- Students will be placed into the 2 courses that come after the last Spanish course they completed at Rollins (some students can use these courses to fulfill their "F" requirement).
For example, if a student completed SPN101 at Rollins during the Fall Semester, that student will be placed into SPN102 and 201 at dQ. - Prior Spanish language courses at Rollins not required. Classes meet 4 - 5 hours per day, Monday through Friday.
Transfer of Credit
- Students typically take 2 courses for a total of 8 credits. Grades appear on the Rollins transcript and are factored into your GPA. It can take up to three months for grades to be processed.
- For more information on approving courses to fulfill requirements and other academic policies see information in International Programs MyRollins pages.
Faculty Director
- Verano Español's Faculty Director in Spain is Prof. Alberto Prieto-Calixto, Professor of Spanish at Rollins and a native Spaniard.
- Prof. Prieto-Calixto oversees program academics, organizes program excursions and meals, and assists students with their transition to life in Madrid.
Student Interns
- Two students, usually study abroad alums serve as program interns.
- The interns help plan cultural activities for the group, assist students in adapting to Madrid, help students navigate challenges relating to cultural adjustments, academics, and offer tutoring services for Spanish classes.
What It’s Like to Study Abroad in Spain
Housing
- Students will live in the Don Quijote (dQ) dormitories, just a five-minute walk to the dQ classes in central Madrid.
- The dormitory is a three-story building with single- and double-occupancy rooms, with a mix of private and shared bathrooms.
- Students will be assigned to rooms on a random basis and may be placed in a single with private bath or in a double with shared bath.
- Students complete a housing questionnaire as part of their application and, after acceptance, submit roommate preferences.
- The program interns live on the premises.
Meals
- The dQ dorm provides two meals a day (breakfast and lunch, the biggest meal of the day in Spain).
- Students will have access to kitchens.
- Students also receive group dinners that are scheduled three times a week across the program and meals during the orientation and weekend excursion to Candelario.
- For additional meals, consider budgeting about 8-12 Euros per meal for a simple, take-out style dinner or 10-20 Euros for a sit-down meal.
- Cheap Eats Out and Easy Make-it-Yourself Meals
Life in Madrid
- Madrid is a dynamic and exciting city, famed for its incredible museums, lovely parks and squares, historic buildings and churches, and wonderful food and music.
- Each student will receive an Abono de Transporte (a transportation pass) for use on Madrid's metro and bus system. This pass is included in the program fee and will give students access to Madrid's superb public transportation for the duration of the program.
Activities and Excursions
Students tell us the weekend Excursion to Candelario is a highlight of the program! Candelario is a small town well west of Madrid, near the Spanish and Portuguese border. Activities include a pottery workshop and a guided hike in the beautiful landscape around Candelario. All meals and accommodation are also included.
Things to Consider
Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP "Your Identity Abroad" page in MyRollins.
Program Calendar
Summer 2025 *Tentative Dates*
| Date | |
|---|---|
| May 18 | Arrival in Madrid and Orientation |
| May 19 | Classes Begin |
| May 24 | Segovia Excursion |
| June 6-8 | Candelario Excursion |
| June 28 | Program ends and check out of housing by noon |
Requirements for Admission
- Application Deadline: February 17, 2025
- Applications open in November
- Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
- Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and college standing
- Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
Getting There
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Flight
Students are required to book their own flights to Madrid. Depending on when you arrive, Prof. Prieto-Calixto and/or the Student Site Leaders will meet you at the Madrid Barajas airport.
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Orientation
Orientation will begin on the first night of the program. Students have a welcome dinner the night of arrival and have a full orientation the next day—the orientation introduces students to the language school and the city. Classes begin the following morning.
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Visa
For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see MyRollins for passports & visa information.
Costs
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Program Fee
2025 Program Fee: $8,175 *Tentative Fee*
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Includes
Tuition, housing, weekend orientation in Madrid, daily breakfast and lunch, plus 2 group dinners per week, program excursions, airport transfers in Spain, transportation pass, course materials, program administration and emergency insurance.
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Estimated Additional Costs
Round-trip airfare from FL $1,400
Additional Meals/food $225
Passport $165
Personal Expenses $400
Federal loan fees $0 and professional licensure/certification $0 -
Need-Based Scholarships
International Programs offers need-based scholarships and students apply for these through the Rollins program application.
Connect with an Advisor, Apply or Learn More
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