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
- CAS PO 249 Contemporary Spain: Political and Social Movements in the 21st Century (4 credits)Effective
Spring '25
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Critical Thinking
- Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
- Writing-Intensive Course
- The course examines the Spanish Political System and takes a comparative approach while also focusing on current political reality and its influence on the daily life of Spaniards and vice versa. The course will look at Spanish political institutions in the context of Spain’s membership in the European Union and will also examine social movements and current challenges: unemployment, public policies, migration, historical memory, etc.
- Syllabus
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 Spanish 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 registration materials for the UAM following admission to the Boston University program.
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 Timeline
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- Applications 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
