Madrid Spanish & European Studies

Paseo-Prado-1050x340

The Madrid Spanish and European Studies Program offers a semester of study and cultural immersion in Spain’s capital for students of all levels of Spanish proficiency.


By combining the study of Spanish language with courses focused on Spanish and European art, cinema, culture, history, literature and politics, students have the opportunity to experience life in a dynamic European city while engaged in coursework that will fit well into their curricula and requirements.

Courses are taught by Spanish and international faculty at the Instituto Internacional.

The program consists of four classes (4.0 credits each):

  • One Spanish language or literature course (pending placement test results)
  • Three elective courses

Required Spanish language or literature course:

  • Students who are not BU students or who have never taken a Spanish course at BU are required to take the Language Placement test. Students currently taking a Spanish course at BU (or have equivalent credit) will continue on to the next level.
  • The language instruction team will help place students in the level that suits them best, if need be. Native Spanish speakers should enroll in a 400-level class.
  • No more than two 300-level Spanish language courses (LS 306, 307, 309, 310) may be taken for credit at Boston University; students who have already taken two 300-level language courses should choose a literature course and three elective courses. Please consult your academic advisor for any major/minor credit requirements. 

Students select three courses from the electives offered in English or in Spanish, depending on their interest and proficiency level.

*Elective course offerings vary and may not be offered every semester. Classes are subject to a minimum enrollment as well as a maximum occupancy.


Students may also opt to fulfill additional Hub units by completing the following:

HUB SA 230 The Individual in Community with Study Abroad

HUB SA 225 Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy with Study Abroad

Undergraduate students who study abroad can fulfill a single Hub requirement in The Individual in Community (IIC) or Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy (GCIL). No course enrollment is required. This is separate from and in addition to any courses a student may take while abroad that satisfy IIC/GCIL.

What is it?

  • 0-credit course
  • Available to BU undergraduate students studying abroad
  • Requires a written reflection of 750-1000 words submitted for review to the Hub
  • Fulfills 1 Hub requirement in IIC or GCIL

Additional Links

Instituto Internacional Spanish Language & Culture Classes: Syllabi – Schedule 

bu.edu/abroad – Madrid Spanish & European Studies

Instituto Internacional (IIE)