Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Hours completed	12
Student Conduct	Good status
Grad credit	No
Non-WIU	No
Pre-requisite	COMM 130 or permission of instructor
Student Year	Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Entry Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until at least November 30, 2023. For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see Passports 101 .
Current passport processing times are 8-11 weeks.  Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your ETIAS, visa, airine tickets, and other necessary items for travel.  Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel permit required for US citizens.  Starting May 2023, all citizens allowed to enter Europe without a visa are required to have an ETIAS travel permit.  More information, including a link to apply, can be found on the ETIAS website .  ETIAS cost not included in program cost.

Visa required if not a US citizen. It is your responsibility to check the Consulate of Spain in Chicago's website for more information.  Visa cost not included in program cost. 

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you are on your program.  Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) from International Medical Group (IMG)

 

Health Precautions

COVID-19 - You are REQUIRED to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (original shot series and at least one booster if the original shots were more than 270 days) to participate in this program.  Proof of vaccination required prior to acceptance of your deposit.

Walking/mobility/travel - Expect to walk 5-7 miles per day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day, sometimes over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs. 
You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage.

Environmental - Average daytime temperatures are in the mid-60s to low 80s for this time period.  Excursions and some portions of the Course will be conducted outside, rain or shine.  Sun protection is strongly recommended.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel  if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. 

Vaccination - No vaccinations are required for entry into Spain.  Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Accessibility - Accessibility and accommodation are very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$4,600-$4,800 based on minimum of 10 students
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging (multi-bedded rooms), entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	October 31, 2022
Payments
Commitment fee	$75 due December 6, 2022
Non-refundable deposit	$1,000 due December 7, 2022
Second payment	$1,000 due January 31, 2023
Final payment*	Balance due March 1, 2023

* Costs subject to change based on student enrollment, exchange fluctuations and flight costs.

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals .

 

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: January 31, 2023  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and increased costs.

ETIAS copy deadline: March 1, 2023

MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2023

Academics

Credit offered

COMM 381 - Global Issues credit.  Counts as an upper-division elective for Communication majors and minors.

COMM 379 - Counts as an upper-division elective for Communication majors and minors.

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

Objectives/Activities

• Identify and analyze elements of intercultural communication
  
• Understand cultural similarities and differences through communication elements
  
• Discover Barcelona through tours, workshops, and visits to famous sites like La Sagrada Familia
  

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Stacey Macchi .