The Madrid University Studies Program, offered spring semesters, 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 semester-long tutorials that assist them with their university coursework.
BU Abroad: Madrid's Deeper Meaning
BU Abroad: Madrid's Deeper Meaning
Requirements & Considerations
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 semester-long tutorials that assist them with their university coursework.
Required Course
Students take the following required course:
Required Course
- Seminar on Contemporary Spain
Note: Syllabus is for course approval and reference only. Students will receive an up-to-date syllabus when their course begins.
Elective Courses
At the UAM, students enroll in three elective courses. Courses are offered in a wide variety of subjects, including:
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Courses
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Cinema
- Economics
- History of Philosophy
- Latin American Literature
- Politics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish Language
- Spanish Literature
- Spanish Philosophy
For a complete list of courses, visit the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid website.
Please note: Students are required to submit additional application materials for the UAM following admission to the Boston University program. Admission to the UAM is not guaranteed.
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
- Spring Semester: Mid-January to late May
Please note: This program is only offered during the spring semester.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester & Academic Year: March 15
- Spring Semester: October 1
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