The Madrid University Studies Program, offered spring terms, is a specialized program for exceptionally well-qualified students who have a strong command of Spanish. Students enroll directly at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) and attend classes alongside native speakers. All students have the unique opportunity to experience life in a Spanish homestay. Students choose three elective courses from a wide variety of subjects across the university’s seven “facultades” (faculties). Courses are offered in areas including anthropology, archaeology, art history, cinema, economics, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology and Spanish culture, language, literature, and history. Students also enroll in an advanced-level seminar on contemporary Spain with other program participants. In addition, students participate in term-long tutorials that assist them with their university coursework.
Key Facts
Area of Study
Location
Home University
Program Structure
Internship Availability
Term
Coursework Level
BU Hub Offered
Housing
Language of Instruction
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Minimum of sixth-term college-level Spanish language, or the equivalent
- Language screening interviews may be required
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
At the UAM, students choose three elective courses from a wide variety of subjects across the university’s seven “facultades” (faculties). Courses are offered in areas including anthropology, archaeology, art history, cinema, economics, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology and Spanish culture, language, literature, and history. Students also enroll in an advanced-level seminar on contemporary Spain with other program participants. In addition, students participate in term-long tutorials that assist them with their university coursework.
Housing & Student Services
Local Homestay
- Individual bedrooms in local family homes. Each room has a bed, a desk, and some storage space. Linens are provided and washed regularly. Kitchen access is not guaranteed. Students will have the ability to reheat food.
- Board included: All meals (3 meals per day/ 7 days per week) will be provided by the host family. A packed lunch will be provided by the host family if the student is unable to commute home for lunch.
- Students may eat at the dining hall.
- Host families provide laundry and internet.
- Gyms at the university and in town but may be expensive.
- Students can study at the Instituto or the Autonoma. Many students study at home, as university libraries have more restricted hours than in the US.
Program Dates
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Spring Term
Program Dates
Mid-January to Late-May
Spring Term
Applications Open
June 1*
Spring Term
Application Deadline
September 15
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2025/2026 Tuition and Fees: $43,934
Cost includes tuition, housing, board, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage. - Estimated program budget, including cost of living expenses
- Grants and Scholarships available