Summer in Spain, Virtually

by Katie Gortz on 04/28/2020

04/28/2020

Students can form part of a virtual international community this summer through SLU-Madrid’s online courses. SLU-Madrid and the St. Louis campus have adopted the online format to ensure that students can continue to meet their academic goals this summer despite the challenges presented by the global pandemic.

SLU-Madrid summer courses are taught by faculty from around the world, and the students enrolled come from equally diverse locations. The online courses are designed to expand students’ horizons and connect them with people they might not normally have the opportunity to meet.

SLU-Madrid has shifted its summer offerings to an online format. Students from across the globe will expand their horizons this summer as they connect in a virtual international learning community.

"Most courses are taught asynchronously (as opposed to live streamed) to accommodate learners from all over the globe and in different time zones,” explains Katherine Smith, an ESL professor who will be teaching this summer. “They will be able to interact with our international community at their own pace and according to their local timetables."

Summer 2020 academic programming includes a range of liberal arts courses that fulfill undergraduate core and major requirements across SLU’s colleges and schools. Among this summer’s featured courses are Linguistics, Environmental Issues, World Religions and, appropriate in light of COVID-19, Contemporary Issues in Public Health.

“Faculty had to pivot to online learning in the spring, practically from one day to the next,” said Madrid Campus Director and Academic Dean, Paul Vita, Ph.D. “We have been gearing up for the online format this summer and are excited to bring together learners across continents.”

While summer sessions normally serve visiting students whose academic programs or athletic commitments prevent them from studying abroad during the traditional academic year, this summer’s programming has been designed to meet the needs of degree-seeking students looking to earn credits toward a second major or to make up credits this summer.

“Summer courses by SLU-Madrid faculty are interesting options for students who wish to continue to work towards their degree,” says Vita. “We are making every effort to provide quality academic programming to ensure that our permanent students can earn the credits they need this summer.”