Marie S. Morris (l.) and Moira R. Rogers met with the rector, faculty and students at the University of Cadiz Mar. 7-8 during the formal signing of the consortium agreement with EMU.Photo by Jim Bishop
Students majoring in Spanish at Eastern Mennonite University now have another option for meeting the requirement that they study the language in a foreign country.
Marie S. Morris, EMU vice president and undergraduate academic dean, signed a consortium agreement with the University of Cadiz in Spain that will enable students to study there for a semester.
Prior to this agreement, Spanish majors enrolled in the Brethren Colleges Abroad program in Barcelona or took part in EMU’s Latin American cross-cultural study program to satisfy this graduation requirement.
Cadiz is a smaller city than Barcelona and a better fit with the EMU-Mennonite ethos,” said Dr. Morris. “It’s more rural and will allow students to live in local homes during their time there.
“The teachers are impressed with the language experiences and seriousness of our students,” Morris said. “They feel positive about the agreement.”
Moira R. Rogers, associate professor of Spanish at EMU, initiated the relationship with the University of Cadiz and is overseeing a group of nine EMU students who are spending the spring semester there. They are taking a full course load at the 20,000-student university after undergoing an intensive language and culture program. The academic year ends June 15.
According to Dr. Rogers, the region of Andalucia, where Cadiz is located, “offers a unique location for exploring the rich cultural heritage that merges Arab and Spanish cultures.” She noted that the university recently opened an office for “solidary action” that offers opportunities for students to get involved in the local community and integrate their learning into their academic experience.
More information on the Cadiz program opportunities is available by contacting Dr. Rogers at moira.rogers@emu.edu.