La Coruña, Spain
Location and Facilities:
Universidade da Coruña
Calle Maestranza 9, 15001
15071 - A Coruña
SPAIN
The City:
The city of La Coruña is located in the northwestern corner of the Iberian peninsula, in the Province of Galicia, bordering with Portugal to the South, and is one of the major cities in Spain. It is an Atlantic city with a moderate climate. The municipality covers a surface area of 36.8 square kilometers with 243,785 inhabitants. Of Celtic origin (founded by the legendary Breogan), La Coruña is a dynamic and decidedly cosmopolitan city, with a great historical, archaeological and cultural heritage. Its lighthouse (the Tower of Hercules) built by the Romans more than two thousand years ago, has shown the way to one of the main ports in Europe and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The light beacon from the Tower of Hercules is also the symbol of the University of La Coruña. The sea forms the backdrop of the city, where all types of water sports from sailing to surfing can be enjoyed. Also, La Coruña boasts a beautiful sea promenade (the longest is Spain ) and two kilometers of sandy beaches, right in the heart of the city. The arts abound and are visible in the streets, museums, exhibition halls, art galleries and even in the bars and cafés. It was here that the young Pablo Picasso held his first exhibition.
Pre-University Language School:
The Holy Cross program in La Coruña includes four weeks of intensive language instruction at the Universidad de Navarra, in Pamplona, prior to the start of classes at the University of La Coruña. The course includes cultural material and excursions to area points of interest in and around Pamplona.
Orientation to La Coruña:
During the first week, faculty advisors orient students to the structure of the university; advise and guide them through course registration and acquaint them with University facilities.
Special notes: Pre-University Language Program courses will be recorded as 'overloads' and may not be used to make up a college deficiency.
The Academic Program:
The University of La Coruña has a student population of 26,148 students, 84% of whom study in the six campuses within the municipality, the rest in the neighbouring city of El Ferrol. Holy Cross has an agreement with the entire University, allowing Holy Cross students to choose courses from any of the various departments. The students are housed with selected families in the city, near the hub of cultural and social activities.
Course Load:
Students take the equivalent of 8 Holy Cross semester courses. One of the courses is a mandatory year-long Spanish language course designed especially for Holy Cross students. The class includes grammar, colloquialisms and conversation practice.
Courses taken at Universidade da Coruña for Holy Cross Credit (PDF)
Current Course Catalog (specifically for Holy Cross students)
Independent Cultural Immersion Project (ICIP):
Successful completion of the ICIP, in addition to the required course load, is necessary.
Visas:
All students studying abroad in Spain are required to obtain a Student Visa prior to departure. The application process can be time consuming and must be done by the student. Note that you must process your visa at the Consulate with jurisdiction over the state where you permanently reside (which may differ from your summer address or college address). For a list of Spanish Consulates in the United States, follow this link. The Consulate requires that you submit several official documents in person, and this regulation can only be waived if a student's parent presents the application in place of the student. You (or your parent) may have to travel to the appropriate Consulate during the summer months to present documents, so you must make plans in advance. Due to the overwhelming demand for student visas, the Consulate urges you to allow enough time for the application process. Students who arrive without a Visa must leave the country after three months and obtain a Visa.
Students who reside in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, can obtain further information from the Consulate General of Spain in New York. Students who reside in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine should consult the Consulate General of Spain in Boston.
Blog:
Read Nora Marino's '12 blog from her time in Coruña!
Study Abroad Contact Person:
Jimena Collingwood - Assistant Director
Email: jcolling@holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-3090
Office: Smith 213