Vanderbilt-In-Spain - Madrid

at-a-glance:

The Vanderbilt-in-Spain program is located in Madrid, the capitol of Spain.  Situated in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is a unique and convenient starting point for travel both within Spain and Europe.  As the center of Spanish culture and government, Madrid is a diverse metropolitan city of well over three million people.  Living in Madrid offers students an unparalleled opportunity to experience and participate in the rich Spanish culture while improving their language skills.

One of the most important aspects of the program is its attempt to truly immerse students in the vibrant culture of Spain.  Vanderbilt sponsors three excursions throughout the semester to such historically and culturally important cities as Barcelona, Granada and Segovia.  Vanderbilt also provides opportunities for students to further explore the city of Madrid itself, through walking tours, trips to museums and by attending plays.  The overall goal or the program is to provide students with an in-depth and genuine experience of Spanish culture while facilitating the development and perfection of Spanish communication skills.

academics

The Universidad Complutense de Madrid is one of the most extensive centers of higher learning in Europe, dominating the northwest portion of the city. The program is housed in the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, where students can take interesting and rigorous courses developed expressly for Vanderbilt students by UCM faculty members. This allows Vanderbilt students to experience what campus life is like at a large, public institution.  Most of the classes offered focus on Spanish literature and culture while providing an encouraging environment to improve both spoken and written Spanish.

Academic Links:

Vanderbilt Course List

student life

Most students become enchanted by Madrid’s energy and rich history.  Whether spare time is spent “siesta-ing,” roaming around the many cultural neighborhoods, or enjoying a coffee on an outside terrace, students enjoy afternoons and Fridays free from class.  Vanderbilt also hires tutors, Spanish university students, to help show Vanderbilt students around. This opportunity affords them a peer’s perspective of the city and gives them comfortable means to practice and improve language competency. 

Despite the fact that many of the apartments in which students reside do not have internet access, there is free wireless at the Complutense and in many cafes and restaurants.  The Madrid public transportation system is easy, clean and safe with well-run subway and bus systems.  Many students find getting around the city a pleasurable experience, whether by purchasing a public transportation pass, or by walking.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Spanish culture is its laid back lifestyle.  A large lunch is usually eaten around 2 or 3 with a smaller dinner around 9.  Many shops close down in the afternoons in order to give citizens time to relax.  Students might be surprised at how different this is from the fast paced American lifestyle. 

housing

Students live in private homes with native Spanish speakers and usually share a room with another Vanderbilt-in-Spain participant.  Included in the homestay is room-and-board, plus laundry services.  The homestay gives students an opportunity to further practice their Spanish as well as a trusted native to go to for advice about the city.  Housing is set up by Vanderbilt and is conveniently located near public transportation and a reasonable distance from la Universidad Complutense.  Students should feel comfortable in their homes, but also respect requests of the homeowner.

location

Vanderbilt-in-Spain is located in the Spanish capitol of Madrid.  The city of Madrid has roughly 3.5 million inhabitants, while estimates of the population of the entire metropolitan area reach up to almost 6 million.  Located on a plateau in the Castilian planes Madrid enjoys a dry and temperate climate.  With mountains nearby and the beach only a few hours by train or bus, Madrid is the perfect site for a program dedicated to assisting students in experiencing all the possibilities Spain has to offer.  Additionally, because it is the capitol, Madrid benefits from a convenient international airport that may serve as a gateway to travels throughout Europe.

Widely considered to be the cultural heart of Spain, Madrid enjoys several world-renowned museums as well as an internationally infamous nightlife.  Students have the opportunity to experience authentic Flamenco exhibitions, trips to the Royal Palace and afternoons in the beautiful “central park of Spain,” el Parque del Buen Retiro.  There is plenty of time allotted for the purpose of city exploration and interaction, allowing students to interact with and contribute to the distinctive culture of the city.

expenses

Program Costs: Semester Costs; Summer Costs

application

Vanderbilt-in-Spain Application