Description

If you have a keen interest in exploring human rights and public policy issues related to gender, minorities, and other social issues in Spain and the European Union - and a strong desire to attend law school in the future - consider the CIEE Legal Studies study abroad program in Madrid, Spain. The only program taught in Spanish in the Spanish-speaking world for U.S. students, you'll immerse yourself even further in Spanish culture by studying alongside local students and by living with legal practitioners or scholars.

Academic Program
The CIEE Legal Studies program is designed for advanced Spanish language students who are highly motivated to improve their Spanish language skills through coursework focused on law, mediation, and human rights, while also participating in a Legal Studies internship in Madrid.

Academic Culture
The Law Department at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid offers various degree programs with a total enrollment of nearly 1,200 students. All courses are held in classroom buildings on the Getafe campus, where the Department of Law and the CIEE Study Center office are located. Courses are academically challenging, dynamic, and involve daily reading and homework assignments, as well as required attendance at lectures. The size of regular University courses varies from 25 to 80 students. The Advanced Spanish and Legal Language and Law in Contemporary Spain courses have an average of 15 students per class. University classrooms are modern, comfortable, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction. Students undertaking an internship meet regularly with the course coordinator and other CIEE students, but participants spend the majority of their internship for credit with an individual supervisor at the practicum site.

Universidad Carlos III is one of the only public universities in Spain with new education guidelines according to European Union regulations set forth in the Bologna Agreement, resulting in an academic schedule that is very similar to U.S. higher education. The CIEE courses offered in the fall semester begin in late August and end in December. Students enrolled in regular courses in the Law Department during the fall can arrange to take early exams in December. The spring semester program begins in late January and runs through late May or late June. Early departure is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights

* Take an advanced Spanish language course with a focus on legal terminology
* Focus on the Spanish legal system through a CIEE core course; take regular University courses in law and political science; consider a law-related internship
* Live with other Legal Studies students and a CIEE Resident Fellow affiliated with the Universidad Carlos III
* Continue class outside the classroom through activities such as visits to Congress, Parliament, and guided tours of the historical district

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is supplemented with required cultural activities, field trips to points of interest in the Madrid metropolitan area, and two weekend excursions to historical sites in Spain. These may include visits in Madrid (Congress, Parliament, the High Courts, or guided tours of the historic district), day excursions to historic Toledo to explore its Jewish and legal heritage, the Natural Park of Hoces de Duratón, the Monastary of El Escorial, the Roman architecture of the city of Segovia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alcala de Henares, or the Royal Palace and gardens of Aranjuez, as well as a weekend excursion to see the governing institutions of the EU in Brussels, Belgium. CIEE offers one additional weekend trip for all participants which may be to Asturias, Galicia, Extremadura, or Andalusia on the peninsula or Tenerife, Lanzarote, or La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Field trips and excursions supplement class work and introduce students to the rich diversity of the geographic, linguistic, and cultural areas of Spain and its major cities.

The University's Espacio de Estudiantes and Aula de las Arteso organize a number of cultural and sports activities in which CIEE students are expected to participate alongside Spanish students. Students can choose from hiking, regional excursions, theater, dance, orchestra, kayaking, swimming, and much more.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, all meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• 6 semesters of college- level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947