Overview
Attend CIEE Spain: Engineering, Technology + Sciences in Madrid program in Madrid to take courses in English and/or Spanish at the award-winning research partner school, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). This program is designed for students who want to learn Spanish and gain insight into Spanish and European culture while immersing themselves in Spanish university life. Students are required to take at least one course in the area of engineering, technology, or science.
Although it is helpful, you do not need to have prior experience with the Spanish language in order to apply.
Academics
During the semester, you take a blend of courses at the CIEE Madrid Study Center and UC3M. If needed, you can take all of your coursework in English. However, please note that students are required to take at least one course in the area of engineering, technology, or science.
Please note that courses taught in Spanish are available to heritage or advanced-level speakers only. Interested students must take an online placement exam, and the results determine appropriate placement in many upper-level courses. Typically, students need to demonstrate five (5) semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.
UC3M has several campus locations, but you will take engineering classes on the Leganés campus. You can also take courses at the main campus, Getafe, which offers a wide variety of disciplines, from sociology, economics, communications, political science, and law. It takes approximately 25 minutes by bus to travel between the Leganés and Getafe campuses.
If you are a SEAS student, you will typically attend this program during the spring of your sophomore year; however, select majors may find appropriate courses for junior year.
Program Features
You will have the option to live in a homestay, residence hall, or shared apartment with CIEE students. All housing options are located near supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, and public transport and provide the convenience of urban living in one of Europe's largest cosmopolitan city settings. Please note that all housing options are within 30 to 70 minutes of the Puerta de Sol train station (near the CIEE Madrid Center).
To have a more immersive experience, you are encouraged to select the homestay option. This experience allows you to be immersed into a Spanish lifestyle, such as taking breakfasts and dinners with your Spanish hosts and participating in la sobremesa (discussion around the table) and other Spanish customs.
The academic program is supplemented with excursions to various sites in Spain and co-circular activities to enhance classroom learning.
Eligibility
Review eligibility to ensure that you meet all Columbia requirements to study abroad.
Review the external program webpage to understand any additional program prerequisites.
Application Instructions
To apply, you must complete the two steps below. Deadlines vary, and some applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, you should complete the steps below simultaneously:
- To apply for Columbia clearance (approval) to study abroad, click on "Start Your Application" on this webpage. Clearance applications are approved on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this webpage.
- To apply for program admission, complete an external application directly on the program webpage. Note that this deadline may be in advance of the Columbia clearance deadline.