Food and Culture in Spain
Explore Spanish Culture through its food from Madrid to Bilbao.
Explore the cultural and regional identities of Spain through food! Through field trips to restaurants, culinary schools, and food and wine producers, and using critical tourism studies and theories of communication and culture, students will experience Spain’s unique combination of culinary tradition and innovation and gain an understanding of why Spain is considered one of the most prominent and fascinating food cultures in the world.
Key information
Application information
Student Experience
Have questions?
For program information, please contact Dr. Lisa Stowe at lstowe@ucalgary.ca
For application and registration support, please contact the Group Study Team at group.study@ucalgary.ca
Other useful links:
Information Session
Program details
Registration in all two courses is required.
Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.
Please note: course descriptions are tentative and subject to change.
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Courses offered
Students on this program are required to enroll in two courses:
COMS 401.24: Sustainability and Culinary Tourism (3 credits)
COMS 401.25: Popular Culture of Food in Spain (3 credits)
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Prerequisites
No Prerequisites
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Pre-departure
May 5-8, Calgary: Mandatory on campus pre-travel academic sessions
TBA, Calgary: Mandatory pre-departure orientation facilitated by Group Study Programs
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In-field
May 12: Depart Calgary for Madrid
May 13-16: Madrid
May 17-19: Vitoria
May 20-24: San Sebastian
May 25-27: Bilbao
May 28: Depart Bilbao for Calgary or independent travel
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Post-field
N/A
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Costs
The estimated cost of the Food Culture in Spain Group Study Program is $8,571. This includes tuition, airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations and meals.
For the full cost breakdown and payment deadlines, please see the program Student Cost Summary.
Important information regarding deposit payments: Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure your space in the program and allows payment for logistical arrangements to be made in advance.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on program?
Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award. Please see the funding page, for more information and opportunities.
Faculty of Arts Student Study Abroad Grants - These grants increase student access to global experiences. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate financial need or other unique circumstances or factors. Applications open annually in the winter semester and are submitted online in RAISA.
Edna F. Einsiedel Study Abroad Award. It’s valued for up to $2000. More info here.
Students will stay at safe, clean and student appropriate accommodations.
The hotels are centrally located, owned by Spanish companies, and are known to be friendly, and safe.
This program is open to undergraduate students in good academic standing from all faculties.
Applications will be considered after your application and unofficial transcript have been received by Global Learning.
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Statement of Purpose
Please tell us why you want to study abroad, why you have selected this particular program (academic reasons, personal interest, career prospects, etc.), how this program will meet your academic objectives and/or complement your degree, how you plan to finance your program and why you should be selected.
Note: Because the online application will time out after one hour, we recommend that you compose your statement of purpose in advance in Word to check for spelling, grammar and word count, and then paste it into the online application.
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Unofficial Transcript
Download an unofficial transcript from your Student Centre and upload to RAISA..
Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying.
Getting started
Program-Specific Info Sessions
Info sessions are scheduled for every Group Study Program. Attending an info session is not required to apply, but strongly recommended as it will give you an opportunity to meet the instructor and learn more about the travel experience.
We also recommend watching Global Learning 101 for general information.
Global Learning Advising
If you have questions about this program, you can meet with one of our Global Learning Advisors by emailing group.study@ucalgary.ca or booking an appointment through the link below.
1. Select "Advising"
2. Select “Study Abroad”
3. Select “Book by Appointment Type”
4. Select your program advisor to view available times.
Academic Advising
Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how a Group Study Program might align with your degree.
After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.