Entertainment Media in Spain
Entertainment Media in Spain
Overview
Overview
Spain is one of the world’s great Entertainment Media industries, across the realms of film, documentary, animation and music. In film, think celebrated directors like Pedro Almodovar and Carla Simon (first Spanish woman to win the Golden Bear). In documentary, think award winners like the charming 100 days with Tata and the deeply felt The Silence of Others. In music, think the profound sound of Roma (Gypsy) music, that anchors the controlled exuberance of a Flamenco dance.
You are invited to learn about these through a completely experiential study abroad focused on visual culture in Madrid, Spain’s capital, which also happens to be the heart of its entertainment media industry.
The study abroad will be organized around using Madrid as a Muse, i.e. exploring its visual aesthetic for entertainment media storytelling in an international (Spanish) context.
The program is tailored to help you find your voice as a storyteller.
Discovering Madrid as a Muse will entail:
· Visits to the key architectural locations (in the old city)
· Walking in the “Lived City”—markets, restaurants, and yes, just taking the metro.
· Visits to key art museums (Madrid is home to some of the world’s greatest museums).
· Visits to industry specific locales (media companies, movie arenas, music studios etc.).
· Participatory engagement in music and dance (specifically Flamenco) and food (making and eating Paella!).
· Making sense of the city through personal engagement of places that speak to you as a creative. Open time will be built into the program for you to seek serendipity and find self-discovery (as a creative) in a new cultural setting (yes, eating Tapas counts!).
· Distilling all these experiences into a short film or documentary pre-production paper focused on you assuming the role of a location scout. This paper, along with any other materials you choose to develop (for example, photographs, videos, audio recordings, storyboarding or script treatments) will add to your assignments for the class (and can be part of your portfolio as a EMST graduate, showing your ability to think internationally as a creative.) I will discuss this on an individual basis with each student, and tailor it to their interests (No equipment is needed, besides your phone and a writing pad).
LEARN MORE: Attend an information session this Fall to learn more.
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Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026 – 3-4 p.m.
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Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 – 2:45-3:45 p.m.
Tour dates are May 9 through May 20, 2027.
Course taught: EMST 4430 (International Media Entertainment).
Course credits: 3 credits.
Language proficiency: You do not need to speak Spanish to participate in the program.
Any currently enrolled undergraduate college student is eligible to apply. Strong candidates include students who are passionate and interested in learning about other cultures and communication processes across national borders. They have a high level of personal responsibility and genuine interest in the educational aspect of this program.
Apply TODAY
Applications for study away in Summer 2027 will open at the start of Fall Semester and are due before midnight, Monday, November 2, 2026.
Costs & Logistics
The program costs vary from year to year depending on number of students enrolled, exchange rates and logistical changes. The estimated program fee for Summer 2027 has not been determined at this time and is subject to change from what is advertised to students until all students are accepted and committed to the program.
In addition to the program fee, students are expected to pay 3 hours of In-state tuition and UGA Mandatory Fees through their Athena student accounts after registration. The HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships can be applied towards TUITION only if applicable. **non-UGA transient students may have an additional $250 fee upon registration**
The program fee listed above includes the following:
- Lodging for 11 nights in a double occupency hotel room
- At least 1 meal per day (some days may include a dinner or lunch in addition)
- Airport shuttle to and from airport (one shuttle will be supplied based on the majority of student flights)
- Entrance fees and transportation to cultural activities as part of class and the program
- Travel Health Insurance (committed students will be automatically enrolled)
The program fee listed above does not include:
- 3 hours of in-state tuition and UGA Mandatory fees
- International roundtrip airfare
- Meals outside of the two provided daily
- Personal Purchases
- Passport cost if the student does not have one already
- International Data for US Cell phone – Required
- Miscellaneous expenses
Program Faculty & Staff
Dr. Kavoori works in the area of transnational entertainment media/ cultural studies. He is the author or editor of ten books and numerous essays on the subject of media and culture in a global context. He will serve as the EMST Spain program Director and on-site instructor. In the past, he has taken students to Cuba and Spain and has used those experiences to develop this study abroad, aimed at EMST and Grady Students.