academic programacademic program
During the first three months of the program, participants will reside individually in host families. Given the mild climate, Seville is a city where walking is easy and enjoyable and students are able to walk to class. If the host family is not located in the city center, students must be willing to take public transportation when necessary.
Classes take place at a language center in downtown Sevilla. There are no language requirements for participating in the Gap Year Abroad program in Sevilla. Students take an intensive language program that meets four hours per day, five days a week for the first two weeks of the program and continue with language training during the remainder of their stay. Each class will have approximately 10-15 students. Classes are designed to help students improve language skills and to learn Spanish literature, history and culture. If a student is a very advanced speaker, a university-level CIEE class may be arranged. Students wishing to pursue this must take the CIEE online placement test prior to arrival.
In Santiago, language classes take place Monday through Thursday, 2 ½ hours per day. Classes integrate grammar, vocabulary, (including "Dominicanisms") and conversation. Dance is a component of the curriculum and the basics of merengue, bachata and salsa are taught. Some instruction takes place in markets and city centers so that students have the opportunity to practice their language skills with locals.
The first week at the American Language Partnership International (ALPI) offers two hours of class per day on TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) methodology, with several follow-up workshops.
A one hour class on Dominican history and culture is taught weekly.