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Intercultural Relations in Western Societies (HR 4970) - Summer

HR 4970 / Comparison and Contrast:
Life Challenges Between the U.S. and Spain

Summer 2024

Spain Madrid capital city from above
Dates & Leaders

Summer Block: June 11 through July 5, 2024

Travel Dates: June 8 through July 5, 2024

Leaders: Jennifer Jarvis-Denny, MHR

Course Description

  This course is designed to introduce students to a different culture within the Western world, comparing the similarities and differences of family dynamic, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, work-life balance, dating and marriage views, parenting perspectives, and outlook on aging.  Students will learn to see themselves and the world through the perspective of a foreign culture, while honing their decision-making, analytical, and interpersonal skills.  Ultimately, students will gain the knowledge and ability to be more effective at creating a positive and harmonious environment, whether at work, in a social setting, or at home, resulting in more inclusive and safe spaces.  (In addition to this course, students may enroll in Spanish 2113).


Dates & Itinerary

Students will depart the U.S. on June 8th and arrive in Madrid on June 9th.  From Madrid, students will take the AVE train to Seville.  During the program period, students will reside in Seville and travel to additional cities for excursions.  The last day of class is July 5th.  The students will return to the U.S. on July 6th, unless they have made alternative travel plans.

Students must have a passport valid through six months after the conclusion of the study abroad program.  For this program, students must have a passport valid until February 2025.  Spanish language proficiency is not required for this course.

 Students will live with Spanish host families in the historical city of Seville in Southern Spain, within walking distance of the vibrant social scene for which Southern Spaniards are famous.  Students will receive three home-cooked meals per day.

  There are three cost categories for study abroad courses.  The categories are tuition and campus fees, the program fee, and airfare.

  1. Tuition and campus fees are based on a 3-hour course.  The student’s enrollment status, resident or non-resident, will determine the amount billed to the student.  Roll-overs hours may apply. Also, students who receive a state and/or federal financial aid package may be eligible to apply this add toward this study abroad program. Contact Damon Cravens at damoncravens@ou.edu for more information.
  2. The program fee for this program is $4,200. This program fee is all-inclusive.  It includes housing accommodations, all meals, in-country transportation, excursions associated   with the course, and insurance. Students will need only spending money for personal needs and souvenirs. Scholarships are available through the Human Relations Department. Contact Damon Cravens at damoncravens@ou.edu.
  3. The airfare varies based on many factors. On average, the cost of airfare to travel to Spain at this time is $1,100. The PITF is a scholarship through OU to cover the cost of airfare. Application deadline is March 1, 2024.

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Orientation:   Students must attend one of two pre-departure orientations.  The orientations will be held Sunday, April 23rd and Sunday, May 7th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (location TBD).  During this orientation, we will cover a detailed packing list, conduct expectations while in country, inherent risks associated with international travel, potential mental and physical health challenges while traveling abroad, traditions and customs specific to Spain and course expectations.  The orientation will allow students the opportunity to ask any questions they may have to better prepare for the experience.

To Enroll or Ask Questions:  Contact Jennifer Jarvis-Denny at 405-227-8885 or jjarvisdenny@ou.edu

Deadline for Enrollment:  Monday, April 10th, 2023.

To Enroll or Ask Questions: Contact Jennifer Jarvis-Denny at 405-227-8885 or jjarvisdenny@ou.edu. or Damon Cravens at damoncravens@ou.eduDeadline for Enrollment: Sunday, February 11, 2024

Pink and purple sunset at an OU softball game.