Academics, Application and Selection

What are the selection criteria? 

Students will be selected based on general academic performance, performance in Spanish courses at Princeton, engagement in the program (participation in language tables, conferences, and events promoted by Spanish instructors), possible interest in being either a major or a certificate student in Spanish, maturity and openness to new experiences and international traveling. All candidates will follow a selection process, which may include an interview by Princeton faculty.

I am also interested in other programs. Can I apply to more than one? 

Yes, you must submit an application for each program that you want to apply for. As part of the application form in GPS, you will be asked to select whether you are applying to more than one program and which program is your first and your second choice.

In the application, do I select which course I am applying to (207S or 310S)? How do I know which course I belong in?

Yes, based on your current Spanish course/language placement you will select which course you are applying to. Please check the Spanish Course Sequence. If you are not sure, please contact the faculty director or visit How to Get Started to find important information.

Does courses fulfill a distribution requirement? 

Yes, both SPA 207S and SPA 310S fulfill a distribution requirement.

Can the courses be taken pass/fail? 

No.

Travel and Logistics

Do I need a passport and/or a visa to travel to Spain? 

Yes, make sure your passport is current and valid six months from the date of your return. You must obtain or renew your passport prior to the trip. U.S. citizens need only a passport for stays of up to 90 days. Non-U.S. citizens may also require a visa, even for short-term stays. Please contact the Spanish Consulate in New York for details (Ph: 212-355-4080). Passport and visa processing can take up to 10 weeks. It is strongly recommended to apply early.

Applying for or Renewing a Passport

For new passports or renewals, processing can take up to 10 weeks. It is strongly recommended that you apply for passport processing asap. 

• U.S. citizens who need to apply for or renew a passport should visit the U.S. State Department website.
• U.S. citizens may also apply for a passport in person in Princeton at:
  • Princeton Municipal Office, 400 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-5704
  • Princeton Post Office, 213 Carnegie Center, 609-452-9044
• Non-U.S. citizens should consult with the embassy of their home country.

What time do I need to arrive at Madrid airport?

You will be responsible for making your travel arrangements, arriving at Madrid’s airport in the morning of Saturday, May 17 by noon. The group will convene at the airport on Saturday morning around 9 am-12 pm, and transportation to Toledo will be provided. There will be additional information for those students who will not be able to arrive at the airport by May 17 at noon, so that they can go to Toledo on their own (the trip takes a little more than 1 hour; you will be responsible for the fare). 

When should I plan on leaving Toledo?

The program will conclude on Saturday, June 14. The professors and the personnel from the Fundación Ortega-Marañón will assist you in planning and arranging your transportation to leave Toledo.

May I arrive to the program late? 

No. The program is very intensive and group orientation from the beginning is very important. No exceptions will be made.

What if I get sick? 

There is a doctor who comes to FOM once a week. A doctor is on call for emergencies at any time.

Do I need to purchase health insurance?

No need to purchase health insurance.  All University members on University sponsored trips are automatically enrolled in the International SOS coverage. Please visit the International SOS website for more information.

What type of accommodations are provided at the dorms? 

Students will be accommodated in double rooms with shared bathroom (two doubles share two baths). Laundry facilities are available on-site. The rooms are cleaned from Monday to Friday. Every Tuesday towels and sheets are changed. (Students do not have to bring towels and sheets to Toledo.) There are three computer rooms and WiFi is available in the building. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the cafeteria. Please note that the residence hall offers limited options for those with special dietary preferences or needs.

What are the details of the homestays? 

FOM makes every effort to place students within a 20 minute walk of the school. If anyone is placed farther away, FOM will provide a bus pass for travel to classes, and more than two Princeton students will always be placed in the same area. There will normally be one student per family. Students will have lunch at FOM Monday–Friday when they have classes. The rest of the meals will be with the family. The family will wash the clothes of the student or the student can wash their own clothes at the home. Students will be asked in advance if they have any allergy to pets or cigarette smoke, so they can be placed accordingly. 

Finances

What additional costs will there be? 

Please view the Financial Assistance page for detailed information. 

Will financial aid cover the summer program? 

Please view the Financial Assistance page for detailed information.