Spanish – All Levels (5 credits or 10 credits)
Spanish language classes will be held at and taught by AIP instructors. The Spanish language courses are central to your experience in Valencia and will help you to get the most out of your time abroad. You will have 5 lessons per day (55 min. each) of Spanish as a foreign language, from Monday to Thursday, at AIP Language Institute. There will be a maximum of 8 students per class.
Cross-Cultural Psychology (5 credits)
Cross-cultural Psychology examines psychological theories and research from a cross cultural perspective. Students discuss the impact of culture on thinking, development, emotion, motivation, sex roles, disorders, group behavior, conflict, stereotyping, and prejudice.
Cross-cultural Psychology is the study of the effects of culture on human thought and behavior, of cross-cultural interactions, and of the similarities and differences in behavior across cultures. This class is ideally suited for a study abroad program. One of the goals of the course is to enhance understanding of the ways in which culture, beliefs, values, the environment, and behavior interact. We will be able to explore Spanish culture with a focus on values, norms, and behaviors.
Two additional goals of the class are to develop an appreciation for the wide diversity of human behavior and to develop competencies in functioning in a diverse society, making cross-cultural interactions more productive and enjoyable. And finally, students will gain an appreciation of the wide diversity of human identities as well as of common threads and values.
Psychology of Adjustment (5 credits)
Psychology of Adjustment teaches the scientific principles of psychology as they relate to adaptation to life’s challenges. Topics include the nature and management of stress, coping strategies, interpersonal communication, relationship dynamics, self concept, lifelong learning, and career development.
This course presents the opportunity to apply psychological principles to one’s own life, with a special focus on adapting to, coping with, and managing the challenges of life. The
Psychology of Adjustment class is a cross between a personal development course and a developmental psychology class, with some practical skills thrown in. Topics range from emerging adulthood to intergroup relations, from stress coping to health.
Psychology of Adjustment is the perfect class for students in study abroad programs because it offers the opportunity for students to assess their own adjustment to the travel experience, culture shock, and stressors inherent in living with home stay families. The theme of personal identity, in the context of the study abroad experience, can be explored both academically and personally. Effective communication and developing relationships are other topics in this class that will be studied and practiced in a real-life study abroad setting.
