UAlbany in Madrid
With a presence in Madrid for over 50 years, the UAlbany in Madrid program offers students the opportunity to study abroad in Spain!
You may think of Spain as the country of flamenco dancers and bullfights, siestas and sangria, a slow-paced place filled with sun-kissed, smiling people. It is all this and much more! Spain is a country with a unique blend of old and new. A diverse country in both landscape and culture, Spain boasts seventeen distinct regions and its people speak five different languages. Madrid, Spain’s capital city, is an exciting international hub with plenty of activities to educate and entertain. The city is home to several famous museums – with one of the best painting collection of the world – and is one hour by bus from plenty of historical sites like Toledo, Segovia, and El Escorial.
Application Deadline
Program Start
Program End
Program Details
Academic Program
No prior study of the Spanish language is required; however, all students will study Spanish while abroad.
With 11 tracks to choose from, you can create the study abroad experience that is best for you! You may choose to take your content courses in either English or Spanish. Of course, when in Spain, you will want to chat it up with the locals, so each program track includes language learning. In addition, coursework in Spanish, taught at the Universidad Autónoma Madrid as part of the DiLe program, is available for students with intermediate or advanced Spanish language experience.
Courses
UAlbany courses* taught in English include:
Fall semester
- Social Psychology (UAlbany equivalency: APSY 270) NOTE: prerequisite of APSY 101, Introduction to Psychology
- Social Problems (UAlbany equivalency: ASOC 180, satisfies CHALLENGES and SOCIAL SCIENCE of UAlbany’s general education requirements)
- Intercultural Communications (UAlbany equivalency: ACOM 371)
- Elementary Statistics (UAlbany equivalency: AMAT 108, satisfies MATH of UAlbany’s general education requirements)
- Survey of Art in the Western World II (UAlbany equivalency: AARH 171, satisfies ARTS of UAlbany’s general education requirements)
Spring semester
- Marketing Principles (UAlbany equivalency: BMKT 310) NOTE: junior class standing preferred, second semester sophomores considered
- Psychology of Child Development (UAlbany equivalency: APSY 203) NOTE: prerequisite of APSY 101, Introduction to Psychology
- Human Communication: Language and Social Action (UAlbany equivalency: ACOM 100, satisfies SOCIAL SCIENCE of UAlbany’s general education requirements)
- Elementary Statistics (UAlbany equivalency: AMAT 108, satisfies MATH of UAlbany’s general education requirements)
- Comparative and International Politics (UAlbany equivalency: RPOS 102, satisfies CHALLENGES and SOCIAL SCIENCE of UAlbany’s general education requirements)
*Course may change year to year and offerings are subject to minimum enrollment
Teaching Interaction with Spanish Students
Engaging with the locals is a wonderful way to become more connected to Spanish daily life. One way to make this connection is by participating in one of two conversation and English language teaching experiences. Acceptance into these experiences is not guaranteed and is based on available placements. To earn credit, you will be expected to participate on-site, as well as submit a series of journal entries and papers to the Program Director. You will be evaluated based on your on-site performance and cultural reflections.
Option 1: Conversation assistant in a private school (2 credits)
Work five to six hours a week in a private school (Santa Ana y San Rafael) assisting the teachers and children in classroom activities. As an “English Assistant”, you will assist with lessons, grammar, activities, homework, and other classroom activities, in addition to acting as a cultural ambassador. By participating in this course, you will acquire important and practical knowledge and experience in classroom facilitation and EFL instruction, as well as enriching your understanding of several aspects of the Spanish society, such as the educational system, the role of the family, and the daily life of a Spanish student.
Option 2: Teaching in interaction with Spanish families, in coordination with Canterbury Language (1 credit)
After taking a short introductory course on teaching techniques of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), you will spend one to two hours a week volunteering as a private English language tutor, assisting in activities designed to improve students’ English language abilities.
Internships
Part-time, semester-length internships in a wide variety of fields are also available. Enhance your future employment prospects with real-world work experience abroad. As an intermediate or advanced Spanish language speaker, you can elect to participate in an optional, 6-credit internship experience with a local employer. NOTE: An extra cost may apply for internship placement. Learn more about the optional, part-time 6 credit internships through EUSA.
Courses taught in Spanish, in the Universidad Autónoma Madrid’s DiLe program may include:
- Spanish Oral and Written Communication (UAlbany equivalency: ASPN206)
- Spain Today Politics, Society, and Economy (UAlbany equivalency: ASPN315)
- Spanish Narrative – 19th and 20th centuries – novel and short story (UAlbany equivalency: ASPN316)
- Spanish Cinema (UAlbany equivalency: ASPN318)
- Literatura Hispanoamericana Contemporánea (UAlbany equivalency: ASPN320)
- Women Writers of Spain & Latin America (UAlbany equivalency: ASPN344)
- Lingüística Aplicada El español y su cultura
- El Español En El Mundo
- Spanish Architecture & Urbanization
- Sustainability From the Local to the Global
Program Tracks
*Intermediate/Advanced students will take a placement test upon arrival
*Course offerings may change year to year and are subject to minimum enrollment
**Extra charge may apply for internship placement
Program Tracks based on Language Level*
| Level equivalencies | Completed prior to arrival | |
| Beginner | 0-3 college-level Spanish courses | |
| Intermediate | 4 college-level Spanish courses | |
| Advanced | 5/6+ college-level Spanish courses | |
*Intermediate/Advanced students will take a placement test upon arrival.
Need help determining which track is right for you? Schedule an advising appointment, or visit the office to speak with the UAlbany in Madrid Program Coordinator.
General Education Information for UAlbany Students
Credits earned on this program will automatically satisfy the International Perspectives requirement. Three credits of foreign language study will satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. No additional approval is required for you to earn these general elective credits.
Major/Minor Information for UAlbany Students
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, upon approval by the department.
Transcript
All courses taken abroad count towards UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript. You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
Your Instructors
All courses are taught by local faculty in Spain, hired in conjunction either with the UAlbany in Madrid program, or with the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid’s DiLe program.
Housing
During the semester program, you may choose to live either with a homestay family or in one of several student residence centers located throughout the city. Both options are a short metro ride away from the UAlbany facilities/building/campus.
Homestay
Living with a host family is a wonderful way to experience Spanish culture first-hand. Not only is it a great way to practice your Spanish skills, it also will provide you a window into Spanish families, customs, and cuisine. Your host family provides a bedroom and two meals a day, as well as laundry service.
Residence Halls
With residences situated in vibrant areas throughout the city, Mi Casa Inn and Colegio Mayor El Faro are the UAlbany in Madrid local accommodations providers. In these residences,you will be part of a diverse community of international students, as well as other students participating in the UAlbany in Madrid program. Bedrooms and common spaces are comfortably furnished, and community activities abound.
Meals
The availability and inclusion of meals in your program price depend on your housing selection.
Academic Year 2019/20
Estimate of Costs
Please review the Academic Year 2019-20 Estimate of Costs.
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Academic Requirements
No prior study of Spanish is required – absolute beginners are welcome!
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a 2.5 GPA or above are eligible to participate. Applications are welcome from students in all majors.
Certain courses may have specific eligibility, prerequisites, and/or language level requirements.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning plays a critical role in your program experience. Both the overall program and individual courses include a number of cultural and historical excursions* to important and influential sites, so you will have the opportunity to experience the country and culture of Spain to its fullest.
Recent course excursions and activities have included:
- Prado museum
- Reina Sofia Gallery
- Walking tours to areas such as Barrio de Salamanca and Círculo de Bellas Artes
- Food workshops
- Cultural exchanges
- And more!
Recent group excursions have included visits to:
- Seville
- Córdoba
- Segovia
- Toledo
- León
- Portugal (Lisbon and Porto)
*Excursions are a mandatory part of the program and specific destinations vary by program and availability.
**Schedule is tentative and subject to change
Funding Opportunities
Bridge the GAP Scholarship for UAlbany students
The Bridge the GAP scholarship recognizes UAlbany students with a strong academic record who are participating in a qualifying SUNY study abroad program. Applicants should demonstrate both academic merit and financial need, as well as be prepared to promote education abroad opportunities in meaningful ways upon return. Creative thinking on all levels is strongly encouraged in your application. Scholarship award allocations are determined by the duration of your program, your essay, and your financial need.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities for UAlbany students
Students to applying to the:
Non-NY residents applying to UAlbany’s exchange programs at:
- Wuerzburg University in Germany
- HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands
- University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom (England)
The Bridge the GAP scholarship application is available when you begin your online UAlbany education abroad application. No additional application, aside from the Bridge the GAP scholarship application, is needed for the additional funding opportunities mentioned above. UAlbany students applying to other SUNY study abroad programs must still register in UAlbany’s Education Abroad application system for the Bridge the GAP scholarship.
The Bridge the GAP Scholarship funds, regardless of the recipient(s), are to be used for non-tuition education abroad expenses (e.g.: Education Abroad Differential, Education Abroad Program Charge, mandatory fees, housing, meals, living expenses, books, travel expenses).
The Education Abroad office reserves the right to reduce the scholarship amount if you receive other external scholarships, and the total of your financial aid and scholarships is well above the actual cost of the program.
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
In Their Own Words
“My semester in Spain went very well. I really enjoyed taking classes, meeting my professors and had a wonderful internship with the Centro de Acogida a refugiados (Refugee Reception Centre). What I liked most about Spain and Europe was the architecture. The buildings are so beautiful and historical. There is so much to do there. I absolutely loved Madrid and I didn’t want to leave!”
Julianne, Globalization Studies
“I wanted to get out and see the world while at the same time learn about other cultures and immerse myself in another lifestyle. I chose Spain because Spanish is the only other language I know a small amount of and I have always been drawn to Spain for its beauty.”
Jennifer, Communications
I had an amazing time abroad; once I got past the homesickness and grew closer with the people I was surrounding myself with, I never wanted to leave. I loved how I was able to make friends that way, along with gaining a newfound sense of independence and seeing the world through their eyes. I also loved how Madrid had everything within walking distance, from the hippy neighborhood of Malasaña, to the relaxing Parque de Retiro.
Mitchell H., History and Globalization Studies
About the City
Madrid, located in the heart of Spain, is a capital city with much to offer. Ancient architecture, quaint cafés, the elegant Plaza Mayor, and the historic Royal Palace almost make you forget this city is a cosmopolitan center of economic and cultural development. In Madrid, there is something for everyone – from first-class museums to sporting events – concerts and films to theater productions – you will find yourself becoming a local Madrileño in no time. Yet, you will always find time to take a stroll down one of Madrid’s beautiful tree-lined avenues or through the famous Retiro Park or to stop for a café with friends. All that Madrid has to offer is only a few metro stops away!
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. More information regarding the visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
Flight Information
Independent Flight Arrangements
You will make your own flight arrangements. You will be given a time frame to arrive to Madrid in order to be picked up from the airport from the Madrid team. If you arrive outside of the time frame, you will have to find your own way to the programs destination. You should plan to be in Madrid on the first day of the program. This is considered the beginning date of the program, and orientation will begin that day. If you are traveling beforehand, be sure to give yourself enough time to get to Madrid by the arrival date.
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring program: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Academic Year 2019/20
Program Dates
Spring 2019
01/17/2019 to 05/17/2019
Academic Year 2019-2020
08/29/2019 to 05/14/2020
Fall 2019
08/29/2019 to 12/21/2019
Spring 2020
01/15/2020 to 05/16/2020
Program Schedules
Fall 2018*
August 29, 2019
August 30
August 31 - September 1
September 2
September 5
September 9
September 10
October 12
October 14 - October 17
November 1
November 9
November 27 - December 1
December 2
December 6
December 9
December 10
December 11 - December 12
December 14*
December 19
December 21
Spring 2019*
January 15, 2020
January 15
January 17 – 18
January 20
January 23
January 27
January 28
March 2 – March 5
April 4– 12
April 13
April 28
April 29 - April 30
May 2
May 14
May 16
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change
**DiLe and/or Internship schedule may not fully align with the UAlbany schedule posted above. If applicable, refer to your DiLe schedule upon arrival.
About the Program
UAlbany in Madrid Facilities
Located on Gran Via, near the Circulo de Bellas Artes, the UAlbany in Madrid program operates out of the Ibercenter. With modern facilities, the Ibercenter offers classroom, computer, and lounge space for students.
Program Orientation
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted the Saturday before the end of Spring UAlbany classes and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival in Madrid you will attend a multi-day, mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by the Program Director of the UAlbany in Madrid program.
The information at these sessions includes:
- A familiarization tour of Madrid with the Program Director
- Information from the Program Director outlining life in Madrid, including cultural difference, safety information, and ways to get involved in community life, as well as an introduction to academic expectations
A welcome meal — this is a great opportunity to meet with other students on the program.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
On Site Staff in Madrid
The UAlbany in Madrid program is supported by local staff: the Program Director and the Program Assistant. They are your first points of contact while you are abroad. Together they are responsible for all aspects of the program, including coordination of academic instruction, housing, and cultural excursions. In addition, they advise on health care and travel opportunities, as well as facilitate adjustment to daily life in Spain.
Program Director
Dr. Carlos Vela has been with the UAlbany in Madrid program since 1993. He holds a Ph.D. in Spanish Literature from SUNY at Stony Brook, as well as an M.A. in Peninsular Literature from the same institution and a Licenciatura in Art History from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Dr. Vela’s research interests include Cultural Studies, multidisciplinary approaches to Spanish Culture, and Psychoanalysis applied to Humanities. He has published texts in various conferences and professional reviews and has written two books on Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel.
Program Assistant
Dr. Lilliana de la Luz has worked as an administrative assistant in the UAlbany in Madrid Program since 2015. She has a long history of supporting study abroad programs in Madrid, having worked as coordinator with students from Boston College, Syracuse, Tufts, and Skidmore College, as well as having served a Resident Director for the Marquette Program. Dr. de la Luz holds a M.A .in Spanish and Literature from New York University and earned her doctorate degree at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.