Overview
EAP's Hispanic Studies, Carlos III University of Madrid program enables you to spend a semester at one of Spain's more innovative universities. This program is designed for international students and provides unusual flexibility in course choices; you will take most of your classes from among the specially designed Hispanic Studies offerings, but you may also take a course or two with Spanish students in the regular Carlos III facultades. Located in the Madrid suburb of Getafe, Carlos III's modern campus offers a comfortable environment in which to study while still remaining within reach of downtown Madrid.
Imagine ready access to the art and culture of this cosmopolitan capital. The art museums alone will take a semester to investigate! Staff in EAP's office at Carlos III will not only assist you with your academic life, but will keep you informed about great destinations and special events throughout the city.
Students attend classes with international students and (mostly) UC students in the Hispanic Studies courses, and with Spanish students in regular university classes or mini-cursos.
Course Opportunities
This program features Spanish culture and exploration of Spain's place in Europe and the world. You may supplement the Hispanic Studies classes with a class from the regular facultades of Carlos III University, although this is easier to do in the spring semester when the calendars better coincide. Carlos III also offers 1- or 2-unit humanities mini-cursos that allow you to learn about the topics most exciting to a variety of public figures and to share a classroom with Spanish students.
Five courses are required for all students:
- Spanish 114, Spanish 118, or Spanish 128, depending on placement, for 4.5 UC quarter units (intermediate students take two: Spanish 107 and Spanish 108)
- Four other Hispanic Studies courses for 4.5 UC quarter units each (or substitute one regular Carlos III course)
Units
Students generally enroll in five or six courses to meet the minimum requirement of 21 UC upper-division quarter units. All students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.
Language of Instruction
Spanish
Language Study
Language study is required during the semester.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Internships are not an option through this program.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: early September to mid-December
Spring: early February to late May (regular university courses follow a different calendar)
You may extend your EAP participation from the fall to the spring (regular university courses). You will need to plan in advance for your visa.
Housing
The EAP Study Center arranges rooms in advance in private homes in Madrid or Getafe (the suburb where Carlos III University is located). EAP's housing coordinator and on-site staff work hard to appropriately match student needs with homestay situations. Most homes are located in Madrid. The hosts are not necessarily families, but most have been welcoming EAP students for years and are familiar with student needs.
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 local 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
Carlos III University of Madrid
Organized very specifically in the spirit of Spain’s 1977 Constitution and the associated university reform movement, Carlos III is dedicated to the concept of an integrated education that combines science and culture as parts of the same global ideal. As such, its degree structures and course offerings are modern, flexible, and interdisciplinary. Carlos III departs from the traditional Spanish university structure by requiring that all undergraduates, regardless of their major concentration (carrera), complete a certain number of hours of instruction in the humanities (which may be equated to UC’s breadth requirements). Carlos III University enrolls some 13,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and has more than 1,200 faculty members on its three campuses. The Hispanic Studies Program takes place at the Getafe campus, located approximately 40 minutes by bus from the center of Madrid. The university has extensive opportunities for students to participate in cultural activities and sports. The modern campus has caféterias, restaurants, a bookstore, and a bank.
Visit the Carlos III University 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 Carlos III University
- Accident and medical insurance
- Arrival hotel and transportation to homestay locations
- On-site orientation
- Homestay lodging and meals
- Two-day excursion to Andalucía
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Thanksgiving dinner
- 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 |
$11,800 |
| Spring |
$15,000 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Minimum two years of university-level Spanish are required by the end of the last term prior to departure (or earlier if required by campus). 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. Contact your Campus EAP 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:
