Madrid
QUICK FACTS
| HOST INSTITUTIONS | Universidad Carlos III (AACSB accredited) Universidad Nebrija |
|---|---|
| LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT | Universidad Carlos III: Open to any Spanish level Universidad Nebrija: Open to any Spanish level |
| HOUSING | Spanish homestay |
| SAMPLE OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS | Sevilla |
| SAMPLE DAY EXCURSIONS | Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial |
| VISA SERVICE | ASA may be able to get your Student Visa FOR YOU depending on which state you live/study in. Minimum number of sign-ups may be required. The additional fee for this service is $150. Full details will be sent to eligible students after they are accepted to the ASA program. If you do not live or study in these specific states, you will need to apply for your visa on your own – ASA will send you detailed, helpful information about how to apply for your visa on your own after you are accepted. |
| PROGRAM CALENDARS | Click here! |
THE CITY
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a fascinating city that can go from ultra-modern in one neighborhood to medieval the next. The oldest part of the city, El Centro, has narrow, winding cobblestone streets that show the city’s ancient origins. Elsewhere, find skyscrapers and wide, sprawling boulevards lined with department stores, markets, restaurants, discotecas, theatres, monuments, and museums.
Madrid is the country’s center of politics, fashion, art, cuisine, film, and all facets of contemporary Spanish culture. The 4 million people who live in the nation’s capital are intensely proud of their city and heritage and love to share their knowledge of Spanish language, culture, and history with visitors. You will soon learn to both understand and replicate the distinctive Spanish accent of this region, called Castellano (Castilian).
Many of the most famous spots 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 just a few minutes more to the world-famous “Triangle of Art.” In this part of the city, any art lover will find their bliss, with 3 of the world’s most important art collections at your fingertips: the incomparable Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofía, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.
If you’re a sports fan, watching a Real Madrid soccer match is a must! Or enjoy one of the city’s beautiful parks, where you’ll find madrileños jogging, reading, or sunbathing. Finally, you may have heard about Madrid’s legendary nightlife – it will make you wonder why New York is called the city that never sleeps!
Your location in the center of the country will make it easy to visit other parts of Spain, as the Madrid airport and train stations will take you just about anywhere in the country. With high speed rail lines going to Sevilla and Barcelona, you can sometimes get to your destination faster by train than by plane. If you need to fly, however, the airport is conveniently connected to any part of the city by the Metro (subway).
COURSE OFFERINGS
SEMESTER & ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
Business Studies at Universidad Carlos III (AACSB accredited)
HOST INSTITUTIONS
Universidad Carlos III
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) was founded in 1989 and is one of the most prestigious universities in Spain. Academics are taken seriously, as Carlos III was one of the first Spanish universities to meet the updated requirements set forth by the European Higher Education Area. The university currently has over 17,000 students spread across 3 campuses, and has quickly become well respected for the quality of its teaching and academic research. The campuses ASA students will attend - the Getafe campus and the Leganés campus - are located about 8 miles south of Madrid and are easily accessible by train. For most students, the commute takes approximately 30 minutes each way – a reasonable commute in a city the size of Madrid.
The Hispanic Studies Program at Universidad Carlos III is recommended for Spanish majors or any students with strong preparation in Spanish who wish to study various facets of Spanish language and culture. UC3M also offers a Hispanic Studies Program in English that is designed especially for students at the Beginner and Low Intermediate Spanish levels.
UC3M’s AACSB accreditation is beneficial for students enrolling in their Business Studies program. Finally, UC3M also offers a bilingual Engineering program.
Universidad Nebrija
Universidad Nebrija is a private university founded in 1995. ASA students will take classes primarily at the Universidad Nebrija campus located in the city center, the Madrid-Princesa Campus. Universidad Nebrija also has 2 other campuses: the Berzosa Campus in Northern Madrid and the Dehesa Campus near Moncloa. All campuses are easily accessible by Madrid’s metro system.
Universidad Nebrija offers 2 different programs: the Hispanic Studies Program or the Spanish Plus Program. The Hispanic Studies Program is a good fit for students who want to significantly improve their Spanish language skills in just one semester, as well as Spanish majors and Spanish minors.
The Spanish Plus Program allows students to take courses taught in English or Spanish in Business, Management, History, International Relations, Spanish Language, Spanish Culture, and more. Classes in English are open to students of any Spanish level.
excursions
1 overnight and 2 day excursions are included with your program fee. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:
Sevilla (overnight excursion) - Sevilla is a city that stimulates all of the senses – the flutter of Flamenco guitar coming from the nighttime tablaos, the heady fragrance of orange trees, the smell of freshly made tapas being delivered to an outdoor table, and the colorful Spanish tiles that grace buildings, plazas, and street signs. The vibrancy of this city, its people’s zest for life, and its ancient multicultural history are reflected in its aesthetic everywhere you look.
Toledo (day excursion) – Located about an hour outside of Madrid, this medieval hilltop city has one of the most important cultural heritages in Spain, as well as a fascinating history of co-existence of Muslims, Jews, and Christians from the 8th to the 15th century. You won’t want to miss the world-famous collection of El Greco paintings and the gorgeous cathedral.
Segovia (day excursion) – The history of Segovia dates back to the Celts – even before the Romans, who took power of the city in about 75 BC. Segovia has some of the most unforgettable sites in Spain, such as the Roman aqueducts built in 81 AD that, amazingly, still carried water into the city until the mid 19th century. The stunning Alcázar of Segovia, a castle and fortress, sits on a hill overlooking the city and was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle!
EXPERIENCES
Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!
Did you go abroad with ASA and have a memorable experience we should add to this list? Email us at hello@academicstudies.com!
HOUSING
Students live in Spanish homestays. Daily breakfast and dinner are included, as well as 1 load of laundry per week. Rooms are single or double occupancy. We cannot guarantee you a single room. Bathrooms are shared. Homestays usually host 1-3 students at a time. ASA housing includes Internet and is located in safe neighborhoods, within a reasonable distance from school. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (primary series) is required to live in a homestay. Students who request homestay housing are required to share their COVID-19 vaccination card with ASA by the Payment Deadline. Please click here for full details about ASA’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.
HOUSING FAQ
+ Can I room with a friend?
Yes, if there are no major differences in your and your friend's dietary needs and allergies, we are usually able to accommodate requests to live with a same-sex friend. Please keep in mind that roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back! You will complete a detailed Housing Questionnaire after being accepted to the program, and on this form you can request a roommate.
+ When will I find out where I’ll be living?
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a description of your homestay and the location, and if there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
+ What if I don’t like my host family?
If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.
+ Will my host family speak English?
No, but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn Spanish, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. Also, don’t forget that they've hosted international students before, so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.
+ Will I have a roommate?
Yes, you may have a roommate, as rooms can be either double or single occupancy. We cannot guarantee you a single room.
+ What should I bring with me?
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Please consider bringing a small gift for your host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.
+ What is the food like?
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
+ How far will I live from the school?
Most homestays are located within a 45-minute commute from your university, by subway or train. This is a normal commute in a city the size of Madrid. Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!
Accessibility & Inclusion
Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Information for underrepresented groups considering Madrid will be posted below soon. In the meantime, you can check out Diversity Abroad’s Spain Travel Guide.
If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please call us at 617-327-9388 or email hello@academicstudies.com.
ELIGIBILITY
Universidad Carlos III
Semester/Academic Year
Requirements:
Minimum GPA 3.0 (Students with GPA below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Language requirement: Open to students with a High Intermediate or Advanced level of Spanish (completed at least 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent)
At least 18 years of age
Must have graduated from high school
Official Transcript from your college or university. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution.
One recommendation letter from a professor or adviser at your college/university (must speak to your ability to take classes in the host language)
Personal Statement/Letter of Motivation (1-2 pages) written in Spanish.
ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
Universidad Nebrija
Semester/Academic Year
Requirements:
Minimum GPA 2.5 (Students with GPA between 2.30-2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
At least 17 years of age
Must have graduated from high school
Official transcript from most recent institution attended.
ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
COST & DATES
Billing Information and Cancellation Policy
Price Breakdowns / Estimated Costs of Attendance
Please wait to book a flight until you receive arrival instructions from ASA.
universidad carlos iii
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 Arrive Jan. 22 - Depart June 5 | $16,595 | Oct. 1, '23 | Oct. 30, '23 | MSSP1-24 | Yes |
universidad nebrija
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 Arrive Feb. 1 - Depart May 23 | $15,395 | Oct. 1, '23 | Oct. 30, '23 | MSSP2-24 | Yes |
| Fall 2024 Mid Sept. - Mid Dec. | $15,295 | Extended to April 15, '24 | May 15, '24 | MSF2-24 | Yes |
| Academic Year 2024-2025 Mid Sept. - Late May | $29,740 | April 1, '24 | May 15, '24 | MSAY2-24-25 | Yes |
| Spring 2025 Early Feb - Mid May | TBA | Oct. 1, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | MSSP2-25 | Yes |
Academic Year price includes a $1,000 discount, applied during the second semester of participation.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
INCLUDED
ROOM & BOARD in a Spanish homestay with daily breakfast and dinner and 1 load of laundry per week included
TUITION for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.
ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Final transcript is issued by your host institution. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.
EXCURSIONS: 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions, locations to be decided
INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.
AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from Madrid (MAD) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.
SITE DIRECTOR: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.
VISA ADVISING: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” to find out if a visa is required for your program.
For students going on an ASA program to Spain - ASA may be able to get your Student Visa FOR YOU depending on which state you live/study in. Minimum number of sign-ups may be required. The additional fee for this service is $150. Full details will be sent to eligible students after they are accepted to the ASA program. If you do not live or study in the specific states listed above, you will need to apply for your visa on your own – ASA will send you detailed, helpful information about how to apply for your visa on your own after you are accepted.
PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION
SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP
SUBSCRIPTION TO MINDHAMOK: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs
Not Included
Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location
Books, materials, lab fees
Local transportation
Personal expenses
Daily lunch
Meals on excursions
Student visa, if required
Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time
Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program
For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students only, medical insurance during winter break is included.
If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance for your financial aid office, or if you simply want an estimate of the not-included costs listed above, please click here.