The art as a Lens for Social Transformation program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to improve their language proficiency, learn about art and Spanish society, as well as gaining skills on field research and studying in depth a topic of their interest. The Theme seminar is a interdisciplinary course that explores the rich Spanish heritage, and the role of Art in the most significant social changes in modern Spain.

We know from experience that traveling can be an incredible vehicle for education. When we find ourselves away from our comfort zone, rethinking our cultural habits, prejudices and personal beliefs becomes a much simpler task. However, we understand that security is very important for our partners, that is why we work in very safe environments and keep our health and safety protocols updated and ready.

It will present students with a wide range of topics, including multicultural roots and their influence in Spanish society, the main Spanish Art Schools, ethnic fusion in Spanish performing arts, amongst others.

To develop conceptual understanding of art, culture and  the role  they play in society.

To become acquainted with Spanish artistic and cultural heritage and understand the policies that make this heritage a means of development and change for the country.

To understand Spanish Art work within various interrelated disciplines: history, anthropology, sociology.

To engage in art work and field research through an individual project.

Develop new skills in one of the Artistic Workshops that will be lead by our local artisans.

Small groups

2 weeks

All the trips are included

The art as a lens for Social Transformation seminar is aimed at exploring the role played by arts in contemporary spanish society, as well as, their sociological and historical context. It will address current issues facing today’s multicultural spanish society and explore the possibilities in which the arts can contribute to sensitization and social change. 

In addition to lectures dealing with topics of current cultural relevance, our cultural activities and immersion opportunities are designed to give students the necessary background knowledge to understand spanish society and conduct further independent research.

We will have the opportunity to dive into the world of Grenadian artists and artisans with a hands-on workshop on one of the following topics. Learn Flamenco in the place of origin of this unique art and culture; develop new skills through Traditional Pottery techniques in the artisan centre of the Albaicín; take advantage of one of the most beautiful cities of the world to develop your artistic soul and your Photography skills.

The Spanish Language and Culture Course focuses primarily on improving communicative ability and all round language competency. By exploring current events related to the topic at hand the student will also develop academic tools for their individual field based research.  

Immersion and interaction with the community is key for language and intercultural learning. That is why our classes will take place both inside and outside of the classroom.

The first section of this component provides students with the opportunity to learn effectively in a nontraditional, cross-cultural environment and develop specific field-study methods that will allow them to complete their Independent Field Research Project (IFRP). 

The second component gives students the opportunity to study a topic of particular academic interest in greater depth by engaging them in art work production or field work. Students have the support of an advisor to identify an area of interest, develop their topic of research and acquire  methodologies for the study. The project advisor helps/guides the students through data collection, analysis of approaches, interpretation of findings, and written and oral presentation of findings.

After the program, Celei’s team will offer counseling and support to help turn these projects into action in the students’ home community.

Granada, has captivated poets, musicians, and travelers from all over the world with its unique mixture of Arabic and Christian architecture, its light and its contrasts. History has left many interesting marks on the city today. Now 290,000 people, 70,000 of whom are university students, inhabit Granada and add to the special atmosphere which surrounds its cultural life.

We enjoy a terrific location, only 60 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea yet at the very foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where the ski season runs from November to the end of April.

The climate has dramatic contrasts and very little rain, almost never from June to September. So people here enjoy a very active social lifestyle in the bars and in the street.

A cultural orientation will be held during the first two days of the program. During the orientation sessions, the following topics are discussed: program components and requirements, competent intercultural communication, accomodation, health and safety, program calendar; organization, logistics, norms, expectations, and the criteria for evaluation.

This orientation takes place in Madrid, where we will take advantage of the many opportunities the capital offers, to explore the city and visit some of its most iconic landmarks and museums.

Celei will organize meaningful cultural activities to explore in depth this fairytale city. These activities will be a great opportunity to contextualize much of what we cover during the course and a great excuse to practice our Spanish.

Córdoba and Sevilla are together with Granada, the two most beautiful cities in Andalusia. Their incredible artistic heritage and rich cultural history make them the perfect complement to the topics the students will cover in Granada.

Enjoy a half board accommodation in one of our comfortable centric apartments. We collaborate with local partners to make sure our groups make the most of their stay.

⇒ Multidisciplinary team for the course seminars

⇒ Program coordinator and orientation

⇒ Language and Culture training

⇒ Seminar reflection and debate sessions

⇒ Cultural Activities

⇒ Accomodation and meals

⇒ In country Transport

⇒ Health and Safety Protocols

⇒ Community Service opportunities

⇒ Air Travel: Students should arrive in Madrid and depart from Granada

⇒ Travel Insurance.