CIEE Study Center at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

  Spain

• Madrid: 
Madrid

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 18 or 24 weeks: early Sept-mid-Dec or mid-Feb; Spring 18 or 24 weeks: early Feb-late May or late June; Academic Year 36 or 48 weeks: early Sept-late May or late June

Description: The program allows independent, advanced level students the opportunity to matriculate in a combination of content courses in Hispanic studies 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 in Madrid began in 2005 at the Universidad Carlos III, one of Europes preeminent public universities. The CIEE academic program is geared towards advanced level students who seek an academic experience, including a forcredit internship, to complement their cultural immersion in a Spanish campus and urban setting.

Given the acknowledged excellence of the faculty and course offerings at Carlos III, 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, or engineering. All students must complete a Spanish placement test on-site to determine their language level. Courses in Spanish literature and anthropology are limited.

Each semester the Humanities department opens up to forty 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 topics varying but not limited to gender, environment, architecture, contemporary Spanish issues, cinema, literary movements, history, 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 Leganés Campus).

Academic Culture
Classes are small- to mid-sized (varying from 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. Carlos III faculty has worked with American, European, and other foreign students for many years and are familiar with their expectations. Students should expect to maintain an active academic schedule that includes a variety of structured out-of-classroom 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 the first day of their university career. They are specialists, not generalists. 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 in subjects they have not previously studied at the college-level.

Estudios Hispánicos courses run from early September until mid-December in the fall; and in the spring from mid-February to late May. In the fall, regular university courses run from early October to mid-February; and in the spring, from late-February to late June. The special humanities seminars are taught for 1030 hours at varying times throughout the semester. Please note that exams for regular university fall semester courses can take place as late as mid-February. Early exams cannot be arranged.

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:

• Enroll in regular university courses in a wide variety of disciplines alongside Spanish students at a modern, technologically-advanced, green, midsize campus
  
• Join various student clubs at Carlos III in theater, sports, dance, choir, orchestra and community programs
  
• Intern in the fields of arts, government, media, or teaching
  
• Unique professional opportunity in spring you can be the teacher of your own language class

Immersion
Intercambios
The University has a conversation exchange network (intercambios) with Spanish students at Carlos III and 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
CIEE students can assist Spanish students with disabilities, children, and the elderly through the Universidad Carlos III community program. Students work with these groups throughout the semester and may assist blind students, coordinate games and other activities with children, or visit with the elderly. Volunteer opportunities also exist with immigration and other social issues.

Personal Skills Development and Culture Workshops
In conjunction with the Universidad Carlos III, CIEE staff coordinate a series of noncredit workshops for participants 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 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.

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 a period up to ten weeks.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: See below for CIEE Fees

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 3.0
* Spring applicants: Minimum of 6 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent
" Fall applicants: Minimum of 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

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. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947