Technology and Society: A Global Perspective (Leon, Spain)

Application deadline: April 10, 2017

This study abroad program will introduce you to contemporary issues at the intersection of technology and society. You will learn about ethical problems created by technological advancements and the effects technology has on societal relations and vice-versa. The hack into Sony, the supposed use of cryptography by terrorists, and Russian hacking into DNC computer systems showcase the delicate relationship between cybersecurity and ethics and the powerful impact that cybersecurity has on our society.

UW Tacoma’s Institute of Technology has an existing partnership with INCIBE (the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute, located in Leon), and students will be visiting the INCIBE facilities and attend lectures by INCIBE experts as part of this program.

Possible course topics include:

1. Privacy
2. Voting and democracy
3. Social networks and social movements
4. Cyber warfare
5. E-commerce and its effects
6. New emerging technologies

This study abroad program is led Drs. Orlando Baiocchi and Anderson Nascimento from UW Tacoma.

Academic Content

T INST 493 - Technology and Society: A Global Perspective – 12 credits

This course addresses technical, ethical and social aspects of cybersecurity. From a technical perspective students will be introduced to applied cryptography, principles of network and computer security, including hands-on training in defense and offensive security.

From the Ethics perspective, students will be presented with a solid theoretical framework on ethics and logical arguments, and to ethical questions that arise from cybercrime, privacy , intellectual property, cyberterrorism and cyberwarfare as well as the ethical aspects of new technologies in cybersecurity.

Required equipment: All students should bring laptops for conducting in class attack/defense experiments.

Program Schedule

This 12-credit course will run from June 19 - July 19, 2017. Required informational meetings during spring quarter 2017 will prepare students for traveling abroad.

Application

Applications are due on March 20, 2017. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions April 15. Once accepted to the program, applicants will need to confirm their participation in the program by April 25. Click the "Apply Now" button below to begin.

Travel Documents and Insurance

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to Europe. No visa or other paperwork is required for U.S. citizens. International students can email uwtintl@uw.edu with questions about visas.

Study abroad insurance coverage is required. We strongly recommend students take advantage of the UW Study Abroad Insurance as an easy and affordable option. Students with personal insurance may petition for a UW Study Abroad Insurance waiver. For details, please contact the UW Tacoma Office of Global Affairs.

Housing 

You will be staying with carefully chosen home stay families in Leon, and families provide three meals a day.

Program Cost

The total cost of the program is $4,850** (includes $250 administrative fee).

Included in the cost of the program:

• Course fee (in lieu of tuition) for 12 UW credits.
• Instructional costs in Leon, Spain.
• Room and board (single occupancy) with carefully chosen families.
• Three scheduled excursions during the program.

Not Included in program fees:

• Airfare.
• Transportation to and from airport.
• Personal expenses (phone calls, eating out, etc.).
• Textbooks.

Payment Schedule*

*Additional important dates can be found in the "Refund Conditions for Fees" section.
**Approximate cost, may be less, final cost will be established before the application deadline.

Method of payment: Payments made in person or by mail will need to be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to University of Washington Tacoma (UWT). Please write "Spain Leon 2017" in the memo line of the check.  Please submit the check to the University of Washington Tacoma Cashier's Office (CAR 400) during regular business hours. Please do not submit your check to the Office of Global Affairs. You can also mail it to:

UW Tacoma Cashier's Office
Campus Box 358433
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

To make the payment online, click this button to proceed with your Visa or Mastercard.

For questions about the payment schedule or the methods of payment available, please email uwtintl@uw.edu or call 253.692.4426.

The program fee will be charged automatically to your UWT student account upon registration and can be paid online through your MyUW account. Please note: students do not register themselves for this program. The Office of Global Affairs will register you once the Administrative Fee and all appropriate program documents have been received.

Orientation

To be eligible to study abroad, all program participants must attend an in-person pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Office of Global Affairs/UW Study Abroad as well as your program-specific orientations, offered by your program directors. Orientation must be completed prior to the enrollment deadline for the quarter that you are studying abroad.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students receiving financial aid which they intend to apply toward the program cost should consult with a financial aid adviser before applying to the program. Some sources of funding do not cover the cost of study abroad programs. Check with a financial aid advisor to understand how your funds apply toward study abroad. Please bring the Leon Spain 2017 student financial aid budget form with you to your meeting.

Please also review this list of scholarships: these are opportunities that can help fund your study abroad experience. Please note that many of them have deadlines before your study abroad application is due. For help with the application process, please contact uwtintl@uw.edu.

Refund Conditions for Fees

1. If you withdraw prior to May 19, 2017, all payments, less the $250 Administrative Fee, will be refunded to you.
2. If you withdraw on or after May 19, but prior to May 31, 2017, you are obligated to pay 50% of the total cost of the program.
3. If you withdraw on or after June 1, 2017, you are obligated to pay the full cost of the program. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations, meals or other fees and services.

If you cannot participate in a study abroad program due to unanticipated changes in your financial situation, a medical emergency, death, military duty, or other unusual or extenuating circumstances, you may submit a Petition for Emergency Withdrawal. If granted, the Emergency Withdrawal may allow for partial or full relief from your financial obligations to the program. More information.

Notice of Withdrawal from the program MUST be made in writing and submitted to the Office of Global Affairs in GWP 102 or by mail to:

Office of Global Affairs

University of Washington Tacoma

Box: 358415

1900 Commerce Street

Tacoma, WA 98402

Changes in Costs or Scope of the Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by April 30, 2017 the program will be cancelled. Participants will be notified and the administrative and program fees will be refunded.

Equal opportunity and disability accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least 6 weeks in advance.