Overview
Enjoy the historical neighborhoods, museums, cafés, contemporary culture, and democratic enthusiasm of Madrid. Students going for the fall semester will be pressed to fit everything in. Go for the year and enjoy the late night dinners, sociability of the plazas, choices of music and film, clubs, return visits to your favorite art exhibits, and relaxed environment of your favorite café.
Attend classes at the prestigious Complutense University of Madrid, the largest university in Spain. Like most major European universities, the Complutense has medieval origins, but in the late 20th century a dramatic expansion and modernization placed it at the forefront of higher education in Spain. You may pursue virtually any major at Complutense, and the EAP Study Center Director and staff stand ready to assist you in navigating the academic offerings of this large institution. Consider the summer Pre-Intensive Language Program (pre-ILP), Cádiz if you believe you might benefit from additional preparation.
Students attend classes with Spanish and international students.
Course Opportunities
Regular university courses in most academic disciplines are available, as well as a selection of core courses specially organized by the EAP Study Center.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Units
ILP: 3 to 6 UC quarter units
Term: 18 UC quarter units per semester
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. Students generally enroll in four courses to meet the minimum unit requirement.
Language of Instruction
Spanish
Language Study
The program begins with a four-week Spanish intensive language program (ILP). During the year, Spanish language study is available but not required.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Internships for academic credit and independent study may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the EAP Study Center after arrival.
Find Out More.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: mid-August to early February
Pre-ILP + Fall: mid-July to early February
Pre-ILP + Year: mid-July to early July
Year: mid-August to early July
Students participating in the fall option will not return in time for the winter quarter at UC.
You may extend your EAP participation from the fall to the year option (plan in advance for your visa).
Housing
During the ILP, you will live in program-assigned housing. After the ILP, you may seek out housing in an apartment, private home, boarding house, or colegio mayor (university residence) and live with international, Spanish, or other UC students.
On-site Support
EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. EAP programs in Madrid are administered by a UC faculty member who serves as Study Center Director. The Madrid Study Center Director and staff help students integrate into Spanish culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).
Host Institutions
Complutense University of Madrid
The prestigious Complutense University of Madrid is the largest university in Spain, enrolling nearly 100,000 students on two campuses.The Moncloa campus, known as the Ciudad Universitaria, is an extensive complex of 20th-century architecture occupying its own grounds on the western edge of Madrid. It accommodates the vast majority of facultades. The EAP Study Center is located on the Somosaguas campus, a smaller facility that also houses the Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales. In either setting, EAP students may take advantage of an intensely urban university setting in which to interact with the academic and social culture of Madrid.
Visit the Complutense University of Madrid website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
- Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
- Round-trip airfare from California
- UC fees
- Tuition at the Complutense
- Accident and medical insurance
- Arrival reception and orientation
- Intensive language program instruction and lodging at the colegio mayor
- Room and board during the remainder of the program
- Tour of Madrid
- Participation in language exchange with Spanish students
- Two-day excursion to Andalucía
- Thanksgiving dinner
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$17,800 |
| Pre-ILP + Fall |
$21,500 |
| Pre-ILP + Year |
$33,300 |
| Year |
$29,700 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior
Language Prerequisite
Minimum two years of university-level Spanish are required by the end of the last term before departure (or earlier if required by the Campus EAP Office), or five quarters/three semesters Spanish plus enrollment in the Pre-Intensive Language Program (pre-ILP), Cádiz. If at the time the program starts it will have been a year or more since you last took a Spanish course, it is recommended that you refresh your proficiency. You are eligible for the Pre-Intensive Language Program (pre-ILP), Cádiz. Contact your Campus Advisor for details.
GPA
2.85 cumulative and 2.85 language GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.
Minimum Criteria
All applicants must also have:
- Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into
the student’s UC degree program
- Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully
to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and
exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
- A willingness to abide by program regulations
- An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all
campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.
Deadlines
Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.
For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.
Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:
