Intercultural Scholars Program

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of intercultural dynamics by studying the unique cultural landscape of the Basque and Navarran regions. Students will enhance their cognitive empathy and intercultural competence through immersive experiences, utilizing the local environment, engaging in interactive sessions, reflective writing, and participating in community activities. The course covers the vibrant history, political and social dynamics, and ongoing cultural revival of Euskal Herria. Through field studies, direct interactions with local experts, and involvement in community events, students will gain practical insights into contemporary Basque and Navarran identity. This course, a key component of the Baserria Institute Core Curriculum, connects academic learning with the living cultures of the Basque, Spanish, and French societies, employing local resources as an experiential learning platform.

In the Agroecology, Sustainability, and Food Science course, students explore the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and gastronomy that defines the Basque region. This curriculum offers a hands-on approach to understanding sustainable farming practices, the science behind food production, and the impact of these systems on the environment and society. Through visits to local farms, workshops with food producers, and collaborative projects, students not only learn about but also contribute to the sustainable practices that make the Basque Country a leader in ecological food movements. This course is a testament to the Baserria Institute's

commitment to experiential learning and fostering a deep connection between students and the land.

The Spanish Language and Culture course offers an engaging curriculum that blends linguistic skills with cultural immersion. Students are encouraged to apply their learning in real-life scenarios, gaining a deeper understanding of the Spanish language's nuances as they navigate daily life in Spain. Through diverse texts and dynamic discussions, the course aims to extend beyond fluency to foster a profound appreciation of the language as a key to cultural insight and global perspective.

This course acts as a creative conduit, allowing students to document, reflect, and express their intercultural journey through various mediums. Whether sketching landscapes in Agroecology, designing infographics for Cultural and Environmental Sustainability, or crafting visual narratives for Intercultural Competence, students use art as a tool for deeper academic inquiry and personal expression. This integrative approach ensures that art is not just a standalone subject but a vital part of the tapestry of their comprehensive learning experience, enhancing their ability to observe, interpret, and represent the world around them.

English Language and Literature (English, 0.5 credits)

Within the Intercultural Scholars Program, the English course is crafted to deepen students' intellectual engagement and complement their cultural immersion. This academically demanding course propels students into an exploration of intercultural awareness, facilitated through a curated selection of literature and guided personal reflections. The coursework is structured to challenge students to critically engage with diverse perspectives, fostering a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts. Under the mentorship of our passionate educators, students will hone their analytical writing abilities, cultivate a distinctive narrative voice, and master the art of conveying complex ideas with cultural acuity and precision.

The optional Mathematics course within the Intercultural Scholars Program offers an individualized approach, where each student arrives with a specific list of topics provided by their home school. A knowledgeable instructor, teaching in English, ensures that students receive tailored support to cover these expected topics, maintaining their academic trajectory while they immerse in the study abroad experience.

In limited special circumstances where students require specific academic credits, we offer the flexibility to integrate classes from the local school curriculum into their study program. These often include lab sciences or physical education requirements.

Our curriculum is designed to cultivate a range of skills, knowledge, and mindsets uniquely attainable through immersive learning experiences. Central to our program are competencies such as intercultural competence, independence, and creative thinking, among others. These elements are tailored to equip students with the essential tools needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Nestled in the historical region of Euskal Herria, which includes Navarra, our program offers a unique immersion into a cultural crossroads. Here, Basque, Spanish, and French languages and cultures coexist in a fascinating blend. The Basque language, a mysterious and ancient tongue with pre-Indo-European roots, is Europe's only surviving language from that era. The Basque Country, and Navarra, distinct from other Spanish regions with its verdant, hilly landscapes, are a tapestry of diverse cultural traits and dialects hidden within each unique valley. This setting provides an incomparable backdrop for deep cultural exploration and learning.

In our program, students have the unique opportunity to stay with host families, all of whom have children attending the same pre-K-12 school that hosts our program. Far from being just a "host hotel," our families are integral to the educational experience. They eagerly participate in the learning journey, sharing the rich cultural offerings of our region. This close interaction ensures a deeper, more authentic cultural immersion, allowing students to experience daily life in the Basque Country as part of a local family.

Absolutely, students receive grades and a report card, tailored to align with the preferences of their home school. Options include a fully competency-based report card and transcript, which emphasizes skills and personal development, a traditional report card and transcript with letter grades, or a combination of both. This flexibility ensures that the academic achievements and growth of our students are effectively communicated and recognized in a manner that complements their home school's evaluation system.

Participation in our program can be a valuable aspect of your college application, but it's not just about being a part of it—it's what you do with the experience that truly counts. We encourage a mindset focused on skill development and personal growth, rather than merely participating to "look good" on applications. This approach helps students hone abilities that will not only enhance their university applications but also provide lasting benefits in college and beyond. Our program is designed to foster skills and experiences that resonate deeply with university admissions committees, reflecting a student's commitment to global awareness and personal development.

Indeed, our program is academically rigorous, though perhaps not in the conventional sense. We emphasize competencies integral to the Baserria Institute's core curriculum, challenging students to apply their skills in real-world situations. Our focus is on fostering creative and critical thinking. While our standards are high, we provide comprehensive support to help students meet and even exceed these expectations. This unique approach to academic rigor ensures that students are not only learning but also applying their knowledge in meaningful, practical contexts.

Within our program, you'll have the opportunity to interact with a diverse mix of students. This includes local students from the region as well as visiting students like yourself, who primarily come from independent and public high schools across North America. However, our program is inclusive and open to all who meet our requirements, fostering a truly international and culturally varied learning environment.

Absolutely, our program includes travel, with a strong commitment to sustainability. Whenever possible, we utilize sustainable methods of transportation, primarily rail, for our journeys. Our explorations center around the French and Spanish Basque Country, Navarra, and surrounding Spanish communities. Additionally, a key school trip takes students to Madrid, offering a comprehensive view of the Iberian Peninsula's cultural richness. This approach to travel not only enriches the educational experience but also aligns with our ethos of environmental responsibility and sustainable living.

Yes, families are welcome to visit, but we request that these visits be scheduled for after the official conclusion of the program. This timing allows students to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience without distractions. Moreover, post-program visits can be extraordinarily rewarding, as students get the opportunity to share their newfound knowledge and experiences with their families, acting as their guides and showcasing their growth and learning. It's a wonderful way for families to see firsthand the impact of the program on their loved ones.

Our program is intentionally multilingual, and having some proficiency in Spanish will certainly make your academic experience smoother. For complete beginners, the program may present more challenges, but we are fully prepared to support you through this journey. Additionally, all students will learn a basic amount of Basque to appreciate its cultural significance. While further Basque language study is optional, it's available for those interested in deepening their understanding of this unique linguistic and cultural aspect of the region.

Our program does not follow a total immersion model. Through our research, we've found that except for a few select programs like Middlebury, the concept of total immersion often doesn't hold up in practice, leading to student frustration and a tendency to revert to English outside of class. Instead, we employ what we call 'targeted immersion.' This approach keeps students in their learning zone (the zone of proximal development) with clear guidelines on when to use the target languages. This method ensures a more effective and less overwhelming language learning experience.

At Baserria Institute, we embrace a philosophy of digital minimalism. This doesn't mean we are anti-technology; rather, we encourage focused and intentional use of technology to minimize distractions. In a study abroad context, there's a risk of becoming overly engaged in documenting experiences for social media, which can detract from living in the moment. Our approach is to utilize technology thoughtfully, ensuring it enhances rather than dominates the learning experience. We believe in using technology as a tool, not letting it control our interactions and experiences.