Overview

The Santander Language and Culture program is an amazing program that UT offers for students requiring a language credit. There are two sessions, one at the beginning of summer and another during the second half of summer. For each session, there is a UT professor along who will be the main point of contact should any concerns arise. Although both sessions are credit bearing, make sure to check their website to see which credit is being offered at which semester.

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Housing

This program only offers a home-stay program, so the student will be able to live with a family abroad and learn first-hand about the culture and language. These families have been doing this for years and are trained to handle many situations. Many European students also choose home-stays, so it is possible to share a home with other students from UT or other institutions. Almost everyone I knew had a great experience with their host families. They are the kindest and most understanding people I have ever met! If a problem does arise, however, the UT staff on site can always be contacted and make arrangements to ensure the safety of every student. 

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While in Spain

Once in Santander, there will be a welcome and farewell dinner at the end and beginning of the program. At both dinners, the professor that will teach every class offered will be available to connect with the students. Student will attend La Universidad de Cantabria where classes are held. Their credit may count as in-residence or out-resident credit depending on the class they take. Depending on where a student lives, they can walk or take the bus to school. I personally was a 30 minute walk from the university but chose to walk because I enjoyed seeing as much of the city as I could. There is one planned excursion, and leaving the city is allowed as long as a form is filled out and given to the UT staff onsite. Attendance also counts and missing too many days or breaking the code of contact will result in termination of a student's time abroad.