Madrid
Madrid is one of the most livable capital cities in the world. Festive and friendly, this modern, fast-paced political and financial center of one of Europe's most ancient countries has managed to preserve the old while embracing the new. The city offers an abundance of opportunities to participate in Spain's rich cultural life. Its central location offers easy access to Spanish cities in every direction.
Academic Program
The program is offered in cooperation with the Fundación José Ortega y Gasset (FJOG), a private, non-profit institution established in 1978. FJOG was inspired by the XIX-XX century Spanish philosopher and essayist after whom it was named. The program offers liberal arts courses across several disciplines including Spanish language and literature, art history, business, communication studies, history, political science and more. All students are required to enroll in one Spanish language course and one travel study course instructed in Spanish. The latter, offers students an academic and culturally intense opportunity to travel throughout Spain with area specialists. All international studies students are required to take a minimum of 15 units while abroad. It is not recommended for Madrid participants to exceed this requirement. The ourses offered through this program are USD courses and earn USD credit. There is no need to transfer credit between institutions.
Eligibility, Applications, and Deadlines
Students with a minimum GPA of 2.75 are eligible to apply to participate in their sophomore or junior year, with the further condition that they have completed the first three semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent, before the semester of their participation. Preliminary applications are available in the International Center, located in Serra 315, or can be downloaded by clicking on "Applications/Forms" on the toolbar to the left. Deadlines for applications are generally in late September and late February for participation in the following semester.
Living Arrangements
Students live off-campus with host families. Students may request to live alone with a host family or students can be housed with up to two other roommates. Breakfast and dinner are included. For security reasons, students are not permitted to find their own housing arrangements outside of FJOG families.
Expenses
Tuition for this program is the same as for full-time, on-campus attendance at USD and is paid directly to USD. Estimates for program fees and personal expenses can be obtained from the International Studies Abroad Office located in the International Center in Serra 315.
See pre-approved Madrid course listings
Visit the Fundación José Ortega y Gasset's website
