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Study Abroad

Madrid, Spain

Introduction

Madrid has signified wealth, culture, and imperial power for the centuries that followed its foundation as Spain's capital in 1561. Today Madrid is not only the political capital of Spain, but also the contemporary capital of Spanish culture, finance, industry, and history. Madrid is a fast-paced, high-energy city of 3 million people. For the student, Madrid offers culture, music, food, and lots of life to absorb while you are learning Spanish!

The heartbeat of Madrid is its street life, particularly in Old Madrid, centering around the Plaza del Sol. It is from here that Madrid's main thoroughfares fan out to the rest of the city. Known for its fountains, 18th century neoclassical architecture, and incredible museums, Madrid has many elaborate parks and plazas to wander.

For art lovers, Madrid offers endless pleasures. You'll find treasures by old masters Velazquez and Goya as well as works by 20th century giants, including Dali and Picasso. None of Madrid's museums is greater or more renowned than the Museo del Prado. It houses over 3,000 paintings, every one a masterpiece. Holdings include works by Italian and Flemish artists, and numerous Spanish and European painters.

Academic Overview

Full information on the programs below is available from the Study Abroad Office. Note: These programs will earn Fairfield University credit and grades.

The University Complutense of Madrid was founded in 1492 in the city of Alcalá de Henares (about 40 km. outside Madrid). It was moved to Madrid in 1836, and is one of the most prestigious universities in Spain. International students have been welcomed to the school for over 50 years.

There is also an English-language program available in the university area of Madrid. All courses through this program are offered in English, with the exception of Spanish Language courses.

Hispanic Studies Program at Complutense University

This program provides advanced language instruction, while allowing students to choose from a variety of electives. Students will take a placement exam upon arrival and be placed into a level based on the results of this exam. Students take 5 courses. You have the option of enrolling in courses with Spaniards (proficiency in the Spanish language is required for this option). All students must take 3 credits of Spanish. This program is for students who have comleted 4 to 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent.

English Speaking Liberal Arts Program

Courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. This program is primarily for those students who wish to study in English with the option of taking some courses in Spanish. Students will choose 5 courses per semester. All students must take 3 credits of Spanish. Prior knowledge of the language is not required. Not recommended for students who have more than 3 semesters of Spanish or equivalent.

Student Life

Madrid is cosmopolitan, offering all the attributes you would expect in a fast-paced, world-class city. In a plaza or wandering down the many "paseos," visiting the museums and monuments, strolling through the university campus or just relaxing in a park, the energy of Madrid belongs to its street life and its warm people. To study in Madrid is to experience more than a classroom; it is to experience the history of Spain and its people.

During the semester, students will be offered many social and cultural activities, including movies, concerts, theater programs, bullfights, "intercambios" (language exchanges with local students, based on schedules and interested number of students), and more. Entrance fees to these activities are included.

A number of excursions are included in the program, including El Escorial, Toledo, Barcelona, Granada, Seville, and more.

Housing

Students live with host families. Host family living provides a unique opportunity to interact with Spaniards on a daily basis, to live in a home environment, to experience Spanish culture firsthand, and to eat traditional cuisine. Host families may consist of a single señora (with or without children) or may be a traditional two-parent household. Host families provide students with three meals a day, laundry service, linens, and a key to come and go. Families are carefully screened by API. This will ensure the best reception in your new country.

For students who prefer not to live with host families, other living arrangements may be made, depending on location and availability.

Academic Calendar

For exact dates, please check with the Study Abroad Office.

Costs

Students pay the normal Fairfield University fees for tuition, room, and board. The program cost includes:

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Meals and laundry (in homestays)
  • Medical and life insurance
  • Excursions (overnight and day)
  • Social and cultural activities
  • On-site directors and staff
  • Ground transportation
  • Pre-departure and on-site orientation
  • Airport receptions
  • Mobile phone
  • Student services
  • Post-program evaluation

Application Procedure

Deadlines: Fall Semester: March 15; Spring semester: October 1

  • Application materials are available at the Study Abroad Office.
  • All students must schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor before applying.
  • All students must obtain course pre-approval for their semester abroad.