Cádiz, dominating an arm of land thrust out into the Atlantic Ocean, is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities of Western Europe. Founded as Gadir by the Phoenicians some 3000 years ago, Cádiz has been an important port city for Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and of course the Spanish. From Hannibal's invading forces to Spain’s modern navy, Cádiz has played a key role in the history of the Iberian Peninsula. Perhaps most importantly, Cádiz was the last toe-hold and seat of the military forces defying Napoleon’s forces during the Napoleonic War, which threatened to install the French emperor’s brother, Joseph Bonaparte, on the country’s throne. It was also in Cádiz and as part of the resistance that the important Constitution of 1812 was proclaimed; the city celebrated la Pepa for its two hundredth anniversary in the summer of 2012. Cádiz retains much of its ancient feel and charm: the casco antiguo is still a warren of winding stone streets joining an assortment of unexpected plazas; and between the sea and the sandy foundations of the land the cityscape has not been able to sprawl or stretch too far skyward. A half-hour’s leisurely walking in any direction finds the sea wall that bounds the old city, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Wide beaches span large sections of this ‘almost island’, while rocks filled with tide pools dominate others. Off the popular Caleta beach, a lighthouse marks the San Sebastián fortress at the end of a long, narrow promontory and makes for a pleasant stroll out into the harbor. But Cádiz is a modern city, too; hotels, restaurants, and a wealth of shops and international stores can be found along its narrow streets and wide squares, and WiFi zones abound. About the program Cádiz offers a more purely language-focused experience than our programs in Valencia and Sevilla even as, like its sister programs, it features a wide array of cultural activities and personal experiences. Students in the Cádiz program take two SPAN courses (6 academic credits) on the campus of the University of Cádiz, and courses include intermediate Spanish (SPAN 2002), advanced conversation and composition (SPAN 3010 and 3020) and 3050, an Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics. Two-night excursions to Madrid and to Granada to visit the world-famous Alhambra, as well as daytrips to Sevilla, Jerez, and Tarifa, introduce our participants to some of the most storied and historically important of the cities of Andalusia, and of course the particular magic of Cádiz is guaranteed. Students live in pairs in homestays in local homes with full board and weekly laundry. So consider spending nearly seven weeks with us in the city founded by Hercules. Semesters offered Summer Excursions Granada / Madrid / Sevilla Housing Participants live and eat their meals in local Spanish households. Host families provide laundry services for the students.
