The origin of the present University of Granada can be traced back to La Madraza, a place of study founded by Yusuf I in the fourteenth century. Emperor Charles V proposed the formation of a university in 1526, and with the official ratification of Pope Clemente VII in 1531, Granada was established as a university city, open to all peoples, cultures, creeds and ideologies. Since then, the University of Granada has seen its influence grow not only in the social and cultural scene of the city but also at a national and international level.

Today, the University of Granada is one of the main universities in Spain and Europe, in student number, infrastructure, and research. Its rich tradition is continually reinforced by its a firm commitment to the future, innovation, and quality, a combination that makes it a center of intellectual reference in all fields of learning. Transcripts are issued by the University of Granada for all work completed at the Modern Language Center.

Modern Language Center

Since its restoration was completed in 1992, the new Modern Language Center has offered its renowned Spanish Courses for Foreigners, as well as courses to the University's Spanish students in English, French and Italian. This allows students to share their daily lives with those of Spanish students, stimulating a mutual interest in their different languages and cultures. This contact is strengthened through a language exchange service, which gives students the opportunity to practice their Spanish outside the classroom, as well as by cultural visits and activities.

Additionally, the Center offers courses in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, and exams for those who wish to certify their level of Spanish (DELE: Diploma in Spanish as a Foreign Language). Courses in other topics, including Business Spanish, are also available.

Services and Amenities

The University of Granada's Modern Language Center, located in the central and typically granadino district of Realejo, is housed in the newly remodeled 16th-century Santa Cruz Palace. The Center works to make each student's stay as pleasant and productive as possible, and offers a wide range of services and amenities.

Library - An extensive collection of books, audio-visual materials, dictionaries, and periodicals.
Email Lab - A state-of-the-art computer lab with high-speed internet connections.
Multimedia Room - Computers available for interactive language and culture learning.
Language Laboratory - Equipment for listening and viewing to movies, documentaries and other materials.
Audio-Visual Department - Audio-visual aids allow for a dynamic learning environment.
Cafeteria - Located in the Modern Language Center, a place for a bite to eat and socializing.
Athletics - A wide range of athletic activities is available.
Cultural Activities - Opportunities to broaden your classroom learning.

Library

The library at the Modern Language Center specializes in material related to language teaching and literature, and also has many books on Geography, Art, History, and Culture. It has a remarkable collection of audio-visual aids, and the Spanish cinema collection alone is very impressive. The library also houses reference books and periodicals, including encyclopedias, specialized dictionaries, newspapers, and magazines.

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Email Lab

The Modern Language Center has a state-of-the-art email lab with computers for students to write email. Students can also use the computers to do various research projects on the University Intranet.

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Multimedia Room

The Multimedia Room at the Modern Language Center is equipped with fourteen computers which can be used for interactive language courses. The programs can be used to accompany your classroom studies or for independent learning. The Multimedia Room offers the latest programs for interactive language and cultural learning. Students can also use word processing programs for classwork.

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Language Laboratory

The Language Laboratory has 18 booths with equipment which students can use for listening and viewing activities. The Center's collection includes more than a thousand titles from both Spanish and international cinema and documentaries, available in DVD, VHS and CD formats.

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Audio-Visual Department

The Modern Language Center puts special emphasis on audio-visual aids as a tool in language instruction. Various student projects include designing brochures, magazines, posters, web pages, promotional CDs, and videos. All classrooms are equipped with TV, VHS, DVD, and sound systems. Laptops, video cameras, and slide, overhead, and video projectors are also available.

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Cafeteria

The cafeteria is located in the Center and is open throughout the entire day. It gives students a place to take a break between classes and socialize with other students.

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Athletics

The Center works with the University Athletics Department to coordinate a wide range of athletic activities for students, including trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, potholing, mountaineering, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, mountain rambling, canoeing, rowing, sailing, aerobics, badminton, dance, fencing, gym-jazz, table tennis, judo, karate, tae-kwondo, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, archery, yoga, and golf.

The Center can arrange activities and reserve usage for students, and organizes intramural and group activities with other university departments. They also are happy to offer suggestions and advice on more opportunities throughout Granada, and can provide information on other university clubs and private athletic associations.

The University of Granada also has an Athletic Club with teams in Volleyball, Handball, Rugby, Swimming, and Water Polo, which participate in national events. Students are encouraged to join teams and make the most of a unique way to see Spain while learning its language and customs. The University also sometimes offers financial assistance to talented athletes.

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Cultural Activities

The cultural activities organized by the Modern Language Center are an important complement to the students' studies, giving them the opportunity to broaden and reinforce directly what they have learned in the classroom. The range of activities is designed to totally immerse students in Spanish language and culture. Activities include excursions and cultural events throughout the city, province and around Spain. Read the full Cultural Activities description.

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