Spain: University of Oviedo

• Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
• Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
• Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful.
• Minimum 2.8 GPA
• A minimum of two semesters of Spanish or the equivalent
• This program has a required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Please visit our home page to schedule an advising appointment.

Incoming Exchange Students

The coordinator for incoming exchange students is Jenifer Ruby, Director of International Student & Scholar Services. For information about application and advising for incoming exchange students, please visit the website for International Student & Scholar Services. You may also contact Ms. Ruby for more details.

Fall 2023

• Aug 31-Sept 1: Arrival Date for All Students
• Sept 7: Classes start
• Dec 15: Last Day of Classes
• Exam period runs through January, must speak to professors to arrange an earlier examination date

Spring 2023

• Jan 8: Arrival Date 
• Jan 25: All Classes Start
• May 5: Classes end at University
• May 12: Classes end at La Casa de las Lenguas
• May 15 – Jun 2: Final exam period for university classes

Orientation & Flight

Students are responsible for booking their own flights and we recommend flying into Oviedo directly. The Resident Director, Ana, will meet students at the Oviedo airport. The orientation covers the program academics, health and safety, housing, transportation, money, and more. Students will be introduced to the local culture and history to make their transition into Oviedo easier.

Visa

US citizens will need to apply for a student visa, specifically a National Spanish visa. As part of your visa application, you must have an in-person appointment at a Spanish consulate. This may involve travel time and additional expenses. For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see our Passports and Visas Page.

University of Oviedo

Now a major university boasting more than 44,000 students enrolled in 35 departments, the University of Oviedo was founded in 1574 and opened its doors in 1608 to 100 students. Rollins students receive excellent academic support from the Rollins program Faculty Director, Dr. Francisco Borge, and the Rollins Resident Director, Ana Bugallo. 

ALCE Language School
During the fall semester students will take a no-credit Spanish course at the ALCE language school in Oviedo designed to warm up their Spanish language skills and ensure success in the other courses. In the fall semester, the course starts with an intensive period before the regular courses begin.

Courses
Most students will take at least two-three courses at the Casa de las Lenguas: a program within the University that offers Spanish language courses at all levels and content courses in Spanish for intermediate and advanced students. For available classes at la Casa, check out the course catalog.  Students may also directly enroll directly into regular classes with local students, some of which are taught in English, others in Spanish. For university classes, check out the university course catalog.  Most students will take either the full courseload at the Casa, or most courses at the Casa and one or two direct enrollment courses.

• Rollins students majoring in Spanish can apply up to 3 of their courses in Oviedo towards their major.
• Rollins students minoring in Spanish can apply up to 2 of their courses in Oviedo (effectively any of the 300-level courses taught in Spanish) towards their minor.

Transfer of Credit

Courses are worth 3 or 4 credits each and students typically take 4-5 courses, for a total of 12-20 credits. Courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credit; the grades are displayed and are factored into the Rollins GPA.  It can take up to three months for grades to be processed and appear on the Rollins transcript. For information on approving courses for major/minor and General Education/rFLA requirements, and other academic policies, please visit our Academic Information page.

Living with Spanish hosts during the term is an integral part of the program; it gives students an inside perspective on Spanish society not available in a residence hall. Students complete a housing questionnaire as part of their application, and after acceptance are carefully matched with families or single adults who are eager to welcome students into their homes.  Most of the host families have been with our program for years and many students find the homestay to be a highlight of the program. The homestay includes three meals per day, weekly laundry service, and all linens and towels.

Activities

An added benefit of the program are the co-curricular activities.  The conversation partner program pairs U.S. students with Spanish conversation partners and is a great way to meet local students.  By means of the MENTOR Program, students can take advantage of the help of a Spanish student to settle into university life. The host student will give advice on accommodation, campus life and other practical matters.  The University of Oviedo also offers many activities for visiting students, including a full week of cultural activities in place of classes.  During this week, students sign up for lessons on topics like dance and cooking, and are also involved in a variety of events like movie screenings and showcases.  The Rollins Resident Director takes the students out to lunch weekly and provides unique insights into life in Oviedo and Asturias.

Field Trips and Excursions

The Rollins Resident Director organizes and leads a rich program of excursions in the region of Asturias.  Students consider these excursions a highlight of the program, particularly since they expose students to parts of Spain they would not otherwise visit.  In addition, the University of Oviedo offers visits to the most interesting sites in the city, excursions to the seaside and mountains, as well as to the historic monuments of the region.

Students can also easily travel to other popular destinations in Spain such as Madrid by train (about 5 hours) and Barcelona by plane (about 2 hours). Students also have access to the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which offers affordable group student travel excursions and activities.

Things to Consider

Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.

Program Fee

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.

• Tuition: $29,150
• Housing: $4,925
• Meals/food: $3,170

Also Includes

Orientation, cultural activities and excursions, bus pass, laundry, program administration, and emergency insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs

• Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $2,100, onsite $370
• US Passport: $165
• Visa fee: $160 plus costs associated with travel to nearest Spanish consulate for visa appointment
• Books, course materials, supplies: $200
• Personal expenses: $850
• Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
• Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0

Need-Based Scholarships

Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.

Living Abroad

Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Spain has a lower cost of living than the United States.