University of Castilla-La Mancha
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Teaching Spanish and Spanish Literature Scholarship
Who is This Opportunity For?
Located in the Land of Don Quixote, the Spanish Program in Toledo at the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), in collaboration with its Vice-Rectorate for International Policy and Global Partnerships and HACU, Invites faculty from HACU-member institutions in the United States and Puerto Rico to participate in a unique professional development opportunity focused on Spanish Language and culture.
During the 2026–27 academic year UCLM is offering two professional development and institutional engagement opportunities exclusively for HACU-member institutions.
Faculty participants will complete the course “New Perspectives for Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language: Theory, Practice, and Classroom Resources,” (25 certified hours).
Each one week program accommodates up to 20 spaces for faculty members who teach Spanish language and culture to university students at HACU member institutions. Selected participants will engage in the professional development program and the cultural immersion experience in either Toledo or Ciudad Real for one week.
This invitation is primarily intended for institutions and faculty members who are considering UCLM and the cities of Toledo and/or Ciudad Real (Spain) as a suitable study abroad destination or academic extension experience for their students.
University of Castilla-La Mancha
Founded in 1985, the University of Castilla-La Mancha is located in the heart of Spain, the setting of Don Quixote de La Mancha and the birthplace of the Spanish language.
The UCLM has four campuses of approximately 2,847 faculty serving 29,000 students. It is considered a campus of international excellence, conducting teaching and research across all areas of knowledge. It is ranked among the top 250 institutions in the Young University Ranking 2024.
The City of Toledo
Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of the Three Cultures” due to the historical coexistence of Christians, Jews, and Muslims within its walls.
Toledo offers international students a safe environment in a unique cultural setting that is not overcrowded to achieve Spanish language proficiency. Benefits of the university include academic excellence, a vibrant cultural life, various leisure opportunities, and easy access to Madrid by bus and high-speed train reaching Spain’s capital in less than 30 minutes.
The City of Ciudad Real
Ciudad Real, Spain, is a great place to visit because it offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a connection to the famous story of Don Quixote. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Puerta de Toledo and enjoy the city’s charming plazas, museums, and local culture. The region is also known for its delicious cuisine and easy access to the scenic landscapes of Castilla-La Mancha.
The Spanish Program in Toledo and Ciudad Real
The Spanish program in Toledo and Ciudad Real is an accredited center by The Instituto Cervantes. It offers Spanish language and culture courses for foreigners through qualified, experienced, dedicated, and competent professors who address the specific and personal needs of each student.
International Spanish students’ study in historic buildings adapted for modern and functional use, with excellent facilities and services.
More than 6,000 international students from over 60 countries have passed through its classrooms.
Available to students and faculty are a wide range of educational offerings, including semester and annual programs, intensive summer courses, thematic courses, faculty training, and customized courses.
Proposals for Teachers from Institutions Associated with HACU
Professors throughout their professional careers require ongoing updates and continuing education credits to implement knowledge, methodologies, and new guidelines that enhance their teaching practice.
UCLM offers the PEDAGOGICAL UPDATE COURSE
“Professional Development Course for HACU-Affiliated Faculty: New Perspectives for Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language.”
Through this course, participants receive didactic resources based on recent research aimed at stimulating and developing students’ communicative competence.
To achieve this, tools will be provided and utilized to facilitate the creation of learning situations linked to linguistic content, written and oral skills, and multiculturalism.
New Perspectives for Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language: Theory, Practice, and Classroom Resources
This course is offered at both locations: Toledo and Ciudad Real.
General Objectives
Create a professional exchange space for Spanish teachers through specialized training focused on developing key competencies for both the teacher and the learner.
Reflect on the procedures necessary for effective pedagogical practice.
Learn about and select didactic materials suitable for the current educational context.
Cultural Program Associated with the Course
Toledo is our Spanish Classroom
Learning continues when leaving the classroom by discovering and enjoying an environment that has the second highest density of monuments in the world after Rome. Exploring the legacy of the three cultures present in Toledo and connecting with the rich heritage and cultural of the city known for coexistence and tolerance is one of the highlights the course offers.
Visits include:
- Guided tour of the San Pedro Mártir-Madre de Dios University Complex
- Guided tour of the Toledo Cathedral
- Night tour of the historic city center
- Guided tour of the Synagogue and the Jewish Quarter
- City tour aboard the Toledo tourist train
- Three thematic lectures on the heritage and culture of Toledo
But Toledo is in Castilla-La Mancha, so the course also includes an excursion to the heart of Don Quixote’s land, offering a close-up view of the cultural setting that inspired Miguel de Cervantes.
- Excursion to Consuegra, including a visit to the medieval castle, the windmills, and a Manchego style dinner
Dates, Features, and Participant Profile for the Two Training Weeks
December 12–18, 2026 – Toledo
General Orientation in Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE)
- Faculty development course certified for 25 hours
- Academic and cultural activities designed to foster engagement with the local community and explore the theme of Toledo and the Three Cultures
- Hosted at the Toledo campus, this program welcomes university faculty who teach Spanish language and culture (Spanish as a Foreign Language – ELE) across a broad range of instructional approaches and subject areas
January 10–16, 2027 – Ciudad Real
Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) and Cervantes Studies Focus
- Faculty development course certified for 25 hours
- Academic and cultural activities designed to connect participants with the region and its Cervantine heritage
- Hosted at the Ciudad Real campus, this program is particularly geared toward Spanish faculty whose teaching is wholly or partially focused on Golden Age Spanish literature (Iberian Studies) and/or the study of Don Quixote and Miguel de Cervantes
- For this week, preference will be given to applicants whose professional profile aligns with both areas of focus: Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) and Cervantes Studies.
Objective: Promote Future Study Abroad Opportunities
This scholarship includes one week of training, programming, and support services for selected faculty participants. It is designed primarily for institutions and faculty members who are considering UCLM and the cities of Toledo and/or Ciudad Real (Spain) as potential destinations for future study abroad programs or academic experiences for their students.
Ciudad Real Program Highlights
Ciudad Real becomes our classroom as we extend our learning beyond traditional lectures and into the rich cultural landscape of central Spain, using nearby historic cities and landmarks such as Toledo, Consuegra, and their renowned cultural treasures as living lessons in history, art, and heritage.
Visits include:
- Three thematic lectures on Cervantes-related topics
- Guided visit and tour of Almagro
- Guided visit and activity at the Don Quixote Museum
- Activity at the Alarcos Castle Chapel
- Cervantes-themed culinary activity
- Cervantes Route excursion. Includes a guided tour of the windmills and a traditional Manchego dinner
THE UNIVERSITY OF CASTILLA LA MANCHA OFFERS FREE OF CHARGE
1) One week is available in December 2026 and One week is available in January 2027
- December 12-18, 2026
- January 10-16, 2027
2) Admission of 20 candidates per week
3) Provided by UCLM each week:
- Pedagogy Refresh Course (25 h)
- Integrated cultural program in Toledo and Consuegra or Ciudad Real
- Accommodation 6 nights included. (Room will be shared with one other scholarship recipient. Room will have two beds and a shared bathroom.)
- Half board meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
- Dinners: Sunday presentation and Manchegan dinner in Consuegra.
NOT covered by UCLM: Airfare and transportation to/from Toledo, Ciudad Real, or medical insurance.
Apply
Application Deadline: September 13, 2026
Professors at HACU-member institutions are encouraged to apply.
Get in Touch
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact us or fill out the form.
GENERAL
For general questions, please contact:
SAN ANTONIO OFFICE
- 210-576-3231
- global@hacu.net
