UWF kicks-off study abroad “Programs in Spain”
The University of West Florida is working to establish long-term opportunities for intercultural exchanges with Spain through "Programs in Spain." The first program is a month-long "Intensive Language and Culture Program" at the University of Málaga and the second is a two-week "Interdisciplinary Travel and Learn Program." The inauguration of these programs coincides with the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Pensacola by the De Luna expedition in 1559. "Programs in Spain" forms part of community-wide initiatives to strengthen the relationship between Spain and Pensacola.
The University of West Florida is working to establish long-term opportunities for intercultural exchanges with Spain through “Programs in Spain.” The first program is a month-long “Intensive Language and Culture Program” at the University of Málaga and the second is a two-week “Interdisciplinary Travel and Learn Program.” The inauguration of these programs coincides with the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Pensacola by the De Luna expedition in 1559. “Programs in Spain” forms part of community-wide initiatives to strengthen the relationship between Spain and Pensacola.
“The establishment of ‘Programs in Spain’ will provide an ongoing opportunity for students, professors and administrators to take part in interdisciplinary experiences in a country with close ties to Pensacola,” said Diane Buck, director of the UWF Language and Culture Institute. “We anticipate that these opportunities will generate increased interest in continuing the study of Spanish to higher levels, as participants begin to use the language for a variety of purposes.”
A delegation from Pensacola will travel to Spain June 14 to sign an official partnership agreement with the University of Málaga and meet with the mayor and city officials of the City of Málaga. Through this partnership and program, UWF seeks to offer students across Florida and the nation the opportunity for a quality, study abroad experience. Spanish is the most widely studied language in the United States and the most widely spoken second language in the country. Through this program, UWF will offer educational and cultural opportunities which can be shared by students, faculty and community members with the resulting benefits gained by all participants in an exchange of ideas, knowledge and experience and invaluable mentoring and personal interaction.
The UWF Language and Culture Institute organizes and supports activities that encourage interest in foreign languages and cultures and help create lasting intercultural and international connections of benefit to the community.
For more information, contact Buck at (850) 474-3221 or e-mail dbuck@uwf.edu.
Written by Janice Cooper, University Marketing Communications
