CUAbroad

Madrid, Spain
with Academic Year Abroad

Dates: Spring Semester: January 24 - June 5, 2009
Fall Semester: August 28 - December 7, 2009

Description: As the capital and largest city in Spain, Madrid hold much cultural and political importance to the country and Europe in general. It serves as the home to some of the world's most innovative art, and Fortune 100 businesses, and some of the most interesting history in Europe. While Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets, and with its unique atmosphere, friendly locals, and great entertainment, it is an ideal place to study abroad.

This AYA (Academic Year Abroad) semester education abroad program offers direct enrollment into the Universidad Carlos III, where students may select from the courses offered by the Curso de Estudios Hispánicos or into the asignaturas ordinarias (regular degree courses). While students experience
first-hand the Spanish University system, they can rely on AYA directors for advising and tutoring, and an assortment of cultural activities and excursions are offered throughout the semester by AYA. Because you are directly enrolled in a Spanish university, an intermediate proficiency level of Spanish is required. An Academic calander can be found here.

Take a look at AYA Madrid's website!

Accommodation: Students live with Spanish host families in and near Madrid, which will help further improve their Castillian Spanish language skills, and fully immerse them in the unique culture of Spain.

Credits: Students must be at least at the Intermediate level of Spanish, and have experience in writing and conversation. While Intermediate speakers will study at the Universidad Carlos III, advanced speakers may have the choice to study with the Universidad Carlos III, Universidad Complutense or the Universidad Autónoma. An example of the course selection can be found here. All courses are taught in Spanish.

Cost: CUA tuition plus a $5,000 program fee, which includes accommodation, some meals with homestay, public transportation pass, groups activities and excursions, ISIC card, On-Call International
emergency evacuation insurance, and pre-departure and on-site orientation. Airfare, visa, and personal expenses are not included. Please contact CUAbroad for the complete cost breakdown of the program.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a full time student, and have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA at the time of application. You also must be at least second-semester sophomore at the time of departure (have completed 45 credit hours). A disciplinary check will also be done with CUA Residence life. Students should not study abroad the last semester of their senior year if they are concerned about graduating on time.

How to Apply:

1. Consult with the CUAbroad Global Program Manager to determine the application procedures for your specific semester/year program.
   
2. Consult with your academic advisor. Make sure that the credits offered for the program will fit into your academic program.
   

3. If receiving financial aid, coordinate with CUA's Office of Financial Aid to determine your available aid for education abroad.
   

4. If you live on campus, notify CUA Housing of your education abroad plans.

Submit your application materials by the deadline for your specific program to CUAbroad. Your application package must include:

• Completed CUAbroad application form
  

• $100 non-refundable application fee
  

• An official academic transcript
  CUAbroad Credit Approval Form and CUAbroad Credit Approval Guidelines , for CUA students only, accompanied by the course descriptions or syllabi- This form documents your initial chosen courses for your semester abroad. While changes can be made, this is extremely important, as it pertains to course equivalencies and where they will go on your tracking sheet. Students who do NOT attend CUA must complete a Non-CUA student Advisor Approval form.

• One photocopy of the photo page of your passport (black and white copies are acceptable). If you do not currently have a passport your application will still be considered. Please apply for a passport immediately and inform the CUAbroad Global Program Manager. Each student is responsible for obtaining his/her passport. If you do not get a passport before the departure of the program, you risk not being able to participate on the program.
  

• 2 academic letters of recommendation from professors whom you have had in class within the last year. They should evaluate your overall academic work. Recommendations should be written on departmental letterhead and should be returned to you to include with your application.
  

• Two passport-size photographs (for your file and International Student ID card)
  

• One-page typed biographical essay and statement of academic objectives while abroad

• Additional material required by host university overseas, which can be found here. This includes a personal statement written in Spanish. All materials should be turned in to CUAbroad.
  

UPON ACCEPTANCE
1. Submit a non-refundable $500 deposit to the CUAbroad (see instructions in your acceptance packet). Stay informed with payment deadlines and pre-departure orientation.

2. Meet with the office of Financial Aid to determine the necessary steps in assuring your aid will cover your tuition and program fee, and submit the CUAbroad Financial Responsibility Form.

3. A copy of a letter from your health insurance company, on letterhead, stating that you will be covered during your time abroad.

4. Affidavit of family support during your stay to be used for student visa.

All materials should be submitted at the same time in an envelope, marked with the student's name and ID, to:

Madison Bolls, Global Program Manager
CUAbroad/Center for Global Education

McMahon Hall 111
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC 20064

Deadline: for FallSemester 2009: March 1, 2009
Spring 2010: October 1, 2009

Questions? Contact Madison Bolls, CUAbroad Program Manager