The trip occupies most of the fifth week and involves organized cultural activities both in Madrid and in nearby sites of particular historical and cultural interest. During the semester preceding the program, all participants are required to complete a few assigned readings and to attend one or two orientation sessions held by the program director at The University of Akron. Upon arrival, there is a special introduction to the city and to Spanish daily life. The program director is available to meet with and assist students on an individual basis throughout the program. While in Santander, students are housed in single rooms in carefully selected Spanish households, one per household.
Housing is within walking distance or with easy access to public transportation to classes.
The program fee provides for daily continental breakfast and laundry once a week while in Santander. Purchase of a meal ticket enables students to eat lunch and dinner in a university dining hall. Alternative housing in a university residence or an apartment also may be arranged in special cases. While in Santander, the program includes excursions organized by the UIMP on Saturday afternoons and all day Sundays. These excursions are led by expert guides and go to places of artistic or scenic interest.