Study Abroad Guidelines

Study abroad is an enriching educational experience that is beneficial to the student when fully integrated in the language. It is important that students begin to prepare for study abroad early in their Rutgers experience. The quality of this preparation is essential to their graduation requirements.

Prior to Semester Abroad

• Students interested in Study Abroad, whether through Rutgers or other institutions, should meet with the Undergraduate Director about their goals for study abroad, courses they must complete in their major before they study abroad, courses that might transfer from study abroad and what they will need to take upon their return.
• Students should attend the study abroad information meetings the semester prior to their departure.
• All course exceptions must be approved by the Undergraduate Director prior to studying abroad.
• Before seeking admission to the Universidad de Valencia, students MUST complete courses 215 and 261.  All exceptions must be approved by the Undergraduate Director.
• Before seeking admission to the Universidad de Salamanca, students MUST complete course 132. All exceptions must be approved by the Undergraduate Director.

Coursework

• Coursework ONLY in Hispanic and Portuguese language, linguistics, literature and culture & civilization will be accepted towards a Spanish/Portuguese major or minor.
• Generally, culture courses containing literary content may be equivalent to 300-level literature courses or 300-level electives.
• Courses in art and history anthropology are counted as courses in those disciplines, but not as literature courses. Consequently, these courses do not count towards the Spanish/Portuguese major or minor unless the courses have been approved by the Undergraduate Director prior to studying abroad.
• Students will NOT receive degree credit for any course taken twice. Students should schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Director to avoid course repetition.
• Students should discuss with their advisors which courses to take and how these will fit with their concentration or minor.
• If students have any questions while they are away regarding course credit, course equivalency or require courses in particular programs they should contact the Undergraduate Director.
• Courses 203, 204 and 325: Students completing 203, 204 and 325 prior to enrolling in Summer in Spain should sign up for the literature option in Salamanca and their journal writing for the culture compenent should include reaction to literary texts, plays, movies, etc. This work may be counted as the equivalent of 215. The remaining course work will count as 326. Upon return the student should compete a 300-level literature course.
• Courses 203, 204, 325 and 326: Students completing these courses prior to enrolling in Summer in Spain should sign up for the literature option in Salamanca and their journal writing for the culture component should include reaction to literary texts, plays, movies, etc. This work may be counted as the equivalent of a 300-level literature course.
• Courses 203, 204, 325 and 326: Students completing these courses prior to enrolling in Summer in Spain should sign up for the literature option in Salamanca and their journal writing for the culture component should include reaction to literary texts, plays, movies, etc. This work may be counted as the equivalent of 215. For those students minoring in Spanish, the remaining course work will not count toward the minor and the student will have to complete two 300-level literature courses to complete the minor.

Returning from Studying Abroad

• Upon return from study abroad, students MUST see the Undergraduate Director to make appropriate changes in Degree Navigator.
• All returning students must take a minimum of one 300 or 400-level course upon returning to Rutgers. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Undergraduate Director, preferably prior to students leaving for study abroad.

For more information or questions about Summer Study Abroad, please contact:

• Undergraduate Director: Dr. Joseph Casillas, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Summer Study Abroad in Spain Coordinator: Jerlene Rodriguez, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.