Spanish Language & Culture
Fall 2024 Semester Nebrija Only Madrid

About the Program

Immerse into a Spanish learning environment and local culture in Spain's capital. Semester programs are designed for students from beginner to advanced Spanish language levels. Choose to take all semester courses in Spanish at the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, allowing you to gain both language proficiency and a deeper understanding of local culture – or combine Spanish courses with English electives offered through the CEA Madrid Center. An Early Start option (available to semester students only) helps you jump-start your Spanish. You'll improve your language skills and your knowledge of Spanish culture and history. In the summer, you may choose to complement your Spanish language course with an elective course taught in either Spanish or English.

Program Structure

Choose to take courses both at the CEA Madrid Center and Universidad Antonio de Nebrija (UAN) or take all your courses at the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija (UAN).

By selecting the CEA & UAN hybrid program, you'll enroll in 1-2 CEA elective courses and 2-3 UAN elective courses. Early Start students enroll in an additional language course.
By selecting the UAN only program, you'll enroll in 4-5 UAN elective courses per semester.  Early Start students enroll in an additional language course.

In fall semester, all courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. In spring semester, language and elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits; spring early start language courses meet for 90 contact hours/6 credits. You may earn 12-15 credits (up to 225 contact hours). If you choose the Early Start option you may earn 15-18 credits (up to 270 contact hours) in the fall semester, or 18-21 credits (up to 315 contact hours) in the spring semester.

Courses may meet in the morning or afternoon, Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.

Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take an online language placement exam to determine your language level. You'll be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Spain. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.

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.

Seville & Cádiz

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Your time in Seville begins at La Maestranza, an infamous bullfighting ring, followed by a visit to Reales Alcazares, a 14th century Moorish fortress. Tour La Giralda—one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals and (allegedly) the final resting place of Christopher Columbus—before enjoying a fabulous lunch in a restaurant set in a former Arab bathhouse. Let yourself be amazed by the incredible buildings that line Seville’s narrow streets and small plazas. Spend free time relaxing at the popular Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de España, complete with fountains and rowboat-filled canals. You’ll also have time to take a pleasant stroll along the banks of the Gualdalquivir River.

In coastal Cádiz, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, you’ll relax at Playa Victoria, considered by many to be Spain’s best urban beach. Spend the day enjoying the sand and sun, watching the surfers, and exploring Cádiz’s picturesque historic center.

Toledo

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For 200 years, Toledo was the capital of medieval Spain; today it’s the capital of Castilla la Mancha, the land of Don Quixote. Known as the "City of the Three Cultures," Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived together peacefully; their legacy is a city filled with diverse, impressive architecture. Enjoy a captivating train tour to Toledo’s most beautiful locations, narrated with tales from local legend and history. Art lovers will appreciate Toledo as the home of El Greco, the world-famous Renaissance artist whose most important pieces can be appreciated in the city, including his masterpiece, The Burial of Count of Orgaz, displayed in the small church of Santo Tomé. Toledo is particularly well known for its quality sword makers; many films, like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, feature swords made in Toledo. While students are welcome to handle and photograph the swords, you’ll need to start saving early if you want to purchase one of your own, as price tags range up to $600. As many people consider Toledo the most beautiful city in Spain, get ready to have a remarkable experience on this excursion.

Segovia

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The first thing that’ll catch your eye in Segovia is the massive 1,900-year-old Roman aqueduct that delivered water to this charming town until just a few years ago. You’ll also tour the Alcázar, an 11th century castle that’s rumored to be Disney's inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. The local cuisine is an experience in and of itself, particularly the cochinillo (a.k.a. roasted suckling pig). You’ll also have the chance to visit La Granja, an incredible royal palace and grounds just 10 km from Segovia.

Madrid Inside Out

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These morning trips allow you to explore other cities in the Community of Madrid, with visits to sites such as: Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares, and El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen.