Description

If you have at least three years of college-level Spanish, a Spanish language GPA of 3.0, a strong desire to be challenged academically, and a keen interest in participating in Spanish society by completely immersing yourself in Spanish culture by speaking only Spanish - in class, at your place of residence, and with fellow program participants - then the Liberal Arts study abroad program in Madrid, Spain is ideal for you.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Madrid opened in 2005 at the Universidad Carlos III, one of Europe's preeminent public universities. The CIEE academic program is geared towards advanced level Spanish speakers who seek a quality academic experience, including a for-credit internship with Spaniards, to complement their cultural immersion in an urban setting and at a Spanish campus.

The CIEE program is suitable for advanced Spanish undergraduates with strong language skills, serious dedication to academic work, and a background in the humanities, social sciences, computer science, or engineering. All students must complete a Spanish placement test on site to determine their language level.

Each semester the Humanities department holds as many as thirty seminars taught by field experts in which CIEE students can participate alongside Spanish students for credit. These short-term seminars are discussion-size classes with various topics including but not limited to gender, environment, architecture, contemporary Spanish issues, mediation, cinema, literary movements, classical studies, history, religion, philosophy, and the sciences.

Students interested in taking engineering courses should note that some engineering courses are taught in English but many are taught in Spanish. Students are not encouraged to take a full course load of engineering courses (taught at the Leganes Campus).

Academic Culture
Classes are small- to mid-sized (15 to 60 students). All courses meet two to three times a week and classes are scheduled every day, Monday through Friday. Instruction is usually lecture style and in practice groups. Carlos III faculty has worked with American, European, and other foreign students for many years and is familiar with their expectations. Students should expect to maintain an active academic schedule that includes a variety of structured extra-curricular activities with Spanish students from the University.

When choosing regular university courses, keep in mind that Spanish students begin to study in their area of concentration from their first day at the University. They specialize and do not tend to take general or core courses. Spain does not have a liberal arts educational tradition and different degrees do not have survey or introductory type classes as in the United States. Students should not enroll in courses for subjects they have not previously studied at the college level.

Estudios Hispanicos and regular university courses run from early September until early December in the fall, and from late January to late April or late May in the spring. The special Humanities seminars are taught for 10-30 hours at varying times throughout the semester. Please note that exams for regular university fall semester courses can take place as late as late January. Early exams must be arranged before confirming final class registration on site.

While extra-curricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's overall European experience, attendance in class is mandatory. Early departure for or late return from vacations is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during the vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights

• Take classes on an accessible and modern, wireless, green campus offering students regular University courses alongside Spanish students; perfect your spoken Spanish with tutors and conversation exchanges
  
• Participate in a cultural agenda and volunteer program, or join University student clubs, from theater and sports to dance, choir, and orchestra
  
• Intern in the local community based on your major and add real-life work experience to your resume
  
• Explore Madrid and Spain through cultural and educational activities

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

Immersion
Intercambios
CIEE, in collaboration with the University's Aula de Idiomas, organizes conversation exchanges (Intercambios) between Spanish students at the Universidad Carlos III and CIEE participants. Intercambios give students the chance to put into action what they are learning in their language course, meet their Spanish peers, and set up individual language activities.

Community Involvement
The CIEE volunteer program collaborates with local schools, associations, and outreach programs giving students the opportunity to volunteer in the local community by assisting children, youth, or the disabled. CIEE students can also participate in volunteer work through the Universidad Carlos III community program. Students may assist students with disabilities, coordinate games and other activities with children, or visit with the elderly.

Personal Skills Development and Culture
Workshops In conjunction with the Universidad Carlos III, CIEE coordinates a series of non-credit workshops each semester dealing with personal development while living abroad. Some workshops are only open to CIEE students, while others allow interaction with Spanish students and invited speakers. Past workshop topics have included culture shock, dating across cultures, race and identity issues, eating well and basic cooking methods, stress management, job interview skills, and re-entry at the end of the semester.

Language Tutors
Students have the opportunity to check their written assignments and receive language help at the University's Aula de Idiomas. Additional language support is offered for regular University courses. With CIEE supervision, students enrolled in these courses may find tutors (either graduate students or classmates) who are willing to help them get the most out of the class. In general, tutors meet once a week for an hour as necessary for up to 10 weeks.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language
A workshop on Teaching English as a Foreign Language is offered each semester for students interested in teaching during their time in Madrid. Basic teaching methods and cross-cultural issues are discussed. Students receive a packet of essential teaching materials to support their individual initiatives on site.

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, two meals per day in the homestay option, orientation, organized cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

*No meals are included for students in the Residencia option.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall 3.0 GPA
• 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent to enroll in Estudios Hispanicos courses
• 6 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent to enroll in regular university courses

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

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