Universidad de León
It doesn’t get more authentic than León for a true Spanish immersion experience. You won’t find many tourists roaming León’s winding streets, but you will find endless opportunities to use (and improve) your Spanish! From the gorgeous plaza mayor to León’s famous cathedral, there is no lack of stunning architecture and typical Spanish charm in León. Visit MUSAC, the contemporary art museum or stroll through the Barrio Húmedo to get a taste Leonese cuisine, and of course wine! Beyond the authentic and beautiful location, Holy Cross students have the unique experience of living with host families in León. We have been working with our host families for many years, and they love introducing Holy Cross students to all things León. While the University has a wide range of academic options, it does not offer political science classes and therefore might not be suitable for Political Science or International Studies majors. Also keep in mind that psychology classes are offered at León, but are limited compared to Holy Cross offerings. With careful academic planning, León can work for most majors. This site works very well for students wishing to complete common area requirements or Spanish major/minor requirements abroad. This program is offered as an academic year or fall semester only. There is no Spring semester only option in León.
Fall 2024 PROGRAM DATES
Online Level Test for Pre-University Language Intensive at Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP): June 17th-21st (instructions will be emailed to you from UIMP)
Pre-University Language Intensive*: August 4th from 4PM (official move in)
Pre-University program End: August 31st, 10AM (move out)
Travel day to León (book your own bus or train): August 31st, 2024
Orientation León: September 2-6
Classes start: September 9th
Last day of exams: TBA (this depends on your individual class schedule. You should know by mid-October when your exams are)
Official Move-Out: TBA, Students are free to travel home after they have attended their last final exam. The exam schedule will be published approximately mid-way through the fall semester.
All study abroad students must plan to stay until the end of the exam period, as they cannot arrange to take exams at a time other than the one assigned for the class. See the Student Contract for the policy.
*Before the fall semester starts in León, all students will participate in a pre-university language intensive program designed to help students "level-up" their Spanish skills before the semester/academic year in Spain. The program is at the Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo in Santander, Spain!
What is cultural & linguistic immersion and why is it important?
Getting There
You will purchase a flight that arrives to Madrid Airport on August 4th from your 'home airport'- wherever that may be! Once you land in Madrid, you will take a train or connecting flight to your pre-university language program at Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo in Santander, Spain
Our Policy on Travel
In any language-immersion program, the goal is just that: immersion. We encourage students to limit travel outside of Spain. If you get the 'travel bug', we encourage you to explore different regions of Spain before venturing further afield. !Ojo! Do not book personal travel before you arrive in Spain. During orientation, you'll find out about trips and excursions offered through your program, some of which are mandatory. Wait until you are on the ground and have your schedule before booking personal travel.
Discover León.
León is a historic city (population approx. 125,000) in the autonomous region of Castilla y León. Known as the capital of the kingdom in the Middle Ages, it is a historic enclave on the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela and a city perfectly suited to its inhabitants. The incredible natural landscape of this province ranges from Picos de Europa National Park to the area of Las Médulas (a World Heritage Site) and the winter resort of San Isidro. The Plaza Mayor forms the centre of this city, crossed by the river Bernesga. Among this baroque collection of buildings stands the City Hall, popularly known as the "Balcony of the City", since from its galleries the nobles observed the town's activities taking place.
Study Abroad Ambassadors
[Studying in León] challenged me to get outside my comfort zone and adapt to a new culture. I needed to learn how to eat at different times (2-4PM lunch and 9-10 PM dinner). I Had to use less water when showering and not do so as frequently as I was used to... Also, the lights!!! Every time I left a room, I had to make a conscious effort to remember that electricity in Spain is expensive and light bills are through the roof. Lastly, I had to get used to the laid back lifestyle. A profe may not get back to you for a day or two and they may not be available to meet the week that you want to. This all taught me that I am far more capable of adapting to change than I thought. Not only did I fully assimilate to the culture, but I made drastic changes that have helped me see the world in a different light.
-Xavier Callahan, class of 2024
