MABS

MABS Summer program is a course aimed at undergraduates, recent graduates and young professionals who want to learn first-hand from Spanish food and culinary experts about the A to Z of Spanish food and the Spanish food sector.

The program can be followed in English or in Spanish. Some activities and lectures will be delivered in English and others in Spanish, with simultaneous interpreting into English for those who are not fluent in Spanish. If your first language is not English, you should have a minimum level of English equivalent to CEFR B2 (IELTS score of 5-6.5 or TOEFL score of 72-109) to be able to express yourself fluently in spoken and written English and interact with the rest of the class.

Applications can only take place via the MABS website. Follow the link and complete the on-line application form. Please note that Spain is the third tourist destination in the world. The peak travel season for Spain is mid-May through mid-September so make sure to register as soon as possible and book your flights well in advance to get the best fares. If you have any questions about the application or encounter any problems, do not create a new application but contact the MABS team for assistance at mabs@iamz.ciheam.org.

It is your responsibility to apply for a Spanish visa if required. Consult the Spanish Government Border Agency website for more information: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Paginas/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx

If you require a visa we will issue a ‘visa invitation letter’ for you to submit with your visa application. In the event of refusal of your Spanish visa for any reason and subsequent cancellation of your place this will be treated in accordance with our cancellation policy as stated in the terms and conditions.

The tuition fees for the 2021 summer program amount to 2,700 EUR (not including the non-refundable administration fees of 280€ that students should pay to ensure a place in the program). The optional internship bears an additional non refundable administration fee of 200€. All payments are to be made in EUROS and by bank transfer. Payments may be made in installments upon request.

There are a limited number of scholarships for outstanding candidates. Applicants wishing to apply for a scholarship should state this in their letter of motivation or contact the organizers directly after completing the online application form.
MABS reserves the right to cancel the program if a minimum number of students have not enrolled by 7th May 2021. In the case of program cancellation, all enrolled students will be notified and given a full refund of the tuition fees and all other payments made to MABS

The MABS team will help students find the most suitable housing option (halls of residence, shared apartments or host families). Most options are located in vibrant neighborhoods of the city with easy access to all that Zaragoza has to offer. Accommodation is booked in advance but payment is secured upon arrival. Prices range from 500 to 800 euro per month for a room in a hall of residence, 300 to 400 euro per month for a room in a shared apartment or 600 to 750 euro per month with a host family.

Most classes take place at IAMZ-CIHEAM headquarters on the Campus of Aula Dei, one of the largest agricultural research complexes in Spain. There is a free bus service between Zaragoza and the Campus. Besides the in-class sessions at IAMZ-CIHEAM, the program includes trips and visits in and around Zaragoza. Travel and accommodation expenses for these activities are included in the fees.

The summer program organizers will provide accident, medical and travel insurance valid for Spain for the duration of the program but we recommend that you arrange your own travel insurance beyond those dates. Organizers do not accept liability for any loss (consequential or otherwise) due to delay, cancellation, sickness, death or any other cause. Students from the European Union or the European Economic Area should also bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The program organizers (IAMZ-CIHEAM) have a legal liability insurance to cover students during the program.

Bilingual MABS staff provide a 24/7 hotline service for the duration of the summer program

The city of Zaragoza is strategically located between Madrid and Barcelona and is the fifth biggest city in Spain with around 700,000 inhabitants. Its more than 2000 years of history make the city one of the greatest historic and artistic legacies in Spain as well as one the best tapas and bar scenes in the country. Zaragoza is a pleasant city, functional, clean and safe and it is easy to get around on foot, by bike, car or public transport. Its inhabitants are kind, friendly, and always up for a chat! Zaragoza has a special quality that makes visitors feel at home. See this testimonial as an example: Zaragoza, the great unknown.