Introduction

The Institute of Spanish Language and Culture at the Universidad Católica de Ávila, offers those interested the opportunity to study both the Spanish language and the diverse facets of Spanish culture. This is the ninth year the program has been offered and many students have enjoyed not only their studies at our university, but also the experience of living for a period of time in a medieval city like Avila. Avila is a place that lends itself well to students who wish to immerse themselves in the language and culture of Spain.

A special feature of this program, apart from offering Spanish language, literature, business, culture and civilization courses, is the possibility for the students to enroll in a Mysticism course taught in either English or Spanish. Not to be forgotten is the fact that Avila is the birthplace of two leading figures in Spanish Mysticism, Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Avila..

The program also includes excursions to cities and villages of great cultural interest (Segovia, Salamanca, Madrid), as well as visits to the unique Carmelite sites of Fontiveros, birthplace of Saint John of the Cross, and Alba de Tormes, which was one of Saint Teresa of Avila’s foundations and also her burial spot. It should be mentioned here that the excursion to Segovia includes a visit to the tomb of Saint John of Cross located at the Discalced Carmelite Monastery just outside the city. These excursions are required for those students who wish to receive university credit.

The Catholic University of Avila was founded in 1996 by the Diocese of Avila. A crucial aim of this university is to offer high academic standards as well as provide students with a solid foundation in the Christian humanism.