Study Abroad

Academic Benefits of Study Abroad

Studying abroad provides a rich intellectual experience when fully integrated into a student’s academic journey at Swarthmore. The key benefits—deep cross-cultural exposure and language acquisition—are best achieved through full immersion programs that immerse students in the host country’s language, culture, and society. These goals align with the academic mission of the Department of Spanish. Pursuing coursework in English in a Spanish-speaking country does not meet these objectives.

Spanish majors and minors are required to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. In exceptional cases where a semester or summer abroad is not feasible, students may be exempt or fulfill the requirement through a summer internship. For detailed procedures and requirements, please refer to the study abroad section in the major and minor academic requirements.

Upon returning, Spanish majors and minors are required to enroll in an advanced course within the Spanish department.

Advising

Majors, minors, and non-specialists are encouraged to meet with Spanish faculty to explore study abroad options that complement their academic goals. Students on financial aid may apply it to designated study abroad programs.

To enhance language study and prepare for academic work in Spanish, we recommend that students take a literature writing course in Spanish (SPAN 014, or preferably SPAN 022, or SPAN 023) at Swarthmore before studying abroad.

For pre-approval of credit, consult the department’s transfer credit advisor and the Global Engagement office. Pre-approved courses must be evaluated post-completion by the department to determine Swarthmore credit.

Pre-Estimation and Final Credit Review

To receive credit for college-level work done elsewhere—domestic or abroad—it must be pre-approved and evaluated by the appropriate Swarthmore academic department. Swarthmore does not transfer credit; instead, credit is awarded for work done elsewhere, often referred to as transfer credit.

Students may receive transfer credit for Spanish courses taken at comparable universities during the summer or semester abroad, at the department's discretion. Students will not receive credit for a college class taken prior to enrolling at Swarthmore. Typically, study-abroad courses in Spanish do not fulfill the College's Language Requirement.

Visit the Global Engagement office for details on how to apply to study abroad programs. Once admitted, you must get credit pre-approval for your intended courses using the Credit Evaluation System. All pre-approved courses for the Spanish major/minor will count for 1 credit and be evaluated upon return. Keep all courses materials for submission to the Credit Evaluation System.

Students are encouraged to take courses that do not duplicate those offered in the Spanish department. Vocational-technical courses and orientation sessions cannot receive academic credit.

Before departure, consult the department’s transfer credit advisor for pre-approval of your proposed Spanish courses.