IES Madrid: Language and Area Studies
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: Spanish
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Madrid is an ideal place to connect university studies to the city’s business, culture, and politics. The modern metropolis is made of different districts, or “barrios,” each has its own distinctive feel. The art scene cultivates up-and-coming filmmakers, dramatists, and writers. There are countless sites to visit including the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum (where Pablo Picasso’s Guernica hangs). Madrid is also host to one of the most famous bullfighting rings in the world, Las Ventas. The IES center is located on the campus of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
- Visa:
Required. Non-US citizens should consult with IES and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford directly to Haverford. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting tuition payment to IES. Students pay all room and board costs directly to IES.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Students must have completed four semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent). Students must have taken an appropriate level Spanish course no more than one year prior to the program start date. It is preferred that students be enrolled in a Spanish course the semester before they are expecting to study abroad.
Academic Credit
Students must carry 15 credit hours per semester. Students are not permitted to take less than 15 credits unless they have the permission of their dean and advisor in advance. Transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C (2.0) or above.
Curriculum
Students take classes at the IES center and at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Course Highlights
Art History, Cities, Economics, Engineering, Film Studies, History, International Business, International Relations, Literature, Political Science, Spanish Language, Theater, Urban Studies, Women’s Studies
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
10-days of lectures on language and Spanish culture and academic life, visits to sites around the city, and a 4-day field trip.
Number of Students
Approximately 100 students attend each semester.
Housing/Meal Plans
Homestay, residence hall, or apartment.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
- Support for LGTBQIA+ Students
- IES Abroad Student Diversity & Access
- Mental Health & Self Care While Abroad
- Diversity Abroad
Options
- Semester
Dates
- Semester I: Late August to early December
- Semester II: Mid-January to late May/early June
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 1
- Semester II: September 15