Program terms: Fall, Full Academic Year, Spring
Restrictions: Vanderbilt applicants only
Type of Program: Direct University Enrollment
Costs: Budget Sheets
Academic Calendar: Extends into Summer Months
Key Dates:

Term	Application Deadline	Program Dates

At a Glance

The program at the University of the Balearic Islands in Palma de Mallorca is designed for students who have completed Spanish 3303 (formerly 203). The program in Mallorca represents an option for students seeking to study in Spain in a location where there are fewer Americans and which offers the opportunity to take courses in the disciplines offered at the university.

Students wishing to study during the fall semester should speak with the GEO advisor during the application process. Final exams at UIB Palma sometimes extend into January, so it is advantageous to plan course selections appropriately. It is probable that students will be able to return to the United States by December 20th, but this will depend upon individual circumstances. Likewise, students for the spring semester are typically able to sit their final exams during the last week of May or first week of June. Please come in during office hours to discuss. 

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 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.

Students wishing to enroll in the University of the Balearic Islands in Palma de Mallorca must have completed SPAN 3303, or four or more other SPAN courses at the 3000-level. Applicants must have SPAN 3303 on their transcript in order to receive credit toward the Literature distribution of the Spanish major/minor. Students should be sure to check the external section of their Vanderbilt transcript to verify any transfer or AP credit on their record. Students should consult the Undergraduate Course Catalogue for details and limitations. Contact the GEO advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Spanish with questions.
 

Academics

The 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 18,200, and its classes are small. Classes are taught in Catalan and Spanish. All undergraduate university classes in Spanish are open to Vanderbilt students. A list of the undergraduate degree programs at UIB can be found on their website.

Upon arrival in Palma, students complete a month-long intensive language and culture program during the month of September (if studying on abroad for fall semester or an academic year) or February (spring semester), and then enroll in classes at the University of the Balearic Islands. This mandatory four-week, pre-university intensive language and culture course includes language and culture classes as well as excursions to 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 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 full Vanderbilt course load each semester.

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

Vanderbilt Course Evaluation List
University of the Balearic Islands

Vanderbilt will use the scale shown here to articulate all grades from the University of the Balearic Islands, regardless of the subject area or language of instruction.

University of Balearic Islands	Vanderbilt Grade Equivalents
9.0-10	A
8.0-8.99	A-
7.6-7.99	B+
7.0-7.59	B
6.6-6.99	B-
6.0-6.59	C+
5.6-5.99	C
5.0-5.59	C-
0-4.99	F

Student Life

Palma de Mallorca is a city 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 powerful rulers. Palma thus contains many great historical sites for tourists. The transportation center is laid out perfectly for students to enjoy the city and explore each of these magnificent places with ease. 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 representative of the rich and varied Catalan culture. The Phoenecians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs have all left significant imprints 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 other areas by coves and expansive beaches where 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.

Dates

Palma de Mallorca Calendar

For more information, visit program homepage.

Fact Sheet

Housing: Homestay
Minimum GPA: 2.7
Language of Instruction: Spanish
Language prerequisite: Yes
Additional prerequisites: N/A
Costs: Budget Sheets
Student contacts: Peer alumni

Photo: Palma Cathedral, courtesy of Emma Steigerwald