Brown has formed a partnership with the University of Granada, adding a fourth option for students wishing to study in Spain. The University already has an existing program in Barcelona and two approved alternative programs in Madrid, and students will be able to study in Granada as early as the spring semester.
Setting the Granada program apart from other programs in Spain is its intense focus on the Spanish language itself, said Kendall Brostuen, director of international programs and associate dean of the college. As opposed to Brown's program in Barcelona, where students can take courses in a variety of subjects, the program in Granada will emphasize developing translation and interpretation skills, he said.
Brostuen, who previously worked as the director of Central College in Iowa's study abroad program in Granada and is familiar with the school's modern language and exchange programs, said the University of Granada "prepares translators and interpreters at a professional level." Brostuen also pointed out that the University of Granada, founded in the 16th century by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, is one of the top universities in Spain.
Forming a partnership with the University of Granada had been "circulating for a couple of years," Brostuen said. According to the October 2010 update to the Plan for Academic Enrichment, the University planned to "negotiate a translation and interpretation pathway with the University of Granada, Spain, by the end of 2010, so that Brown students may begin study in fall 2011." The Office of International Programs, the Hispanic Studies department and the Office of International Affairs all collaborated on the formation of the program in Granada, he said.
In its first year, Brown in Granada will be a one-semester program open only to Brown students, but Brostuen said the program could change as it matures. He said he hopes the program will be a catalyst for a wider stream of communications between the two universities that some day may even lead to faculty exchanges.
Josh Prenner '14, who is considering studying in Madrid next year, said he had not heard of the Brown in Granada program. But he said he would be interested in the program.
Julio Ortega, professor of Hispanic Studies, said the University should continue to emphasize Spanish-language study abroad options in the future, but should next look to Latin America.
"More American students are going to Peru, Argentina and Chile," Ortega wrote. "The best students should go to Spain to see the fabulous museums and old cities and have a great time. But they should also go to Latin America and be engaged by the local dilemmas. A true learning experience should make you a better human being."
