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History, Politics & International Studies
Madrid, Spain
About the Program
Delve into the interconnectedness of politics, economics and history at a global level. With the rise of nationalism around the world, it’s increasingly important to develop an understanding of the nature of interactions amongst people, cultures, and countries on a global scale. With courses available in these areas and more, you’ll study these important topics alongside Spanish and international students on the Getafe Campus at the Universidad de Carlos III de Madrid.
Requirements
Overview
Madrid
1/16/26 - 5/30/26
$21,995
12 - 15
Deadlines
Still Open
11/1/25
Requirements
Eligibility
2.5
1 Year of College
All Levels
Where You'll Study
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Since its founding in 1989, the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) has grown into one of the leading higher education institutions in Spain. The public university offers a range of cours...
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Since its founding in 1989, the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) has grown into one of the leading higher education institutions in Spain. The public university offers a range of courses to a culturally diverse population of more than 19,000 students. More than 3400 international students participate in exchange programs through the university each year.
You will have the opportunity to take courses from two different campus locations. Each campus is about 15-25 minutes train ride from Puerta del Sol in Madrid. There are also buses that run between the campuses. The Getafe campus is where students take their Social Science and language classes while the Leganés campus is where students take their Engineering, Science, and Math courses.
You will have access to the same university facilities and will be able to take courses in English with local Spanish students, allowing you to fully appreciate UC3M student life. By sharing the campus with local and other international students you’ll have the opportunity to meet and interact with your peers.
Credit Transfer Information
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
Students receive a transcript from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects ECTS credits.
Accreditation
The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree granting institution of higher learning. The university also holds accreditation from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and AMBA (Association for MBA programs).
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- Faculty from UC3M teach your language, social science, STEM courses, including other electives.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- Teaching styles in Spain may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Class size ranges between 5 and 20 students for language courses and between 10 and 40+ students for electives.
- You may attend class with international students from the U.S., Europe, Canada, and other parts of the world.
Amenities
Student Offices
Clubs & Organizations
Student Government
Student Lounge
Study Room
Study Area
Counseling Services
University Library
Computer Lab
Printing Facilities
Student ID
Multi-Media
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Tutoring
Language Exchange with Local Students
Fitness Facilities
Student Sports Teams
Dining Facilities
Banks & Post Office
On-campus ATM
Lockers
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
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Apartment
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
All CEA CAPA students studying in Madrid have the option of living in apartments while abroad. Located in different neighborhoods in the city of Madrid, with convenient commute to different areas in the city, as well to the study center or the internship location. These apartments cater perfectly to independent, do-it-yourself type students who want to experience Madrid just as the local Madrileños do. Cook tasty tortilla española with your roommates in your kitchen, explore the personality of the neighborhood that surrounds you and make your new Spanish apartment a home.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Madrid Center: Up to 45 minutes by metro
- Universidad Antonio de Nebrija: Up to 45 minutes by metro or walking
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid: Up to 70 minutes by metro
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 1-2 students per room
- 4-14 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared-single sex bathroom
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Central heating or space heaters
- Weekly cleaning services (common spaces) included
Additional Fees
This housing option may carry a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Private room: Supplemental fee
- Shared room: No supplemental fee
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Engage in Madrid’s colorful culture firsthand when you live in a homestay with a Spanish family or a single Señora. For the culture-seeking type whose study abroad goals include improving Spanish language skills and cultural understanding, homestays provide the opportunity to dive headfirst into the daily lives of Madrid’s locals.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Madrid Center: Up to 60 minutes by metro
- Antonio de Nebrija University: Up to 50 minutes by metro or walking
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid: Up to 70 minutes by metro
Meals Included
- 2 meals per day, breakfast and dinner (Mon-Sun)
Roommates
- 1-2 student per room
- 1-3 students per Homestay
Unit Amenities
- Limited kitchen (microwave, a shelf in the fridge and pantry)
- Shared-co-ed bathroom
- Bedding included
- Towels included
- Internet access
- Weekly laundry service included
- Weekly cleaning service (bedroom) included
- Central heating, space heaters available
- Fans available
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Residencia A - Private Room
Available:
Semester (Subject to Availability)
Summer (Subject to Availability)
Summer (Subject to Availability)
All CEA CAPA students studying in Madrid have the option of living in a residencia while abroad. Residencias are off-campus accommodations located in the city of Madrid that house approximately 200 students. This housing option caters perfectly to students who want the peace and independence of having their own bedroom. The kitchen may be private and inside the bedroom or shared with the other students at the Residencia. Other common spaces are available. Living in a residencia will help students to immerse themselves in Spanish University life and culture and to be part of a huge University community, meeting national and international students.
Please note that Residencia A and Residencia B are not the same Residencia - they are located in different areas of the city. There may be more than one Residencia for each type. Please note that within the same Residencia rooms might not be contiguous or in the same floor and might be spread out within the Residencia.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Madrid Center: Up to 40 minutes by metro or walking
- Universidad Antonio de Nebrija: Up to 45 minutes by metro & walking
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid: Up to 75 minutes by metro
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 1 student per room
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Private bathroom
- Bedding included
- Towels included
- Laundry facilities
- Central heating
- Air conditioning
- Internet access
- Cleaning service (bedroom) included
- Common spaces such as a gym, terraces and study spaces
- Heating and cooling systems (Availability may vary by season)
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Residencia B - Shared Room
Available:
Semester (Subject to Availability)
Summer (Subject to Availability)
Summer (Subject to Availability)
All CEA CAPA students studying in Madrid have the option of living in a residencia while abroad. Residencias are off-campus accommodations located in the city of Madrid that house approximately 200 students. This housing option caters perfectly to students who want to share the experience with a roommate along with a stress-free meal plan.
Living in a residencia will help students to immerse themselves in Spanish University life and culture and to be part of a huge University community, meeting national and international students.
Please note that Residencia A and Residencia B are not the same Residencia - they are located in different areas of the city. There may be more than one Residencia for each type. Please note that within the same Residencia rooms might not be contiguous or in the same floor and might be spread out within the Residencia.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Madrid Center: Up to 40 minutes by metro or walking
- Universidad Antonio de Nebrija: Up to 45 minutes by metro & walking
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid: Up to 75 minutes by metro
Meals Included
-
Full Board – breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday – Sunday (subject to a timetable)
Roommates
- 2 students per room
Unit Amenities
- Kitchenette
- Shared-single sex bathroom
- Bedding included
- Towels included
- Laundry facilities
- Central heating
- Air conditioning
- Internet access
- Cleaning service (bedroom) included
- Common spaces such as a gym, terraces and study spaces
- Heating and cooling systems (Availability may vary by season)
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Madrid. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Student Clubs & Organizations
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Career & Re-entry Workshop
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
January 16
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their housing. |
|
January 17 - 23
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA CAPA Orientation sessions will be held. |
|
January 26
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at Carlos III University (UC3M) on this day. |
|
May 08
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at UC3M. |
|
May 12 - 29
|
Final Exams
Final exams will be held at UC3M. |
|
May 30
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.