Academic Focus
The Spanish Culture & Society Program is designed for students of all language levels who want to learn about the culture, history and society of Spain in an interactive setting. Choose your courses from a diverse liberal arts curriculum, offered in English and Spanish, either exploring new areas of study or continuing to take courses in your major. Elective courses are offered in subject areas such as art history, business, marketing, cultural studies, ecology and political science. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to study Spanish language, focusing on grammar, composition and conversation. Semester students will enroll in one Spanish language class and then three to four electives.
Early Start
This program also features a unique Early Start option, where you will arrive early and take a three week intensive language preparation course. This course is offered at the beginning and intermediate levels only and focuses on grammar and conversation. The course is designed to help you adjust to the Spanish language and culture and prepare you for the semester placement exam. Students participating in the Early Start option will receive an additional 60 contact hours of language instruction, which is usually worth 4 credits in the US semester system. During the intensive language portion of the program, students will meet Monday through Friday for a total of 20 hours per week.
No matter which option you choose, this program gives you the opportunity to discover the soul of Spain using the entire city of Madrid as your "campus." You will be fully immersed in Madrid society, enjoying direct interaction with people from all over the world, understanding the meaning of a cosmopolitan city and experiencing Madrid’s past and present through its monuments, streets and museums.
All semester courses meet for a total of 45 contact hours each semester. Students generally receive 3 semester credits per course, for a total of 12 - 15 credits per semester.
Schedule Summary
All semester classes meet either two or three times per week, for a total of 3 hours per week. Classes may be held on any day of the week and are offered at various times throughout the day. Class times vary and your final course schedule will be determined onsite.
Course Registration
Students must register for courses prior to departure for Madrid. A course selection form will be sent to you upon acceptance to the program and should be turned in with your confirmation deposit, or no later than the application closure date for your program. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so it is in your best interest to submit your course selection form as soon as possible.
Course registrations are considered final when submitted to CEA. The only adjustment that will be made to course registrations are for language courses and electives taught in Spanish. You will be given a language placement exam on the first day of class. If you do not test into the level anticipated, your registration for language courses will be adjusted. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to departure.
