University of the Balearic Islands - Palma de Mallorca

at-a-glance:

The program at the University of the Balearic Islands in Palma de Mallorca is designed for students who have completed either Spanish 203 or 204. Vanderbilt in Spain: Palma de Mallorca is available as an academic year program (students study in Spain for both the fall and spring semesters) or as a spring only program. The program in Mallorca represents an alternative for students seeking a longer stay in Spain in a location where there are fewer Americans and which offers students the opportunity to take courses in the disciplines offered at the university. 

The program mainstreams Vanderbilt students and places them in regular university classes with Spaniards. The program is designed for students who not only want the experience of living and studying in Spain, but who also desire the opportunity to take classes in Spanish outside of the traditional Spanish major or minor, including economics, political science, business administration, pedagogy, history, and the sciences.

The University of the Balearic Islands provides a faculty member to serve as Resident Director for Vanderbilt students. The Resident Director is be responsible for student services including academic advising and course registration, orientation, excursions, housing arrangements, airport pickup by the host families, and general welfare in Spain.  Vanderbilt students have full access to university facilities including computer labs, internet access, and recreational areas.

academics

The new and modern campus of the University of the Balearic Islands is located seven kilometers from the center of Palma. It is a small university by Spanish standards, with a student population of 10,000, and its classes are small.  Classes are taught in Catalan and Spanish. All university classes in Spanish are open to Vanderbilt students.

Upon arrival in Palma, students complete a month long intensive language and culture program during the month of September and, in October, enroll in classes at the University of the Balearic Islands.  This mandatory four-week, pre-university intensive language and culture course (1 credit) includes language and culture classes as well as excursions to area points of interest in and around the city. During the intensive course, faculty advisors orient students to the structure of the university; advise and guide them through the course registration; and acquaint them with University facilities. After the intensive course, students select 3-4 courses in Spanish and take the equivalent of a Vanderbilt full course load each semester. Students are also required to take a year long Spanish language course for foreigners.  The class, taught by Professor Juan Miguel Monterrubio, includes grammar, colloquialisms, and conversation practice.

The Vanderbilt program also includes the possibility of a non-credit internship or an independent study if appropriate prior arrangements are made.

Academic Links:

Vanderbilt Course Evaluation List

University of the Balearic Islands

UIB Course Website

student life

Palma de Mallorca is a city very rich in history and culture. It dates as far back as the Roman empire in 130 BC, and from then on continued to be a significant site for many other powerful rulers. Due to all of its history, Palma contains many great historical sites for tourists. The transportation center is laid out perfectly for the students to enjoy the city and explore each of these magnificent places with ease. Besides theses important destinations, the city also has many beautiful beaches, great restaurants, up-to-date fashion districts, and an incredible nightlife.

housing

Students live with Spanish families in homes located near the university.  Students do not have American roommates.  The Resident Director is very conscientious about placing students in homes that will provide them the most exposure to everyday Spanish life.  Students eat meals with the family and participate in family life.  Careful attention is paid to placing students with families that complement the students' interests and preferences (i.e. smoking, pets, and children).

location

Palma is the capital of Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands. Located 132 miles from Barcelona, it is a distinctive constituent of the rich and varied Catalan culture. The Phoenecians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs have all left the significant imprint of their civilization in Mallorca and attest to its ancient importance as a cultural and commercial focal point in the Mediterranean world. It was first incorporated into a Spanish kingdom in 1229 by Jaime I, the Conqueror, King of Aragon. The walls of the historic section of Palma look out onto the ancient port.  The natural beauty of Mallorca includes 400 kilometers of coastline, defined in the northern part of the Island by mountains and precipitous cliffs, and in the other parts by coves and expansive beaches where knowing Europeans and lovers of the arts, beaches, and good living have found a modern paradise. Palma is a short and inexpensive ferry or airplane ride to Barcelona.

expenses

Program Costs: Semester Costs; Summer Costs

application

Mallorca Application

Requirements for application:  Students must have completed Spanish 203 or 204, must have B average in their Spanish courses, must have an overall 3.0 GPA, and must have financial, disciplinary, and academic clearances.