Honors Global Challenge Semester in Spain & Sweden (EF)
The Program
Embark on a semester of culturally immersive study to address some of our world’s most pressing problems!
Be challenged to question conventional wisdom, examine (and even disrupt) current systems, and develop innovative solutions for global challenges. Inspired by Alfred Nobel’s belief that “Ideas can change the world” — your studies will be rooted in an EF cornerstone course: Lessons from Nobel: Design Thinking & Leadership for Social Impact. Your courses at the University of Granada and EF’s Study Center in Málaga will include interdisciplinary studies and hone your Spanish language skills. Your experience culminates at the Nobel Dialogue Week in Sweden.
Program Locations
Spain
Malaga
You'll enjoy all the benefits of staying on the Mediterranean Coast when you learn Spanish in Málaga. With warm winters and hot summers, you'll be able to spend your time soaking up the sun. The city is also filled with gorgeous architecture, including Málaga's many churches. Another popular part of the city is the Atarazanas Market, where you can shop for fresh food and handicrafts made by local artisans. Málaga is also home to a number of museums, including one devoted solely to Picasso, the city's most famous son.
Spain
Granada
Explore Granada’s cultural mosaic by visiting the medieval Albaicín neighborhood—a UNESCO World Heritage site—to experience how 700 years of Muslim rule influenced Spain’s language, architecture, culture and cuisine. Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area was settled by Iberians, Romans and Visigoths. The Alhambra, a medieval Nasrid citadel and palace, is located in Granada. It is one of the most visited tourist sites in Spain!
Sweden
Stockholm & Gothenburg
Sweden’s capital is home to a channel of 14 little islands. This Scandinavian city is the perfect spot to brush up on your knowledge of historic Viking lore while experiencing Stockholm's exciting energy during Nobel Week. Visit the Nobel Prize Museum for a workshop inspired by former laureates and attend Nobel Week Dialogue in Gothenburg for thought-provoking sessions led by the world's leading thinkers.
Academics
Honors students will spend the first 3 weeks studying Spanish at the EF International Language School alongside other language learners from around the world.
Students then take courses at the University of Granada’s Center for Modern Languages. In order to have an idea of what classes are available, you should visit the Spanish Language and Culture course catalog (Beginner/ Intermediate courses, available in English and Spanish), and the Hispanic Studies course catalog (Advanced, Spanish-only).
Lessons from Nobel: Design Thinking and Leadership for Social Impact (3 credits)
Grounded in Alfred Nobel’s conviction that Ideas Can Change the World, this interdisciplinary course focuses on socially relevant challenges affecting millions globally. As the cornerstone of the semester’s curriculum, you and your fellow EF and University of Granada students will explore design thinking approaches to developing innovative strategies aimed at resolving pressing global issues. Tied to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, these may include environmental sustainability, poverty and hunger, racism and discrimination, gender violence, conflict resolution and peaceful dialogue, an global migration. Using these strategies, you’ll work in teams to develop meaningful social impact solutions to real-world problems. After developing a solution prototype, your group will pitch your final project during Nobel Dialogue Week.
At the end of the semester, students will travel to Stockholm & Gothenburg for Nobel Dialogue Week and experience the energy of Sweden at this exciting time of year! Visit the Nobel Prize Museum for a workshop inspired by the work of former laureates and attend the Nobel Week Dialogue: an annual event that brings together a select group of the world’s leading thinkers and experts for a series of thought-provoking sessions around a central theme. Each group will present final projects from your EF-led design thinking course to a committee comprised of representatives from the Nobel Prize Museum, Hult International Business School, and the University of Granada.
You will need to be sure that you are registered as a full time student according to EF and Rutgers University. That means you will need to take approximately 15 credits while abroad. The credit translation system between EF and Rutgers University is 1:1, meaning a 3-credit course at EF will also be a 3-credit course on your Rutgers University transcript. It is not possible to take classes as not-for-credit or pass/fail.
For information about Study Abroad credit transfer, registration, and transcripts please visit the Academics section of our website.
Housing and Meals
Málaga: students will be in apartment-style housing with shared kitchen and laundry facilities in the building and easy access to public transportation.
Morocco: students will be in shared 3-star hotels (two to a room by gender) with private bathrooms. Breakfast will be provided daily at the hotel.
Granada: Student residence accommodations with shared kitchen facilities.
Stockholm/Gothenburg: students will be in shared 3-star hotels (two to a room by gender) with private bathrooms. Breakfast will be provided daily at the hotel.