Exploring Andalusia

ÍNDICE DE CONTENIDOS Table of contents

Personal del UCEAP y UCOIDIOMAS: información de contacto ………..… 1

UCEAP & UCOIDIOMAS staff: contact information

Dirección del Centro de Estudios de la UC / UCOIDIOMAS .................. 2

UC Study Center / UCOIDIOMAS address

Calendario enero - marzo 2016 …………………………………………………………. 3

Calendar January - March 2016

Horario de las clases .…………….............................................................. 4

Class schedule

Calendario de exámenes y profesores ……………………………………………… 5

Exam calendar

Excursiones y visitas culturales de los viernes …………………………………... 6

Fridays’ cultural excursions and visits

Días festivos …………………………………………………………………………………….. 7

Holidays

Créditos UC …………….………………………................................................. 8

UC credits

Descripción de asignaturas y escala de conversión de notas …………… 9, 10

Course description and grade conversion chart

Normas de convivencia con la familia ………………………………..………………. 11-13

Housing rules

Seguridad y salud ………………………………………………….………………………….. 14-16

Safety and health

Comentarios y consejos de antiguos eapeers …………………..……………….. 17-18

Former eepeers’s comments and advice

Consejos para mejorar tu español …………………………………….…………….... 19-24

Tips on how to improve your Spanish

Mapa de España ……………………………………………………………………………….. 24

Map of Spain

Mapas de la Universidad de Córdoba ………………….…………………………… 25-26

Map of Spain

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STAFF OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

PROGRAM IN CORDOBA

Laura Marqués Pascual, Directora del UCEAP en España

Teléfono móvil: 680 336 938

e-mail: lmarques@spanport.ucsb.edu

Inma Carmona, Coordinadora del UCEAP en Córdoba y Cádiz

Teléfono móvil: 630 024 269 / teléfono despacho: (957) 213105

e-mail: cu9camei@uco.es

Loly Díaz, Coordinadora de español para extranjeros en Ucoidiomas

Teléfono móvil: 629 562 491 / teléfono despacho: (957)213104

e-mail: idiomas@uco.es

Antonio Ceballos, Faculty Liason

Teléfono despacho: (957) 213105

e-mail: aceballos@uco.es

INSTRUCTORS: María Jesús Jurado: id2jucom@uco.es (Español, Andalucía Crisol de Culturas)

Manuel Altamirano: maltamiranogarcia85@gmail.com (Arte, Andalucía Crisol

de Culturas)

Antonio Ceballos: aceballos@uco.es (Andalucía Crisol de Culturas)

Esther Cortés: cu9cobue@uco.es (Español)

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ADDRESS OF THE STUDY CENTER / SCHOOL

This is the address you need to provide your family and friends when sending you

mail:

YOUR NAME

Ucoidiomas

Centro de Estudios de la Universidad de California

C/ Doña Berenguela, s/n

14006 - Córdoba

Spain

Teléfono: (+34) 957 213101

https://goo.gl/maps/26x0p

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CALENDARIO ACÁDEMICO INVIERNO 2016

H

O

R

ENERO

L M X J V S D

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRERO

L M X J V S D

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29

Orientación general y prueba de nivel : 18 enero

Orientaciones lingüística y académica: 19 enero

Comienzo de las clases: 20 enero

Último día de clases: 14 marzo

Exámes: 15- 17 de marzo

Salida de las casas: 19 marzo

Fechas en verde: días sin clase (fiestas* o fines de semana)

29 febrero = Día de Andalucía

MARZO

L M X J V S D

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

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HORARIO UCEAP EN UCOIDIOMAS - COW 2016

LUNES MARTES MIÉRCOLES JUEVES VIERNES

9:30 - 11:30

SPAN 40A* Elementary Span II (Aula 9)

SPAN 40A Elementary Span II (Aula 9)

SPAN 40A Elementary Span II (Aula 9)

SPAN 40A Elementary Span II (Aula 9)

LABS EXCURSIONES VISITAS CULTURALES

11:30 - 12:00 DESCANSO DESCANSO DESCANSO DESCANSO LABS

12:00 - 14: 00

HIST / EUR ST 135 (Cultural Crossroads: Andalusia then and

now) (Aula 9)

HIST / EUR ST 135

(Cultural Crossroads: Andalusia then and

now) (Aula 9)

ARTHS 65 (The Magic of

Andalusia: Art & Arquit of the 3 Empires)

(Aula 9)

ARTHS 65

(The Magic of Andalusia: Art & Arquit

of the 3 Empires)

(Aula 9)

LABS EXCURSIONES VISITAS CULTURALS

* +1 viernes

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CALENDARIO DE EXÁMENES

Examen escrito Examen oral

SPAN 40A 15 marzo (10:00-12:00) 15 marzo (12:00-14:00) (por confirmar)

ARTHS 65 16 marzo (10:00-12:00) Presentaciones*

HIST/ EUR S 135 (CULTURAL CROSSROADS)

17 mayo (10:00-12:00) Presentaciones*

* Presentaciones: fechas a determinar por el profesor.

PROFESORES:

� SPAN 40A Esther Cortés � HIST/ EUR S 135 Antonio Ceballos y Manuel Altamirano � ART HS 65 Manuel Altamirano

EXTREMADAMENTE IMPORTANTE: Las fechas de los exámenes son inamovibles; BAJO NINGUNA CIRCUNSTANCIA LOS PROFESORES PODRÁN CAMBIAR LAS FECHAS DE SUS EXÁMENES. Si un estudiante falta a un examen, lo hará bajo su responsabilidad. En caso de no poder hacer el primer o segundo examen de una asignatura, el profesor dará la posibilidad de hacer dicha prueba el día del examen final, es decir, el estudiante tendrá que realizar dos pruebas el mismo día.

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ACTIVIDADES CULTURALES DE LOS VIERNES:

ENERO

22 enero

29 enero

Visita guiada a la Mezquita-Catedral y la Judería (10:00-13:30)

Visita guiada al conjunto arqueológico de Medina Azahara (10:00-13:30 aprox)

FEBRERO

5 febrero

12 febrero

19 febrero

26 febrero

Día libre

Viaje a Granada para visitar la Alhambra (7:50 – 15:00 aprox)

Viaje a Sevilla para visitar el Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos y la Catedral (time to be confirmed)

Día libre

MARZO

4 marzo

11 marzo

Visita cultural al Museo Arqueológico (10:00-13:30 aprox.)

Clase de SPAN (10.00 am-12:00 pm)

IMPORTANT: Excursions planned on Fridays are part of the course curricula and

therefore mandatory. They are scheduled to coincide with topics discussed in class.

Confirm schedule before making travel plans.

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EXPLORING ANDALUSIA University of Cordoba, Spain

UC Credits

Students who successfully finish the program will obtain 15 quarter units at

UC.

For Berkeley and Merced students those quarter units will be converted into

semester units automatically. The formulae would be “quarter units” x 2/3 =

“semester units”, for instance 6 “quarter units” would be 4 “semester units”.

P/NP: It is not possible to take more than 33% P/NP of the total number of

units in the program. SPAN cannot be taken P/NP. The distribution of units

between the three courses is:

COURSE DESCRIPTION.

1 ) SPAN 40A: 6 lower division units

This course reinforces previously learned elements, focuses on Spanish

language fluency in daily interactions, and emphasizes reading and listening

comprehension, as well as oral and written expression skills. The course

encourages efficient oral and written application of the language (i.e.

understanding and responding to conversations and written texts or

prompts) while exposing students to a wide range of vocabulary on current

specific and general topics through the use of a standard, rather than

idiomatic, Spanish.

2 ) SPAN / EUR S 140: 4.5 upper division units

CULTURAL CROSSROADS: ANDALUSIA THEN AND NOW.

This course provides a study of the region of Andalusia from the era of the

Moorish state of Al-Andalus to the present. It investigates both the

characteristics of modern Andalusia, including several aspects of Andalusian

cultural identity, and discusses the historic prominence in Medieval Europe

of the region and the capital city of Córdoba. Topics of study include: the

socioeconomic statistics of Andalusia today, political life in the region, North

African immigration, and architecture and urban design.

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3) ARTHS (Art History) 65: 4.5 lower division units

THE MAGIC OF ANDALUSIA: ART & ARCHITECTURE OF THE 3 EMPIRES.

This course examines the important role Andalusia has played in three

historical periods: the Roman Empire, the Arab Empire (Umayyad, Almohad

and Nasrid Dynasties), and the Spanish Empire. It traces how artists have

confronted their environment, society, and religion, producing artifacts,

paintings and buildings of lasting resonance. The course focuses on

historical events, primary characteristics of each period, and the

corresponding main works of art (architecture, sculpture and paintings),

placing emphasis on the main monuments of Cordoba. Visits to local

museums, archaeological and architectural sites in Cordoba, as well as

longer excursions, enhance the understanding of the very different cultural

and creative forces discussed in class and also provide practical and hands-

on experience.

TENTATIVE CONVERSION CHART

9,8 A+

9,3 A

9 A-

8,5 B+

7,5 B

7 B-

6 C+

5 C

4,5 C-

4 D

0-3.9 F

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HOUSING RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

It is important that you read very carefully and thoroughly these housing rules.

Your señora / señor are familiar with them and it is necessary that you know what

your obligations are to the family and what you can expect from them while

residing in their home in order to live harmoniously. If there is something that

appears in the following pages that you do not understand or does not correspond

to your actual living situation, please inform Loly Díaz and she will try to solve

the situation.

By enrolling in the Cordoba Program, EAP students understand and accept that

living with a host family is an integral, and very important, part of the Program.

They also understand and accept that other arrangements (such as college dorms,

fraternities, or apartment rental) are not available to them. Respect, consideration

and a positive attitude towards host families are required from all program

participants, along with a willingness to adjust themselves to the customs and

mores of both their host family and Spain.

1. Student misbehaviour related to alcohol or drug abuse will not be tolerated, and may result in dismissal from the program.

2. Students are not allowed to receive personal visitors in the house unless

it is permitted by the host family. OVERNIGHT GUESTS ARE ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN.

3. Full room and board arranged by the University of California program provides

for only the usual accommodation of a Spanish home, which includes three

meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Therefore, students are to expect

only what is customary in Spanish homes. This means a light breakfast (el

desayuno), lunch (la comida / el almuerzo) at 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm, and dinner

(la cena) usually around 9 or 10 pm. Meals are served in accordance with the

Spanish family schedule, although occasionally breakfast may be served a little

earlier for those students who have classes first thing in the morning. Students should always let their family know if they are going to be late for a meal,

if they are going to miss a meal, if they are going to spend the evening out or the weekend away. They must therefore have all the family’s phone numbers at hand.

4. Menus will be prepared according to the criteria of each señora. It is in the

student's best interest that he/she becomes familiar with Spanish food and

customs. Typical traditional Spanish dishes will be introduced frequently to the

student. Our experience tells us that one of the most frequent problems that

students have is that of adjusting to the Spanish food. We have asked your

señoras / señores to be a little flexible in accommodating their food preparation

dishes to the taste of the American student, and they are aware that there may

be initial difficulties in adapting to the Spanish diet. In the event that a student,

for whatever reason, follows a special diet (vegetarian, religious practice or

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medical reasons, i.e. diabetes etc.), the family should try to prepare dishes

which conform to those dietary requirements.

5. Students must notify their señora if they want a bag lunch for the next day 24 hours in advance. This will consist of food and drink for just ONE DAY.

6. Students are not allowed to cook themselves unless their host family does not mind. We advise them to ask for permission every time they need to pick

something from the fridge. It’s a courtesy sign.

7. Students have the right to one hot shower daily -of a reasonable length

(Andalusia suffers from a constant shortage of water). The señora / señor is to

provide towels. Students should use their own toiletries (soap, deodorant,

shampoo, etc.) and are not allowed to use those of the host family.

8. Students are responsible for replacing any items they may accidentally ruin, damage, break or destroy (i.e. sheets, towels, small electric appliances,

etc.). Replaced items should be of the same quality as the original item.

Students must replace the item or pay the host family the entire cost of it within 15 days.

9. Students have the right to have their clothes washed once a week. It is

important that the señora / señor knows that this means students are permitted

one load of whites and one load of dark clothes each week. Do not expect large

amounts of clothes to be washed. The señora / señor is under no obligation to

iron clothes or to drop off or pick up items at dry cleaner's. The things that

must be sent to the dry cleaner's (tintorería) are at the expense of the student.

Any extra services will have to be arranged by the student with the

señora./señor. Sheets are changed every 7 to 10 days. Bathrooms and

bedrooms are cleaned on a regular basis.

10. Each student is to keep his/her room picked up so as to allow for the room to

be cleaned. The student is to make up his/her bed each day. Students are not

permitted to hang, tape, glue, nail photos, posters or any other item on the

walls or doors without the permission of the host family. If any student breaks

this norm, s(he) will pay for the ensuing costs.

11. Given the cost of energy, students should be prudent when using electricity,

such as turning off the lights when not in a room, and not abusing electrical

appliances. It is advisable not to be connected to Internet with the lights on (and speaking loudly) after 1 a.m. The same applies for water, since draught

are common in Andalusia.

12. Students are not allowed to place phone calls from the host family's home, unless it is permitted. Please be prudent and do not tie up the line. Both

incoming and outgoing telephone conversations should be kept at a reasonable

length. Calls should be made/received while the family is awake - not during

early morning hours. Phone calls should not be received after 12 pm and not

before 8 a.m. Some señoras / señores and families will allow you to call collect

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(a cobro revertido) to the United States from the house; other will request that

you go to Telefónica. Students may purchase cellular phones at their own

expense.

13. Our program as well as the host family does not put a curfew on students. Since

you are living in a family environment, you should adhere to the customs

established in the house for all members of the household. Be considerate as to

your arrival times at night and in the early morning hours by not waking up

either the entire building nor the individual family unit with phone calls or

noisy or rowdy behaviour. Each student is provided with a set of keys to the

front door as well as to the apartment. If the keys to the house are lost or stolen, the student is required to pay for the replacement of those keys. In the event that the locks need to be replaced, the student is required to pay for the replacement of the locks as well as for all sets of replacement

keys. Students must replace the item or pay the host family the entire cost of the item within 15 days.

14. Students have the right to have free access to the common areas of the home.

Students should always respect the family schedule such as television hours in

the living room.

15. Any problem or misunderstanding which may arise in the living situation

between the student and the host family should be communicated immediately

to Loly Díaz (telf: 957 218556; cell: 629 562491).

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HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

1. Legal Age:

Keep in mind that, according to Spanish law, at the age of 18 you are considered of

legal age. Once in Spain, you will be subject to Spanish law and judicial procedures

of Spain. 2. Crime and Personal Safety:

Petty theft is the most common crime in Spain. It usually does not include violence

or guns. However, if you are threatened with a weapon or physical abuse, you will

avoid danger by rapidly surrendering your possessions.

Avoid possible high-risk areas such as tourist spots, telephone booths and parks

late at night. Avoid large crowds and be aware of your surroundings. Going out

with Spanish friends largely reduces the risk of becoming a target for theft.

Carry only the amount of money needed for a given day. Make copies of all

your important documents. Carry copies with you and leave original

documents in a safe place. You will only need your passport when exchanging

currency or when traveling. If you have more than one ATM card, do not carry both

with you when travelling (or keep them in different places)

In case of theft, you should file a report (poner una denuncia) at the nearest police

station (comisaría). If you dial number 902102112, you can file a report in

English and then sign it and pick it up at any police station you may choose.

Always inform program staff of any incident.

In case of serious illness or medical emergency contact your program staff and

seek help at the nearest hospital or health center.

3. Alcohol and Drug Abuse:

Do not confuse Spanish social drinking with American style “power drinking”,

which is considered uncouth and dangerous among most young people in Spain.

Getting drunk makes you an easy target for those who want to take advantage of

you, and this is particularly true of women.

In Spain consumption of drugs is punishable by law.

4. Road/Travel Safety:

Spain has an extremely high incidence of accidents involving young drivers. Avoid

car rentals, if possible. If you must drive a car, be very cautious and buy

appropriate insurance. Use of seatbelts is always mandatory in Spain. Never

hitchhike or offer a ride to strangers.

As a pedestrian do not assume that cars will stop at zebra crossings; they very

rarely do.

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5. Emergencies:

In case of emergency, contact the program staff. Always carry the following

telephone numbers (they are valid almost anywhere in Spain) with you:

1. National Police (primary force dealing with crime) ...……..……......... 091

2. Local Police ............................................................................................................ 092

3. General emergencies ........................................................................................ 112

4. Emergencias (free call) …………………................…………………..……...... 088

5. Ambulance, emergency information & attendance ...………...…........ 061

6. Guardia Civil (police for inter-city highways & rural areas)..…..... 062

7. Denuncias policiales (police reports) ..................................... 902102112

8. Emergency 24 hr helpline for women ..….…...……………...... 900 191010

9. US Embassy in Madrid……………………………...............……...... 915 872240

10. Information on telephone numbers anywhere in Spain ............... 11888

11. Radio Taxi ........................................................................................... 957-764444

12. Inma Carmona ..................................................................................... 630 024269

13. Loly Díaz ................................................................................................ 629 562491

14. Stephen Small ……………………………………………………………. 619339130

To identify yourself carry a copy of your passport with you at all times,

leaving the physical passport itself at home. Carrying the call card with all the

important phone numbers (the one you are given at the orientation) will be very

useful to you in case of emergency.

6. Health & Medical Attention:

There are no particular health risks that do not exist in the USA. Beware of food

poisoning, especially seafood, eggs, and mayonnaise in hot weather.

Spain has one the highest incidences of AIDS in the European Union.

In case of minor ailments, pharmacists can often prescribe medication. In every

city some pharmacies remain open all night (farmacias de guardia) even at

weekends or holidays. To find out which farmacias de guardia are available on a

given day, check signs posted on pharmacy windows and listings in the local

newspaper.

The most common maladies during the first weeks are gastroenteritis and colds,

usually due to the new diet, alcohol consumption and lack of rest. It is very

important to get used to the new schedule little by little and make sure one gets

enough rest.

The UCEAP insurance covers any medical appointment and prescribed medicines.

It is valid during your study abroad, both in Spain and when traveling in other

countries. You will need to pay up front, keep any receipts and invoices and then

send them to the insurance so that you are reimbursed within a month. The

Coordinator will help you with both finding the right doctor and following the

process for you to be reimbursed.

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In case you need to see a doctor:

MILENIUM SANITAS

Avenida Conde Vallellano, 8

14004 Córdoba

Telfs: (957) 4141 62 – (957) 41 42 04

HORARIO: 8:30 – 21:00 lunes a viernes

8:30 - 14:00 sábados.

At weekends:

HOSPITAL DE LA CRUZ ROJA

Paseo de la Victoria, s/n.

14004 Córdoba

Telfs: (957) 420666

Links to 15-16 UCEAP travel insurance documents:

Insurance policy brochure

http://eap.ucop.edu/Documents/Insurance/1516/Insurance_Plan_Brochure.pdf

Benefits at a Glance

http://eap.ucop.edu/Documents/Insurance/1516/Insurance_Benefits_at_a_Glance.pdf

Card

http://eap.ucop.edu/Documents/Insurance/1516/insurance_card_1516.jpg

Insurance claims process

http://eap.ucop.edu/Documents/Insurance/UCEAP_INSURANCE_CLAIMS_PROCESS.pdf

- 17

-

Regarding behaviour, attitudes, dress code, etc.:

- Avoid looking like a tourist, i.e., walking around with a map looking lost.

- Don’t speak too loud in the street –Americans ARE considered loud because of

that!

- If you don’t want to be spotted as a “guiri” (colloquial for foreigner) straight

away, don’t walk around in sandals, flip-flops or shorts between October-May.

- Sport clothes are rarely worn here to go out at night, or even to school. In some

clubs (Soho, for example), you won’t be allowed in if you wear sport shoes!!!

- For girls: don’t wear provocative clothes if you don’t want to be bothered by men.

It will definitely happen if you do.

- For girls: try not to appear too open and talkative when you meet boys for the

first time. You will be misunderstood; they will probably think you are interested

in them as something else than friends.

- Always tell your señora if you aren’t going to make it to a meal or if you are going

to be late. Meal times are strictly respected and very important here.

-Keep you bedroom clean and tidy to help your señora with those tasks.

- Don’t be afraid to tell your host family about your eating habits/likes (they expect

you to do so); just be polite. If you don’t make them clear, you’ll have to put up with

eating what you don’t like for the rest of your stay.

- Do not stay up until late skyping since you might bother other members of your

homestay. They won’t like you keeping lights on until late either.

- Never ever eat food in class! Only water is allowed.

- Don’t talk in class when your professor is lecturing, let alone in English!

- Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do in US

To get to know Spaniards and integrate better:

- Ask Inma for one or two contacts for intercambios straight away. Hang out with

them. Ask them to show you around and to introduce you to their friends. Be

proactive with them.

- Don’t wait for you host family or people in general to star a conversation –take

the first step.

- Avoid spending most of your time with American students. Try to go out with

Spanish people regularly. Going out in a large group (of Americans) might reduce

considerably your chances of integrating with Spaniards.

- Also, avoid spending most of your free time on your PC while life is out there.

- Don’t go away every single weekend or else you will miss lots of opportunities to

do different activities, meeting your contacts’ friends and do things with them, etc.

- Spend time with your host family and get involved in any activities they organise.

- When you see a group of young Spaniards, approach them and say you are new in

town and would like to know what students do in their free time, where they go…

FORMER STUDENTS’ ADVICE

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-

- Make sure you go to “tascas” (typical local bars) and try the local “tapas” (snacks)

and wine.

- Go to the tourist information office when you arrive (and regularly), pick up fliers

on sights and events –many are free.

- Take flamenco lessons –it will make you feel as if you are doing something

Spanish.

- Walk around town in the afternoons, explore the old part of Cordoba –don’t stick

to Ciudad Jardín and the center only.

To adapt to the Spanish culture:

- Be prepared for siestas –specially in warm weather. Activity ceases completely

between 14:00 – 17:00 (even later when it’s too hot). If you don’t fancy having a

nap, plan to read or study at that time. The whole town will be “up” again after

17:00 or 18:00 till very late at night. Shops remain open till 21:00 in summer.

- “When in Rome, do as the Romans”. Watch Spanish ways and try to behave like

them.

- Keep an open mind about what you see and hear; go with the flow. Be open to the

differences before making up your opinion, even if you don’t agree with them;

don’t be judgemental. Spanish ways aren’t better or worse than yours, just

different. You’ll only be here for four months! You can surely cope for such a short

period of time! After all “no pasa nada”.

- Try out everything you are offered by locals.

- Show interest in getting to know your host family –for them (and anybody

actually) that means you care.

- Don’t be afraid to tell your family if you need something.

- Spaniards also speak loudly. Some people believe you’ll understand better if they

raise their voice. Do no always assume they are “yelling at you”.

- Waiters expect you to call them; they won’t always come up to your table as soon

as you sit down. “Oiga” is the word to call them politely.

- Personal (physical) space in Spain is less than it is in the Anglo-Saxon world.

People will therefore get closer when talking to you that they would in the US.

Besides, people “touch” each other much more: they pat each other on their backs,

hold each other by they arm, hug and kiss friends more frequently. In fact, in

informal contexts, kissing on the cheeks is the normal way to greet someone when

you are introduced.

NOTE: for suggestions on places to go (bars, clubs, etc.), ask former eapeers in the

Facebook group.

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GENERAL TIPS

> Set your own goals and objectives and review them every week in

a language journal/diary. Share them with another student to ensure

commitment.

> Work a little on your Spanish everyday. Studying just before exams

won’t be effective.

> Work in pairs or groups. It's more fun.

> Make the most out of any opportunity you have to use Spanish.

> Look for websites to learn Spanish and find fun apps and exercises

on line.

> Plateaus are part of the learning process. Be patient and persistent

at those times.

> Try to think in Spanish.

TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR GRAMMAR

� After studying a specific grammar point in class, concentrate on

finding examples:

- When reading a text in Spanish

- When listening to people / a song

- When watching a film...

Write them down in your notebook as examples of such grammar

point.

TIPS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SPANISH

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� Keep a specific section in your notebook for the common mistakes

you make . Work consciously and systematically on correcting them.

� keep also a specific section for differences between English and

Spanish structures. Highlight those differences and work on them to

avoid mistakes.

� Find web sites to practise the different grammar points you're

learning in class.

WAYS TO EXPAND YOUR VOCABULARY

� Carry a notepad and write down new vocab. Use waiting time to

revise it.

� Make the point to learn at least 10 words a day and try to consciously

use them on a regular basis.

� Go online, type in “Spanish cognates” and you will have a list of

words that share the same root in Spanish and English and are

therefore easy to learn, like education/educación;

memorize/memorizar; consider/considerar; repeat and repetir. What

this means is that you already know several thousand words in

Spanish from your knowledge of English. Or more accurately, you can

guess the meanings of several thousand Spanish words.

� Be aware of false cognates or false friends. These are words that look

the same in Spanish and in English but have a completely different

meaning. Eg. “embarazada” does not mean embarrased, but

“pregnant”. The word for “embarassed” in Spanish is

“avergonzado/a”. The Spanish word “decepción” does not mean

“deception” in English, it means “disappointment”. The Spanish word

for deception is “engaño”. Again if you go online and type in false

friends you will find a list.

� Go on line and type "top 100/200/300... most common Spanish

words (verbs/nouns/adjectives)" and study those.

� Avoid lists of unconnected words. Vocab is difficult to memorize that

way.

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Some techniques you can use:

- Provide a context for each new word by writing a meaningful

sentence with it. For example, "Me gusta hacer senderismo" is

not meaningful, because it doesn’t help you understand the

meaning of “senderismo, whereas "Hacer senderismo en la

naturaleza es una actividad saludable" is, because it helps you

understand its meaning.

- Learn words in sets of antonyms: alto/bajo, guapo/feo,

llorar/reír, etc.

- And in sets of synonyms: bonito = mono, horrible = horroroso

= feísimo, etc.

- Create your own word-map or spider chart using different

bright colors and even images to relate words that have

something in common (semantic maping) .

- Write new words together with others next to which they

usually appear (collocations), for example: aprobar un examen,

asistir a clase, escalar una montaña, etc.

- If you are the visual type, use drawings, symbols, photos, etc.

to represent new vocabulary.

TO ENHANCE YOUR READING SKILLS.

� If reading whole books in Spanish sounds daunting to you at

the moment, find magazines on topics you like (bought at any

“quiosco de prensa”). They’ll cost you next to nothing. That way

you can read shorter articles on travelling, history, technology,

cinema, etc. any moment: on a bus/train/plane, while you wait

for someone…

� Read books in Spanish that you already read in English. In this

way, you’ll have a great idea of what the book is about before

you begin and many of the words and phrases and sentences

will become obvious to you, without even using a dictionary.

� Read children’s books (Harry Poter, Alice in Wonderland,

Pinocchio…) in Spanish.

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� Reading a lot will help you enlarge your vocab. Doing it in a

conscious way, by paying attention to structures and grammar

will help you acquire correction.

TO IMPROVE YOUR LISTENING SKILLS.

� Listen only to Spanish songs while you are here. Try to write

the lyrics to the songs you like the most.

� Watch TV. and ask your host family to include the subtitles in

Spanish.

� Watch Spanish or International movies with Spanish subtitles,

for example at the Filmoteca. They cost less than an euro:

http://www.filmotecadeandalucia.com/

� Watch Spanish TV. programs, serials, documentaries on-line.

� Evesdrop on people’s conversations and try to get the gist of

what they are saying.

� Watch news programs such as Euronews on-line, which has

about 6 different languages – and you locate subtitles.

� Download podcasts in Spanish in your Ipod or smartphone,

choosing topics you are interested in. Listen to them at all

times.

� Ask you instructors if you can record some of their lectures.

� Record some of your dialogues with your Spanish contacts or

families

� Read out your class notes and record yourself.

� Find audio-books in Spanish on-line and unload them.

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TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR WRITING

� Keep a journal/blog in Spanish.

� Learn as many conjunctions and connectors as possible. They'll

help you build more complex sentences. Examples: Sin

embargo, aunque, en consecuencia, etc.

� Learn how to punctuate in Spanish. There are differences with

English punctuation. Pay attention to how is done when you are

reading.

� Text your Spanish contacts in Spanish, and ask them to correct

your mistakes. Be aware of how people send sms here.

� To improve your spelling, keep a section in your notebook for

difficult words to spell for you.

TO ENHANCE YOUR SPEAKING SKILLS

� Make sure you speak more Spanish than English on a regular

basis, both in class and outside (at the end of the day try to

work out the percentage and try to raise it the next day).

� Meet your Spanish contacts at least once a week

(intercambios). Work on language with them.

� Get in groups to work on your Spanish. You can write short

dialogues with everyday situations and do role plays together.

You can certainly do this with your Spanish contacts, who will

be able to correct you. They can do the same in English and

you can correct them.

� Speak to your host family as much as you can. Retell them your

day. Spend time with them. Ask questions about the culture,

food, places to visit, things to do, etc.

� Get as many contacts for the intercambios as you can. If you

don’t get along, keep on asking for more.

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� Strike up a conversation with waiters/waitresses; they always

seem willing to talk.

� Bombard everybody with questions: host family members,

professors, Inma, contacts, etc. Ask them even if you know the

answers.

� Try to speak Spanish with program mates. Push yourself out of

the English comfort zone.