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Host Institution: Universidad Francisco de Vitoria

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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.