Overview
This intensive seven-week program allows beginning students of Spanish to accelerate their language training and encounter the cultural wealth of Spain. The program takes advantage of the modern classrooms, library, and technology of the Instituto Internacional in the charming neighborhood of Chamberrí. Language instructors come from the universities of the capital and offer Madrid itself as the ultimate language lab.
Visits to many of Madrid's world-class museums are included as part of the culture course, so you can use your free time to investigate Spanish music or cinema, enjoy the city's lively nightlife, relax in the shady Parque del Retiro, or stroll through the busy streets on warm summer nights. No matter where you go, there will be plenty to do and see.
A weekend excursion to Galicia provides an additional perspective on Spanish culture and offers contrast to the many outings in and around Madrid.
Students attend classes with other UC students.
Course Opportunities
The focus of the program is Spanish language acquisition at the beginning level. If you have had prior university-level instruction in Spanish, you may be able to use this program's course work to satisfy certain UC campus foreign language degree requirements.
Two courses are required:
Units
All students take two classes in order to meet the requirement of 12 UC quarter units. You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.
Language of Instruction
Spanish
Language Study
The curriculum is language based.
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.
Summer: mid-June to mid-August
Housing
You have the option to live in a shared apartment or homestay located in Madrid. Housing is prearranged by the staff of ACCENT Madrid, who strive to match student preferences with lodging situations. Past EAP participants recommend that you choose the homestay option and live with Spanish hosts, but you may also share an apartment with 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 EAP Study Center Director and local staff, in collaboration with staff from ACCENT, 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
UC Center Madrid
The EAP Study Center in Madrid oversees the academic aspects of this intensive Spanish program and has an office in the Instituto Internacional where the program is hosted. Located in the agreeable neighborhood of Chamberrí in central Madrid, the Instituto is a lovely edifice that has kept its turn-of-the-century charm while being renovated to offer modern classroom spaces, an auditorium, library, and café, and both broadband and wireless internet access to students who bring laptops. ACCENT International coordinates all logistical services of the Madrid summer program and keep an office in the Instituto Internacional.
Visit the Instituto Internacional 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, etc.)
- Round-trip airfare from California
- UC fees
- Accident and medical insurance
- Wecome dinner
- On-site orientation and handouts
- Room and board
- Guided walking tour of Madrid
- Entrance to one evening performance
- Two day-trips outside Madrid
- One weekend excursion (usually to Galicia)
- 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. |
| Summer |
$8,800 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Sophomore, junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
No minimum language prerequisite. Maximum one semester/two quarters of first-year university-level Spanish.
GPA
2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing, as defined by your UC campus, are required at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. See your Campus EAP Office for clarification of good academic standing.
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:
