Madrid - Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Q. What does this program offer?
A. In partnership with the Utrecht Consortium, the University of Missouri participates in a direct exchange program with the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM). Through this program you will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture as you live and study with Spaniards in one of the most dynamic, exciting places in Spain.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Madrid, Spain's capital, is a cosmopolitan city of approximately four million people. It is the site of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. Madrid hosts musical events, theater, sports matches and bullfights daily. If you desire a vacation from Madrid the plane, train and bus systems will connect you to any point in Spain or Europe. UCM is one of Spain's oldest and most well respected public universities, with both undergraduate programs in humanities, experimental sciences, social sciences, health sciences and fine arts. UCM sponsors numerous student clubs and organizations involved in sports, debate, social action, academics, international exchange and cultural development.

Q. What will I study?
A. You may participate in an intensive Spanish-language and culture orientation program before regular university classes begin. UCM offers courses in 19 Faculties: Philosophy; Education; Philology; Geography and History; Chemistry; Physics; Mathematics; Biology; Geology; Medicine; Pharmacy; Veterinary Medicine; Odontology; Law; Political and Social Science; Economics and Business; Journalism; Psychology; Fine Arts). At UCM you are only allowed to take classes within one of the faculties according to your major. The faculties of music, dance and medicine are not open to exchange students. You may also take a special language course for international students during the regular academic year.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. On-campus housing does not exist at UCM, so you will live in either an apartment, a student residence, or as a border in a family home. Housing is contracted through an independent organization in Madrid, and will be arranged and paid for before leaving the US. Subsequent "rent" payments will be made directly by the student once living in Madrid.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn between 12 and 15 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you will receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to find out how the courses you take might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will need to look up what courses are available on the program and then arrange to meet with your academic advisor(s) to get pre-approval for the courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, information technology fees, and the student health center fee for 13 credit hours per semester. You will also pay a $500 study abroad administrative fee. Additional expenses for this program include international airfare, on-site housing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. See the estimated expenses page for more details about the cost of participating in this program compared to a comparable time at MU. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a sophomore, junior or senior, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, you are eligible to apply. In addition, you must have completed a minimum of five semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent (preferably Spanish 3160) prior to participating in the program.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Universidad Complutense de Madrid - Utrecht Consortium website for more information about the program.