UNIVERSITY COMPLUTENSE MADRID
Founded in 1293 by King Sancho IV of Castilla, the Complutense University of Madrid is one of the oldest universities in the world. Over 100,000 students attend the University, of which about 3400 of them are international students. As one of the largest Universities in Spain, there are two major campuses that house the various schools and departments, as well as extensive university services. CSA students take courses at the Schools of Philology, History, Philosophy, Geography and Education, and are granted access to the many university facilities and services.
CSA offers two different programs: (1) Spanish Language and Culture, and (2) Advanced Hispanic Studies. The “Spanish Language and Culture” program is for students of all levels: beginner – advanced. Offered Quarterly and in the summer. Intermediate and Advanced level students can take cultural electives and attend lectures. Students will take a placement test upon arrival to determine level. The “Hispanic Studies” program combines Spanish language and Cultural courses at a higher level, with a larger emphasis on current and past aspects of Spanish culture. Offered by the Quarter (Oct – June), and Academic Year.
More details in the “Course” section.
THE LOCATION
Madrid is a thriving, modern city of 4 million. It is the capital city of culture, business and government in Spain. Madrid offers the city life, bullfights, opera, flamenco dancing, museums, parks, open air markets, and a nightlife that is world famous. With a modern transportation system getting around Madrid is easy, and being centrally located, taking short weekend trips to nearby towns is convenient by bus or train. Historical and contemporary at the same time, Madrid is one of the most dynamic and exciting cities of Europe, and certainly an attractive place to study the Spanish language and culture.
COURSE
1) Spanish Language and Culture: (Quarterly, Academic Year, Summer)
This program is offered to students of all levels, from beginner through advanced. Classes are taught in the morning and afternoon, 4 hours per day, 20 hours per week (M-F). Cultural lectures are also offered, 2 hours per day, 5 days a week (M-F). All students are tested upon arrival and placed in the proper course level. All students take the following courses: Grammar, Practical Spanish, and Spanish Conversation. Beginner students also have a Language Laboratory, while intermediate and advanced students take a course on Spanish Texts. Program is offered Quarterly (academic year), and a summer session.
In addition, students also have the option of attending lectures on Spanish culture in the evening, and they are in Spanish so they are primarily for the advanced level student. Topics include: History of Spain, Spanish Music, Folklore, Art, Philosophy, Literature, Latin American Literature. Advanced level students may attend up to 4 lecture series, and may take the exam to earn additional credits (1 – 2), as well as earn a Certificate in “Spanish Language and Culture”…..if they pass 3 exams for 3 of the lecture series attended. Details available upon arrival and check-in.
- Spanish Grammar: I, II, III, IV levels (101, 201, 301, 401)
- Practical Spanish: I, II, III, IV levels (110, 210, 310, 410)
- Spanish Conversation: I, II, III, IV levels (120, 220, 320, 420)
- Spanish Texts: I, II, III, IV levels (130, 230, 330, 430)
- Spanish Language Lab: I, II, III, IV levels (140, 240, 340, 440)
NOTE: Courses available year-around.
NOTE: Course descriptions available from instructor upon starting course.
NOTE: All courses are university level and taught by qualified faculty.
NOTE: Course descriptions available from instructor upon starting course.
NOTE: All courses are university level and taught by qualified faculty.
2) Advanced Hispanic Studies Course: (Quarter, Academic Year)
This program is for high intermediate and advanced levels. It is offered during the Academic Year (October – June) for the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. Students can attend any Quarter or all three.
The Hispanic Studies Program is a combination of the Spanish language together with Spanish Cultural aspects of the past and present. Students can take 4 – 6 courses per semester, which meet 2 – 3 times a week, and can choose any combination of courses available. This program offers the student more flexibility in designing their own programs.
Seven subjects are taught in Spanish by Professors from the Facultades de Letras:
- Spanish Language: III, IV Levels (300 – 400′s)
- Spanish Literature: III, IV Levels (300 – 400′s)
- Spanish History: III, IV Levels (300 – 400′s)
- Spanish Art History: III, IV Levels (300 – 400′s)
- Commentary on Spanish Texts: III, IV Levels (300 – 400′s)
- Spanish Geography: III, IV Levels (300 – 400′s)
- Contemporary Spanish Thought: III, IV Levels (300 – 400′s)
NOTE: Course description details are available from the instructor upon arrival and check-in.
This program also offers a class called “Open Class (Aula Abierta). It offers students a wide range of complimentary lectures, guided visits to museums, films, Madrid architecture, and several other activities. The “Open Class” is to provide additional exposure to the student about Spain and bring more substance to the courses being taught. Participation is optional, but CSA highly advises students to attend. A small fee may be required for some activities (not inlcuded).
Ask CSA for a copy prior to arrival.
LEVELS (Basic)
Beginners Level: For those students who have little or no knowledge of the Spanish language and wish to acquire the basics in order to be able to understand and communicate on a simple level. Students are taught to read and produce simple letters and to understand short descriptions and texts. Basic daily conversations.
Intermediate Level: Aimed at students who are already familiar with Spanish and wish to consolidate basic knowledge and improve their speaking, reading and writing skills. This level enables students to participate in conversations, debates, and intervene in discussions relevant to daily life. Students are taught how to better understand narrative. Overall, enchance comprehension abilities.
Advanced Level: For students capable of expressing themselves and understanding standard Spanish. Building on their knowledge, confidence in expression, and reaching higher standards of fluency. Students are taught further strategies and communication skills in written and spoken Spanish, enabling them to better express themselves in public, understand complicated scripts and elaborate reports.
Superior Level: This is the highest level for students with an advanced level in Spanish and wish to perfect and specialize their skills. Gives students the capacity to communicate fluently, conduct speeches, and be able to grasp the message implicit in technical words and programs. Students are taught to recognize hidden messages and connotations, understand contemporary scripts, and well as write fluent texts using only Spanish at the highest standard.
NOTE: Courses description details are available from the instructor upon arrival and check in. All courses are university level courses and taught by qualified faculty. Also, all students receive a transcript from the University. Ask CSA for a copy prior to arrival.
- Earn 10 – 15 credits per Quarter, and 3 – 4 credits per month (Summer). Students receive a transcript (Certificate) from the “University Complutense of Madrid”.
- Yes……you can use your financial aid for this program. Please have your Financial Aid office send us by e-mail a “Consortium Agreement” to complete and sign. CSA does not offer any financial aid or scholarships directly, for we can only assist you in using your home school’s financial aid. The earlier the better.
ACTIVITIES
Excursions by bus are planned every Saturday. These trips are optional and are conducted by teachers of the courses and include the following towns: Toledo, Seville, Segovia, La Granja, El Escorial, and local sightseeing in Madrid. These excursions are not included in the basic fee, and cost a small fee. Schedule and sign up are available upon arrival and check-in.
A student ID card will be given to students during the arrival check-in and registration. This card allows the CSA students the same advantages as the Spanish students have for access to campus libraries, computer facilities, sport facilities, etc.
Cultural activities include concerts, art exhibits, films, and live performances. Each student pays for these separately. Madrid offers students many things to do and see……for it is the cultural center of Spain. Pick-up a good travel book for details on Madrid.
Students do have access to the internet. CSA suggests that students set up an account with Yahoo or Hotmail before leaving for Madrid. Cyber-cafes are also available in Madrid, and students can set up accounts there as well for reasonable rates. See the International links in the “Resources” on the CSA website for finding internet cafes (Cyber) worldwide.
HOUSING
Housing is available in student residence halls and student type apartments. Host families can be arranged, but it requires you to inquire about it there in Madrid at the housing office.
Student residence halls and student type apartrments (flats) can be booked in advance, which we highly advise.
Student residence halls and student type apartrments (flats) can be booked in advance, which we highly advise.
All students are responsible for reserving (arranging) their own housing on this program. CSA will send you a list of some student residence halls with your confirmations to contact directly, as well as the local housing office information. CSA advises you to start arranging your housing directly as soon as you receive your confirmation from CSA. Student residence halls (Colegios Mayores) fill up quickly, especially with regular Spanish students attending the school year, so the earlier you apply the better. Also, student type apartments (flats) are available nearby, and throughout Madrid. Staying with a host family is possible, but takes more time to arrange, and requires you to be there to arrange it at the housing office. Again, CSA only sends out the “housing list” with your confirmations, for you have to be fully confirmed in the program.
If you do not have housing reserved prior to arriving, we suggest you arrive about 1 week early and reserve a hotel, pensione, or hostel nearby the University for 2 – 3 nights. This way, you can search out various housing possibilities and still have a place to stay while you find adequate housing. The staff there will assist you as much as possible at the student office and housing.
CSA will include housing booking website links with confirmation documents
DATES AND FEES
WINTER QUARTER 2012
January 10th – March 23rd
January 10th – March 23rd
| Spanish Language & Culture | 4 hrs per day | 1740 euros (est $2595 USD) |
| Hispanica Studies Program | 4 subjects | 900 euros (est $1395 USD) |
SPRING QUARTER 2012
April 10th – June 26th
| Spanish Language & Culture | 4 hrs per day | 1740 euros |
| Hispanica Studies Program | 4 subjects | 900 euros |
INTENSIVE SPANISH SPRING COURSE 2012
| April 11th – May 24th | 4 hrs per day | 600 euros (est $895 USD) |
SUMMER SESSION 2012
| July 4th – 31st, 2012 | 4 hrs per day | 880 euros (est $1295 USD) |
| August 2nd – 31st, 2012 | 4 hrs per day | 880 euros |
| September 3rd – 28th, 2012 | 4 hrs per day | 880 euros |
FALL QUARTER 2012
October 1st – December 14th
| Spanish Language & Culture | 4 hrs per day | 1740 euros |
| Hispanica Studies Program | 4 subjects | 900 euros |
ACADEMIC YEAR 2012 / 2013
October 1st, 2012 – June 25th, 2013
| Spanish Language & Culture | 4 hrs per day | 4620 euros (est $6795 USD) |
| Hispanica Studies Program | 4 subjects | 2700 euros (est $3995 USD) |
WINTER QUARTER 2013
January 8th – March 22nd
| Spanish Language & Culture | 4 hrs per day | 1740 euros (est $2595 USD) |
| Hispanica Studies Program | 4 subjects | 900 euros (est $1395 USD) |
SPRING QUARTER 2013
April 9th – June 25th
| Spanish Language & Culture | 4 hrs per day | 1740 euros |
| Hispanica Studies Program | 4 subjects | 900 euros |
* Similar dates in 2013 / 2014
Excursions are optional and cost extra. Housing and meals cost extra – see housing section. Books cost $25 – $75. Airfare not included – see “travel info” section of CSA website.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
Jan 1, 6 / April 21 / May 1 / Oct 12 / Nov 1 / Dec 6, 8, 25
Jan 1, 6 / April 21 / May 1 / Oct 12 / Nov 1 / Dec 6, 8, 25
REQUIREMENT
Programs are open to all adults. College students, high school seniors, working adults, professionals and retired persons are encouraged to register. Minimum age is 18, but 17 is okay with parental permission.
Passport required. Visa not required for stays up to 3 months (90 days). For stays longer than 3 months, a Visa will be required. Students will need to show “confirmation” of school enrollment to apply for a Visa. CSA will send the “Letter of Confirmation”. Early registration is advised……for it is taking longer for students to obtain Visa’s form the Spanish Consulates.
Be sure to arrive 1 day prior to the starting date to begin housing. CSA will provide additional information and directions upon your confirmation in the program.
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