Academic Focus
The Business, Art & Politics 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, international relations, 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 three to four electives.
Early Start
This program also features a unique Early Start option, where you will arrive early and take a two-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 45 contact hours of language instruction, which is usually worth 3 credits in the US semester system. During the intensive language portion of the program, students will meet Monday through Friday.
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 language courses and electives meet for a total of 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits in the US semester system. If students enroll in 5 classes, they can earn up to 15 credits in the US semester system. However, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded.
*Please note that students participating in the Early Start option during spring 2009 will attend a 3-week 4-credit Spanish Language Preparatory course. The 2-week 3-credit option will begin fall 2009.
Schedule Summary
Semester classes at the GlobalCampus meet one to three times per week for a total of 3 contact hours. Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday although study trips and other required fieldwork may occur on Fridays. Classes are offered at various times throughout the day. Class timetables will be released approximately three months before the program closure date, and your final course schedule will be posted to your MyCEA Account around two weeks before the program start date.
Course Registration
Students must register for courses prior to departure for Madrid. A course preference form will be posted to your MyCEA Account when course timetables are released. This form should be completed upon submission of your confirmation deposit but no later than the program closure date. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so it is in your best interest to submit your course preference form as soon as possible.
Course preferences are considered final when submitted to CEA. You will take an online language placement exam prior to the program closure date. However, your final language placement will be determined onsite after the completion of an oral exam, and your final registration for language courses will be adjusted accordingly. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to submitting your course preference form.
