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City description | Universities |
Costs | What's included | Course offerings | Photos |
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City Description
A large city that can go from modern in one neighborhood to medieval in the next, Madrid is impressive both in size and status. Spain's capital not only sits conveniently in the center of the country, but it is also the country's center for art, shopping, politics, cuisine, film, and all facets of modern Spanish culture. It is also the home of the Spanish royal family. Covering 375 square miles, it seems amazing that there are only 4 million people living within its borders.
Madrid can be described as a city of contrasts. It can go from colorful to gray, from ancient to new, from quiet to bustling, in the blink of an eye. Although the oldest part of the city, called "El Centro," has narrow, winding cobblestone streets reminiscent of their 16th and 17th century origins, other parts of the city have wide, sprawling boulevards lined with shops, restaurants, flats, businesses, theatres, and everything one would expect in a nation's capital. This is just one of the reasons why countless students and tourists choose Madrid as their destination, and when it's time to go home, find the city's charm and energy difficult to leave behind.
The most famous sites in Madrid are located in the city center, within walking distance of each other. From the grand Plaza Mayor, it takes only a few minutes to walk to the Puerta del Sol, and then to Madrid's world-famous "Triangle of Art," which will make any art lover feel as if they have died and gone to heaven. Madrid's Triangle of Art is composed of three very distinct and important art museums. First, begin by visiting the majestic Museo del Prado, which is considered to be one of the finest art museums the world over. The Prado houses artwork from the 12th -17th century, its most celebrated works being from El Greco, Velázquez, Raphael, Ribera, Goya, and many others. In stark contrast to the Prado, and only steps away, the avant-garde Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía presents the opposite side of the artistic spectrum. The Reina Sofia contains some of the world's most famous modern artwork, including Picasso's tragic Guernica, and works by Joan Miró and, of course, the inimitable Salvador Dalí. Finally, a visit to Madrid's Triangle of Art would not be complete without seeing the fascinating and diverse collection at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Thyssen is actually the former private collection of a Baron and covers an extraordinarily wide range of periods, from the 14th to the 20th century. Holding the world's largest private collection of art, the Thyssen displays works from such varied artists as van Dyck, Caravaggio, Gaugin, Renoir, Degas, Monet, van Gogh, Picasso, Pollack, and countless others. Although some say that that the Thyssen's Baroque collection surpasses even that of the Prado, you be assured that one seldom finds such a rich variety of artwork under one roof.
Although Madrid's art is certainly one of its strong points, the city doesn't begin and end with just art! There are beautiful parks on both sides of the city where you'll find los madrileños jogging, reading, sunbathing, or just relaxing. In every corner of the city, you'll also find more shops, cafes and restaurants than you could possibly visit in a lifetime.
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria click here for course offerings
Established in 1992, the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria combines European academic tradition with an American practical approach, resulting in a philosophy toward learning that is both innovative and flexible. The UFV believes that a well-rounded education can not be one dimensional, and must incorporate such key elements as raising social awareness, promoting a diverse and multi-cultural environment, providing a personalized approach to study, engaging the social and professional arenas outside of your campus, and of course, encouraging academic excellence.
The Universidad Francisco de Vitoria is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education of Spain and by the regional government of Madrid. Approximately 3,000 students attend the UFV, 300 of which are international students who come from 38 different countries. UFV's relatively small student body allows for an average class size of 20 and a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. Since there is a relatively small number of American students who attend the UFV, ASA students will have the rare opportunity to integrate with Spanish students, even while taking classes in English.
In addition, upon arrival every ASA student is assigned an academic advisor and a Spanish "Big Brother/Sister," a regular UFV student who will help you practice your Spanish, meet new friends, navigate the university, and just settle in. With such personalized attention to each student and an emphasis on multi-cultural learning, the UFV provides the perfect foundation for an exciting and enriching semester or year abroad.
Francisco de Vitoria was a Spanish Dominican scholar, and is considered to be one of the founding fathers of modern International Law. Born at the end of the 15th century, he was a professor at the Universities of Paris, Valladolid and Salamanca. He was a man whose qualities still inspire us today: insight, scientific rigor, respect for all, and a passion to seek the truth. Likewise, the university's motto is "Vince in bono malum," which in Latin means "Conquer Evil by doing Good."
The UFV is located in a suburb northeast of Madrid called Pozuelo de Alarcón, which is just eight miles from the Madrid city center and has a population of approximately 60,000. Students will be happy to learn that Madrid's public transportation system is top-notch and very affordable, so students can take advantage of everything Spain's capital has to offer during their free time. The Madrid Metro even offers a "joven" or youth monthly bus/subway pass with a reduced fare, for those 21 or younger.
One of the most unique aspects of the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria is that this university encourages all students-including study abroad students-to participate in an internship or service learning assignment for credit. ASA students with an intermediate or advanced level of Spanish may apply for an internship related to their major, after completing the UFV's Spanish Immersion Program, which all students take during their first month abroad. With assistance from the staff in the UFV's Aula Internacional (International Office), internship applicants are guided through the interview process at one of the 500+ companies with whom UFV is a partner.
Academically speaking, the UFV's Spanish Immersion Program is unparalleled in its ability to launch students into a successful semester or year abroad, because it not only helps students quickly grasp the basics of Spanish grammar and communication skills, but it also teaches the essentials about Spanish culture. Another important and fun part of the month-long Immersion Program is getting to know your host city of Madrid and its most important political and cultural sites. Plus, the Immersion Program incorporates a 12-hour photography workshop. This, coupled with a homestay with a Spanish family, plus the possibility of an internship with a Spanish company, will complete students' integration into Spanish culture. And of course, this holistic approach to learning is perfectly in line with the UFV's principal goal of providing all students with a well-rounded education.
Universidad Complutense de Madrid click here for course offerings
With such a strong cultural and intellectual commitment, it is only natural that Madrid is
also home to one of the most important universities in the country, the Universidad
Complutense de Madrid. The origins of the University go back seven centuries, when King
Sancho IV of Castile founded a study center in Alcala de Henares. In 1499, the University
acquired official status as a degree-granting institution and began accepting students for
the academic year 1508-1509. It was not until 1836 that the University was transferred
permanently to Madrid and renamed the Central University of Madrid.
The Universidad Complutense de Madrid is a state institution under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Education and Science. Approximately 125,000 students are enrolled each year, choosing
among 43 different areas of study. The main University Library has over a million volumes and 25,000
periodical publications. The institution boasts additional facilities, such as the Complutense
Museum and the Botanical Garden, that contribute greatly to the surrounding community.
The Nightlife
If the day doesn't leave you exhausted, the evening certainly will. With a mind-boggling assortment of clubs, bars, discos, theatres, and festivals, there is no lack of activity…ever! The nightlife of Madrid is truly unmatched and typically comes alive even later than the rest of Europe. It's not surprising that on average, Spaniards get one less hour of sleep per night than the rest of Europe, because many people begin eating dinner as late as 10-11pm and will not go to a discoteca until 1-2am. Naturally, this may take some getting used to when you first arrive, but before long, you will notice that Madrid's boundless energy and spirit has become a part of you, too.
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