Although Lubbock Christian University offers a variety of learning opportunities in intercultural contexts, our primary program is a semester spent in Ávila, Spain. In what most would consider a traditional “Study Abroad” program, students live in a dorm and meet in classes on the campus of the Catholic University of Ávila (UCAV).
Ávila is located in the Castile and Léon region of Spain, approximately an hour and a half west of Madrid. It is the capital of the province of Ávila and has a population of around 58,000. Ávila is best known for its intact medieval city walls which average almost 10 feet thick and have an average height of 39 feet. In 1985, Ávila was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its walled city and extra muros (“outside the walls”) churches.
Lubbock Christian University partners with the Catholic University of Ávila, or UCAV, which provides dormitory and classroom space for LCU’s instructors, as well as opportunities for our students to interact with other international students. Forbes named UCAV one of the 20 best universities in Spain in 2021.
Students can take a full load (12-15 hours) of classes while in Spain. Courses are taught by LCU professors who travel to and stay in Spain with the students. The one exception is their Spanish class, which is taught by a UCAV faculty member, and yes, it is taught entirely in Spanish.
Students have the chance to experience full immersion into the culture and activities of Spain. They will have plenty of opportunities during their time in Ávila to participate in local events and festivals and form relationships with other students at UCAV. On many weekends, students take advantage of the chance to travel to other locations in Europe, furthering their understanding and awareness of different cultures.
During our return to the United States at the end of the semester, the entire group will stop in London, spending 5-7 days seeing the highlights of London. Some of the more common places visited include: The Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Christmas Market, a play or musical, and a day trip to Oxford.
The Global Campus Program is led by Robert Anderson, who was part of the faculty team during the Spain 2022 semester. Robert serves both as the campus wide program director, as well as the onsite director for the semester in Spain. The Fall of 2025 will be the eighth year LCU students have spent a semester in Spain.
Things to Do While in Spain
While there are plenty of ways in which students can develop relationships with students from UCAV and participate in the local culture of Ávila, one of the most exciting things to do while studying abroad is exploring some of the other cities in Spain and Europe.
As a group, LCU students will travel to a Spanish city, usually Granada or Córdoba, for an extended weekend. They will also take day trips to Madrid and Segovia. In groups of at least three, students can also travel to other countries within the European Union on their own. Some of the most popular locations include Rome, Paris, Santorini, Vienna, Florence, and Athens. (NOTE: Travel on your own is not included in the costs of the program.) Like LCU, UCAV has a fall break, which allows for an extended period of time to travel. Students can take advantage of this longer time off for travel further away from Ávila, which also allows more time to experience the places to which students go.
Courses Offered
Students are expected to take a full course load (12-15 hours) during the semester they are in Spain. Offerings are focused on those courses which fit LCU’s core requirements, as well as courses that are within the teaching expertise of the faculty who are in Ávila.
For the Fall of 2025, we will offer the following courses:
- ART3352 – Special Topic: Art History in Spain
- BIB3305 – Christian Heritage and/or BIB3310 – Christian Life
- ENG3308 – Technical Writing or ENG3310 – Writing Grant Proposals
- ENG3300 – Literature for Children and Young Adults or similar
- Spanish* – Beginning or Intermediate Spanish
- GBC3310 – Global Experience: Spain
*Required course, taught by a professor from UCAV
Students are also able to take a course online, if one suits their schedule.
We work with students to ensure they are able to take the courses they need with minimal interruption to their degree plan.
Faculty for Fall 2025
For the Fall of 2025, the following faculty will be in Ávila.
Robert Anderson – Adjunct Instructor, Bible
Jana Anderson – Assistant Professor, English
Dr. Michelle Kraft – Adjunct and former Professor, Art
Costs
Students incur the following costs for the Fall 2025 Semester in Spain:
- 2025-2026 LCU Tuition and Fees (based on block rate of 12-18 hours)
- 2025-2026 LCU Room and Board (equal to Gullo Hall and full meal plan)
(NOTE: Final costs are yet to be determined. The above charges applied to your LCU bill.)
- $250 – Non-Refundable Application Fee (due with initial application)
- $750 – Non-Refundable Deposit (due upon acceptance into the program)
- $5000 – Study Abroad Program Fee (applied to Fall 2025 tuition bill)
Students will need to cover their expenses for independent travel (any travel not done as an entire group), spending money for souvenirs, snacks, postcards, stamps, independent meals (meals not eaten as an entire group), and any sites or excursions not done with the entire group.
Students are also responsible for any expenses associated with acquiring a passport or visa, as well as any immunizations required for travel.
What You Need to Participate
To be a part of this semester, each student will need the following:
- Initial Application (due on or before February 14, 2025)
- Pay all deposits by dates due
- Proof of Medical Insurance
- Additional Forms and Waivers (due on or before May 2, 2025)
- Have a 2.5 or better overall GPA
- Be in good standing with the Dean of Student Life and the Business Office
- Hold a current passport with an expiration date valid for 6 months after you arrive in Spain (tentatively August 30, 2025)
- Have completed a year at LCU
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Application Fee Due with Initial Application
- Last Day to Apply: February 14, 2025
- Acceptance Announcement Date: March 3, 2025
- Sign up for Classes: Starting March 24, 2025
- Spring Orientation Day: March 29, 2025
- Deposit Due: March 31, 2025
- All Additional Applications and Waivers Due: May 2, 2025
- Fall Orientation Week: August 25-29, 2025
- Leave for Spain Date (tentative): August 29, 2025
- Leave for London Date (tentative): November 25, 2025
- Return to Lubbock Date (tentative): December 1, 2025
