Information for term Engineering + Society
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenCombine Spanish language and cultural studies with engineering coursework at CIEE’s prestigious partner school, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). Students can also gain insight into Spanish business culture and get real-world work experience with a for-credit internship. Choose from coursework in Arts and Humanities, Business and Law, and Engineering in English or Spanish. Courses in aerospace, energy, or biomedical engineering are taught in English only. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Biomedical Engineering
Watch this video to see what it’s like to study biomedical engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (English begins at one minute. Video is the property of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.)
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Study at a university
known for strong programs in telematics, electrical, industrial, telecommunications technologies, telecommunication systems, and computer engineering.
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See how scientists
apply problem-solving and critical-thinking skills at Spanish companies.
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Build collaborative skills
and work experience with a business or engineering internship in Spanish.
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world-class art museums within steps of each other
3 -
minutes - longest you’ll walk to find green space
15 -
residents
3.2M
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Madrid’s influence in politics, education, science, entertainment, media, fashion, and arts make it an important international metropolis, and a major hub in Southern Europe. Spain’s capital city is also its largest, with a historic center dating back to the Hapsburg Empire, and world-renowned art museums. A huge variety of tapas bars, dance shows, concerts, outdoor parks, soccer matches, ethnic neighborhoods, and contemporary theater and cinema make it a lively place to live and learn.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Madrid.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Get to know Spanish students with conversation exchanges or the host university Spanish buddy program.
- Take excursions to Madrid destinations that may include the Monastery of El Escorial, or other UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Alcalá de Henares, among others.
- Soak up Spanish culture with museum visits, dance classes, urban art and graffiti tours, and neighborhood visits in Lavapiés, Malasaña or La Latina.
- Savor down-time with Spanish students while you rock climb, play basketball, hike, kayak, swim, or catch a theater, dance, or music performance.
PROJECTS
Volunteering: Give back and create a deeper connection to Madrid. Students have opportunities to volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, and more. If the local health and safety regulations permit, in-person volunteering will be offered.
Tutors and study groups: Sign up for a UC3M faculty-led study group for one of your STEM courses. Get the support you need to complete coursework successfully. These tutorials meet for one hour, once a week, throughout the semester.
Internships: Do you have advanced Spanish language skills? STEM internships are competitive here, but we’ll help you make it happen.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
As long as the local health and safety regulations permit, students could stay in:
Homestay: Living with a Madrid host is a great way to absorb the language and culture. Hosts range from families to individuals, and they may welcome one or two CIEE students. Each student has a private bedroom, WiFi access and laundry facilities.
Residence Halls: These modern-style, WiFi enabled dormitories typically house students in single or double bedrooms and do not have kitchen access. Residence halls are close to supermarkets, restaurants, public transport and have independent dining halls and laundry facilities. Meals, kitchen access and laundry are not included in the program fee.
Commuting: Host homes and housing are all in central Madrid with a 40- to 60-minute commute to campus, and a shorter commute to the CIEE Global Institute. Year-long students can opt to live in independently found apartments during their second semester, provided they have Spanish-speaking roommates. Students are responsible for finding, leasing, and managing apartments, and need prior approval from CIEE and their university.
Housing decisions are at the sole discretion of CIEE. If we can’t accommodate your first housing preference, we’ll let you know before you arrive. -
MEALS
Homestay: Hosts provide breakfast plus one hot meal a day. Students purchase the rest of their meals on nearby campus.
Residence Halls: Residence halls are close to supermarkets, restaurants, public transport and are near the city center. Meals are not included. Students have the option to purchase campus dining hall meal plans on their own.
Madrid, Spain Where You'll Study
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CIEE Madrid
Madrid
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UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRID (UC3M)
LEGANÉS. This campus houses the Engineering Department and is 30 to 40 minutes south of central Madrid via public transit. The GETAFE GETAFE. Campus is a 45-minute commute from central Madrid.
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Getting Around
Students walk or use public transportation.
Academics
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The Engineering and Society program is designed for engineering students who want to learn Spanish and gain insight into Spanish and European culture while immersing themselves in Spanish university life. This program also allows students with no knowledge of Spanish to take classes at a Spanish university in English in a variety of topics not only in the area of Engineering but in Business or Economics, among others. Choose from CIEE elective courses and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) courses in audiovisual, communication, computer, electrical, electronic, industrial, material, mechanical, telecommunication, and telematics engineering. Engineering courses follow lecture format for the first four to six weeks then switch to lab work or smaller group sessions. CIEE students may also take Education Abroad courses, which focus on Spanish language and culture. Students can choose to take Study Abroad Program (SAP) courses offered mostly in English - and/or Curso de Estudios Hispánicos (CEH) courses in Spanish.
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) was established in 1989 and is recognized as Spain’s most prestigious institution of higher education. It follows a U.S. academic calendar and has one of the highest percentages of full-time and tenured female faculty in Spain. Students take engineering classes on the Leganés campus. Students can also take classes at the main campus, Getafe, which offers a wide variety of disciplines, from business courses to sociology, economics, communiations, political science and law. Both the Leganés and Getafe campuses are 30-40 minutes outside of downtown Madrid via efficient and modern public transit.
CIEE courses are offered at the CIEE Madrid Center, which is located near the Puerta del Sol – a well-known public square in the center of the city.
GPA
3.0
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
Students must enroll in a minimum of 4 courses.
Program Credit
Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
- UC3M courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CEH and SAP courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
Engineering courses are academically challenging and involve daily reading and homework assignments. Attendance at lectures is required. Classes range in size from 25 to 80 students, and classrooms are modern and comfortable. Coursework and exams are to be completed as assigned, on schedule. Interns meet regularly with the course coordinator and other CIEE students, in addition to time on the practicum site. UC3M courses run from early September until early December in fall, and from late January to late April or May in spring. CIEE students enrolled in UC3M courses in the fall can arrange to take early exams in December. Early departure is not allowed in spring.
Class Format
UC3M classes are taken in English or Spanish, depending on student language level – regular university classes are open to Spanish and other international students. Engineering School courses are taught in English and follow lecture format for the first four to six weeks, and then switch to lab work or smaller group sessions. It’s common for a course coordinator to instruct with a co-teacher who alternates teaching lectures with performing lab research. Most courses also incorporate online coursework.
Grading
Students are graded on class participation, class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and/or oral presentations. Professors give numeric grades based on a 10-point scale, which are converted to U.S. letter grades.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English and/or Spanish
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
- Spanish-taught courses are available to heritage or advanced-level speakers only. Interested students are subject to a proficiency assessment.
- Internships are only available in Spanish to eligible students.
Spring 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Fall 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
HOST INSTITUTION COURSES
Click to OpenUNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRID COURSES
Please visit the university website for more information.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS (Leganés campus)
Offered in English
- Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Mathematics and Computing
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Data Science and Engineering
- Electrical Power Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering
- Industrial Technologies Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mobile and Space Communications Engineering
- Sound and Image Engineering
- Telecommunications Technology Engineering
- Telematics Engineering
NON-ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS (Getafe campus)
Offered in English and Spanish.
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Employment and Labor Relations
- Film, Television, and Media
- Finance and Accounting
- History and Politics
- Humanities
- International Studies
- Journalism
- Law
- Management and Technology
- Management of Information and Digital Contents
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Statistics and Business
- Tourism
CEH & SAP COURSES (Getafe Campus)
Curso de Estudios Hispánicos (CEH) and Study Abroad Program (SAP) courses are available to American university students and offered by UC3M Education Abroad. Courses are taken with other American / international students and focus on Spanish language and culture. Unlike traditional UC3M courses, neither CEH or SAP courses involve coursework with Spaniards.
The following lists are samplings of courses that may be available. Not all courses are offered each semester. The final list of courses will be available upon arrival in Madrid.
SAP COURSES
Offered in English. More information can be found on the university’s SAP website.
- Cervantes and His World: Exemplary Novels
- Gender Perspectives in Contemporary European and Spanish Literature
- Latin American in a Post- Colonial Perspective, and its Relationship with Spain
- Masters of Spanish Art n the Museums of Madrid
- Spain and the European Union: Political and Economic Issues
- Spain in Progress: Spanish Society Today
- Spanish Art Masters in Madrid Museums
- Spanish Cultural Studies: from 1940 to the present
- Spanish Language: Basic Level I
- Spanish Language: Basic Level II
- The Sociology of Migrations: The Context of Spain and the European Union
CEH COURSES
Offered in Spanish. More information can be found on the university’s CEH website.
- Cine Español
- Economía Española y Europea
- El Terrorismo y Sus Víctimas: Un Desafío Global Desde 11-S
- Energías Renovables en España
- Español Coloquial
- Español para Hispanounidenses
- Estudios Culturales
- Historia de España
- Historia del Arte Español
- Historia del Presente: España de Hoy
- Instituciones Españolas y Europeas
- La España Literaria de Cervantes (Siglos XVI – XVII)
- La Mujer en la Ciencia y la Tecnología
- Literatura Española (siglos XIX y XX)
- Literatura Hispanoamericana (siglo XX)
- Religión y Sociedad en España
- Sociología del Sistema Educativo Español
- Teoría y Práctica del Cuento en Español
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2022 19 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 24, 2022 | Jun 4, 2022 |
$19,450
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,308 ** Housing = $4,675 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $19,450Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $2,750 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $160 †† Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 ††† Personal expenses = $2,800 Other = $100 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $8,260Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** homestay option includes daily breakfast and dinner † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Students staying a full semester in Madrid require a visa ††† If no consulate in your home area †††† Covid test fees for entry to the US |
| Fall 2022 16 weeks | Apr 1, 2022 | Aug 29, 2022* | Dec 22, 2022* |
$19,450
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,281 ** Housing = $4,675 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $19,450Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $2,750 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $160 †† Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 ††† Personal expenses = $2,800 Other = $100 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $8,260Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** homestay option includes daily breakfast and dinner † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Students staying a full semester in Madrid require a visa ††† If no consulate in your home area †††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Eero Jesurun
Center Director
Eero Jesurun, Ph.D. completed his B.S. and M.A degrees from Georgetown University´s School of Foreign Service.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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