• Visit distinct parts of Spain to compare different regional and cultural perspectives
• Interpret art, architecture, language, and cultural institutions as expressions of history, identity, migration, and cultural exchange
• Earn 3 credits in English or Global & International Studies

"Writing Identity: Borders and Belonging in Spain" invites students to explore the diverse identities, histories, and cultures that coexist within contemporary Spain. Rather than approaching Spain as a single, homogeneous national culture, the program examines how regional, linguistic, ethnic, religious, and immigrant identities have been shaped by centuries of migration, conquest, cultural exchange, and political change.

Traveling through several cities in Spain, students will explore questions of belonging and identity from multiple perspectives. Topics that will be explored include the relationship between Spanish identities and regional ones (like Catalan and Basque), the role of language and regional nationalism, the experiences of immigrant communities, how migration and multiculturalism shape urban identity, and the Muslim influence on Spanish culture and contemporary discussions about religion and identity.  

All students will earn 3 credits for the Summer term on the program. Undergraduate students will enroll in either ENGL 390 Studies in: Borders and Belongingin Spain or GIST 350: Study Abroad Topics in: Borders and Belonging in Spain and graduate students will enroll in ENGL 590 Studies in: Borders and Belonging in Spain. There will be a few meetings prior to the program departure and upon return. 

Students in Core 34 can complete their global culture requirement by participating in this study abroad program and co-completing UNIV 342, an asynchronous Canvas course.

Students will be housed in double or triple-occupancy rooms in hotels with breakfast daily. Several other group meals are also provided.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process. 

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program. 

• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Physical and Mental Health Histories
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities 

Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition). There are no language requirements, though students with previous exposure to Spanish will find it helpful.

Coming Soon!

Marta Caminero-Santangelo is a University Distinguished Professor and the former Chair of the Department of English and Director of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She is Cuban American. Contact Marta at camsan@ku.edu.

Mary Self is an academic advisor in the School of Engineering. She lived in Madrid, Spain for two years teaching English. Contact Mary at maryself@ku.edu.

Study Abroad Program Coordinator: Mari Keyser
Have a quick question? Email me at: mkeyser@ku.edu
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