Cadiz, Spain

Colonialism Today: Race, Power, & Language in the Hispanic World

Cádiz, Spain

Summer 2025: June 2 - 27*

*dates subject to change

Street in Cadiz, Spain

Program Description

Cádiz is an ancient port city in the Andalucía region of southwestern Spain. There are more than 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, which was traditionally used for spotting ships. There are remains of the medieval city wall and winding streets that link squares, which are homes to museums, shops, and restaurants. The city’s vibrant multicultural landscape, shaped by centuries of migration and colonial exchange, makes it an ideal location for exploring how colonial legacies continue to manifest in modern Spain. As one of the oldest cities on the shores of Western Europe, Cádiz not only played a pivotal role in the Spanish Empire but also served as a central hub for the transatlantic slave trade and colonial governance. These factors make Cádiz a critical site for understanding the intersections of colonization, law, language, and cultural anthropology from the perspective of the colonizer, providing a revolutionary lens through which to study Spain's colonial legacies. First and foremost, Cádiz's historical significance lies in its position as a key port in the transatlantic trade network, which connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas during Spain’s imperial period

 

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.

Information Sessions

Information sessions will be held from 1:45-2:55 (community hour), via Zoom. Registration hyperlinked below.

Undergraduate Courses

SPA 380: Language & Power in the Spanish-speaking World (3 credits)
Prof. Javier Moreno Rivero

Students will study both historical and contemporary examples of linguistic oppression, such as the suppression of indigenous languages in colonial Latin America, Africa, and the Philippines, and current struggles over language rights in Spain’s bilingual regions. We will examine how language continues to play a key role in shaping access to justice, education, and political participation in post-colonial societies. By engaging with current language debates in Spain and other former colonies, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how language can serve both as a mechanism of oppression and as a tool for decolonization.

ANT 380: Colonialism, Coloniality, & Decolonization in Latin America (3 credits)
Prof. Roosbelinda Cardenas

Students will explore the lasting effects of Spain’s colonial policies, investigating how colonial frameworks endure in social, economic, and legal institutions. Simultaneously, the course engages with decolonization as both a historical process and a contemporary movement aimed at dismantling these oppressive systems. We will analyze efforts to reclaim indigenous and afro-descendant identities, cultures, and languages, and critically examine how various regions, including Spain, are challenging or maintaining colonial narratives.

Students are required to take both classes as part of this study-abroad program for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites

  1. 2.5 GPA
  2. ENG 101
  3. Spanish a plus, but not a requirement

Application

You can access and start your application here.

Application Deadline: Monday, March 17

However, qualified applicants will be admitted on a rolling basis until places are filled. Thus, due to limited places, students are encouraged to apply early.

Please note: An application fee of $50.00 is due at the time of application. It can be paid by debit or credit card. Money orders, personal checks and cash are also accepted. Applications will not be accepted if incomplete.

Program Cost

Estimated Program Fee: $3,200**

**Subject to change. Includes double-occupancy homestay accommodations (with breakfast and dinner included), international health insurance, excursions and transportation on-site associated with program, and airport pickup and drop off. The program cost does NOT include: tuition, airfare, lunches and meals outside of homestay. personal trips and expenses, etc.

Cost breakdown for Cadiz summer 2025 program.

John Jay College Tuition and Fees
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students should make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office, at their home College, to discuss the applicability of their financial aid to this program. 

More information on scholarships and funding can be found on our Study Abroad Funding page.

JJC students can contact Michael Scaduto for more information regarding the JJSAS, and general scholarship opportunities, at 212-237-8872 or email at mscaduto@jjay.cuny.edu.

Program Notes

  • Housing: Students will stay in double-occupancy homestay accommodations with breakfast and dinner included.
  • Fluctuating exchange rates and other fees may lead to program cost changes.
  • Program cost is based on a minimum number of participants for the program.
  • Students should discuss applicability of financial aid with the Financial Aid office.
  • All CUNY students must meet with their study abroad advisor to be sure the proper e-Permit registration process is followed.
  • All non-CUNY students are encouraged to apply early, to be sure there is ample time to apply and register for classes at John Jay College. Please contact OISP for more information regarding the application process. Please note: Tuition rate per credit is different for non-CUNY students. More tuition information can be found here.
  • Refund Policy: Payment of the program deposit indicates the student understands and agrees to the Office of International Studies & Program’s payment and refund policies.  Students who withdraw from a John Jay College program after confirming participation, but before the program begins, will lose the non-refundable deposit and any unrecoverable costs: students will be refunded 50 percent of program fees 30 days prior to the program start date, and 25 percent of program fees 14 days prior to the program start date. After the start of the program, no refunds will be provided, and the student is responsible for all program fees. If the program fee is not paid in full, there will be a hold placed on her/his CUNYfirst account.
  • For faculty-led programs, tuition refunds will be granted following the College’s policies.  For more information, click here.
  • College-based funders retain the right to recoup funds from the student account if the student does not follow rules of the CUNY Travel Waiver & Release Form, uses the funds for other purposes, or withdraws from the program. Students must understand that they are responsible for full payment of the amount owed to the department.
  • The Office of International Studies and Programs (OISP) has the right to modify or cancel the program, including  changes to the program dates, costs, scheduled visits, program itinerary, etc., as dictated by economic and/or political situations, etc.
  • Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare, and for their itinerary. Due to possible changes in program dates/itinerary information, students are not to purchase airfare until prompted by OISP.
  • Students are encouraged to apply early, due to limited space.
  • Information is tentative, and subject to change*, **program cost(s), syllabi, *dates, etc.

 

For More Information

Prof. Javier Moreno Rivero, Department of Spanish (Academic Inquiries)                                                                                                                                 jmoreno@jjay.cuny.edu

Prof. Roosbelinda Cardenas, Department of Anthropology (Academic Inquiries)                                                                                   rcardenas@jjay.cuny.edu

Daniel Braslavsky, Coordinator
212-887-6105, dbraslavsky@jjay.cuny.edu

studyabroad@jjay.cuny.edu
212-484-1390 

Office Location & Mailing Address:
Office of International Studies & Programs
John Jay College, CUNY
524 West 59th Street
Haaren Hall, Suite 530
New York, NY 10019 USA