CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Madrid, Spain

  Spain

• Madrid: 
Madrid

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 18 or 24 weeks: late August-mid-December; Spring 18 or 24 weeks: late January-late May or early June; Academic Year 36 or 48 weeks: late August-late May or early June

Description: The Liberal Arts program gives independent, advanced-level students the opportunity to matriculate in a combination of content courses in Hispanic studies (Estudios Hispanicos) and regular University courses in social sciences, humanities, journalism, pre-law, and engineering. Students also participate in seminars with Spanish students while they continue to improve their language skills and take advantage of the vibrant and rich cultural milieu of Madrid.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center at the Universidad Carlos III in Madrid opened in 2005. The CIEE academic program is geared towards advanced-level students who seek an academic experience, including a for-credit internship or professional teaching development program working with Spaniards, to complement their cultural immersion in a Spanish campus and urban setting.

The CIEE program is suitable for advanced 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 an on-site Spanish placement test to determine their language level.

During each semester, the humanities department offers 20 seminars taught by field experts. CIEE students can participate, for credit, alongside Spanish students. These short-term seminars are discussion-sized classes with various topics including, but not limited to, gender, environment, architecture, contemporary Spanish issues, cinema, literary movements, classical studies, history, philosophy, and the sciences.

Students interested in taking engineering courses should note that some of these 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 Leganés Campus).

Academic Culture
Classes follow a new European Union university model that varies from 15 to 25 students in group discussion sections and from 50 to 100 students in the main lecture sessions called clase Magistral. All courses meet two to three times a week, and classes are scheduled every day, Monday through Friday. Instruction consists of a main lecture session and smaller class sections for discussion and projects. Unlike many other Spanish universities, all Universidad Carlos III faculty must have a Ph.D. and they must work full time on campus and offer student office hours. Many faculty work with American, European, and other foreign students and are familiar with their expectations. Students participate in an active academic schedule that includes a variety of structured out-of-classroom activities with their Spanish peers.

When choosing regular University courses, keep in mind that Spanish students begin studying in their area of concentration from the first day of their university career. They are specialists, not generalists. Students should not enroll in courses in subjects they have not previously studied at the college level.

Estudios Hispánicos courses run from late August until mid-December in the fall; and in the spring, from late January to late May or early June. In the fall, regular University courses also run from late August to mid-December; and in the spring, from late January to late May or early June. The special humanities seminars are taught for 10 to 30 hours at varying times throughout the semester

While extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the students 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:

• Modern, wireless, green campus, offering students regular University courses in which they study alongside Spanish students; tutors and conversation exchanges available
  
• Many student clubs, from theater and sports to dance, choir, and orchestra
  
• Internships in the arts, business, and media
  
• Cultural and educational activities such as visits to museums, theaters, and galleries; excursions to sites of cultural importance in Madrid and Spain

The University Office of Cultural Activities organizes a number of cultural activities and sports 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, and much more.

Immersion
Intercambios
The University has a conversation exchange network (intercambios) with Spanish students at the Universidad Carlos III and with English-speaking students from the Cursos Estudios Hispánicos. Intercambios give students the chance to put into action what they are learning in their language course.

Community Involvement
Through the Universidad Carlos III community program, CIEE students can participate in volunteer work. Students may assist blind students, coordinate games and other activities with children, or visit with the elderly. Volunteer opportunities also exist with organizations focused on immigration and other social issues.

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
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 interesting in teaching during their time in Madrid. Basic teaching methods and cross-cultural issues are discussed.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

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.

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

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

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