Some programs in the Spanish speaking world have language requirements because often you'll be taking coursework in Spanish while abroad in those programs. Other programs don't have high requirements prior to going abroad because you can take classes in English in that site.  Make sure you check your desired program's language prerequisite and then take the correct Spanish courses at AU prior to going abroad.

If you're working on a Spanish major or minor, then studying abroad in a Spanish speaking country can help you meet some of your degree requirements.  Before applying, meet with the Program Advisor in AU's Spanish Language Department to discuss how studying abroad in a Spanish speaking country can help you earn a Spanish language major or minor. 

It is recommended that students plan with their academic advisor to complete AU Core requirements on campus before or after studying abroad.

Currently AU Abroad offers programs in the following Spanish speaking countries: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Spain, and Uruguay. Each program site requires different levels of Spanish for admission, and each program has a unique structure in terms of the language of instruction and the type of students with you in the classroom.  Use this information to guide you to the most appropriate program for your level of Spanish.

Students are encouraged to consider an option at our premiere center abroad in Madrid, Spain.  This robust program center offers a variety of different programs to visiting AU students. Its staff coordinates fall, spring, and summer programs for undergraduate students.

Programs at AU's Premier AU Abroad Center in Madrid, Spain

Programs that require no Spanish background

Spain: Madrid Summer Intensive Spanish Program, SUMMER

• Program requires: no Spanish pre-requisite; students are tested to determine appropriate level; for beginner to advanced students
• Program structure: Students earn 0 or 3 or 6 credits for a 6 week Spanish language course taken in Madrid at the premier AU Center in Madrid with other study abroad students.  A newer and cheaper 0 credit options allow students to participate in the course without the added expense of tuition! 

Programs that require no Spanish background

Spain: Global & Public Health Issues in Spain and Europe, FALL term only

• Program requires: no Spanish pre-requisite (but students are encouraged to have language experience to get a better internship placement!); Coursework can be taken in English and the program includes a mandatory internship placement.  There are only limited internship placements in English. The higher a student's Spanish abilities, the more likely it is that the student will get a better and more fruitful internship placement.
• Program structure: Students take a core course on Comparative Health Issues in Spain and Europe, a course on Spanish language for the Medical/Health Professions, and a Global/Public Health Internship. Other classes are chosen from the list on offer at the premier AU Center in Madrid with other study abroad students.

Spain: Intensive Spanish, SPRING term only

• Program requires: For Intensive Spanish track, no language prerequisite, but some Spanish is helpful!
• Program structure:  Students take 4 to 8 credits of Spanish.  Courses on Spanish culture, politics, and economics, art history, soccer, and more are offered in English to complement Spanish language study.  Other students in the classroom are AU students on the program.  This Spring program runs concurrently with the Spain: Iberian Experience program.  A limited number of English language internships are available for students in the Intensive Spanish track.

Spain: Madrid Business Program, FALL and SPRING terms

• Program requires: no Spanish language prerequisite, but some Spanish is helpful.
• Program structure: This program is designed for business and economics majors and minors who are looking for a study abroad experience in a Spanish-speaking county.  This program provides the best of both worlds with support and language courses at AU's study center in Madrid alongside business courses taught in English and Spanish at a premiere business school in Madrid at Universidad Pontificia Comillas - ICADE.

Programs that require one semester of Spanish

Spain: Clashes & Alliances of Mediterranean Civilizations, FALL term only

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 152 or equivalent
• Program structure: This program provides an in depth study of the Mediterranean region and offers students an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world today.  Based in Madrid, courses are all taught in English by Spanish professors; other students in the classroom are other AU students on the program.  Covering topics such as history, philosophy, mythology, literature, politics, and the arts, the Clashes and Alliances of Mediterranean Civilizations Semester gives students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the major forces that shaped the Mediterranean area. Although the semester is based in Madrid, students will travel throughout the Mediterranean to other sites of historical and modern significance during the term. Students participate in an intensive language program during the first week of the program.  Students not already at an advanced Spanish level will take a Spanish language course during the semester.  Beginner, intermediate, and advanced level Spanish courses are available.  Students who have completed SPAN 253 or its equivalent are eligible for a credit-bearing internship, conducted in Spanish and coordinated by program staff.  

Programs that require two years of college level Spanish

Spain: The Iberian Experience (track I), SPRING term only

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 253 or equivalent 
• Program structure: Courses are all taught in Spanish by Spanish professors; other students in the classroom are other AU students on the program.  Courses are related to Spanish history, economics, politics, society and culture.  Professors on the program are accustomed to working with students whose first language is not Spanish and provide additional support accordingly.  The majority of students in the program participate in a credit-bearing internship, which is conducted in Spanish and coordinated by the program staff.  

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 253 or equivalent
• Program structure: This program is designed for performing arts students who are looking for a study abroad experience in a Spanish-speaking county.  This program provides the best of both worlds with support and language courses at AU's study center in Madrid alongside performing arts courses taught in Spanish at a premiere arts institute in Madrid called the Transforming Arts Institute (TAI).  All performing arts classes at TAI are conducted in Spanish.  Classes at the AU Center in Madrid are in English or Spanish.

Programs that require two years of college level Spanish

Ecuador: Rehearing Change (Pachaysana Institute), Fall and Spring

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 253 or equivalent.
• Program structure: Students take classes with other US students and selected Ecuadorian community counterparts.  All instruction and program activities are conducted in Spanish. 

Mexico: Universidad de las Américas, Puebla, Fall and Spring

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 253 or equivalent. 
• Program structure: UDLA is a “tri-lingual university” where Mexican students are required to know Spanish, English, and study a third foreign language.  AU students directly enroll in Spanish language courses and UDLAP courses with Mexican students taught in Spanish. The summer language immersion program is a 5 or 10 week program for all levels of students looking to improve their Spanish skills.  Puebla, a city of 2 million people, is located approximately 2 hours south east of Mexico City.

Programs that require two years of college level Spanish but students are encouraged to have more!

Costa Rica: Universidad Nacional Autónoma (IFSA-Butler), FALL and SPRING

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 253 or equivalent
• Program structure: Courses are taught entirely in Spanish.  Students can take 1-2 optional courses in Spanish alongside the other US students on the program.  Remainder of courses selected from UNA’s course list immersed in the classroom with Costa Rican students.  The university is strong in Latin American Studies, Education, Economics, Environmental Studies.

Programs that require 2 ½ years (5 semesters) of college level Spanish

Chile: Santiago Program, FALL and SPRING terms

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 352 or equivalent                        
• Program structure: This program in Santiago will offer a rich analysis of the contemporary issues that affect Chile within a context of the world stage, such as sustainable development, poverty, social issues, globalization, and politics.  Courses are taught entirely in Spanish, with other AU students on the program.  The professors on the program are accustomed to working with students whose first language is not Spanish and provide additional support accordingly. In addition to program courses designed for AU students, students can directly enroll in one to two courses alongside local Chilean students.  Courses offered include Latin American Politics; Development, Poverty, and Social Inequality in Latin America; Social Movements in Recent Chilean History; Economic Development in Chile in the last Century. The majority of students in the program participate in a credit-bearing internship, which is conducted in Spanish and coordinated by the program staff.

Mexico: Solidarity Network, FALL AND SPRING

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 352 or equivalent
• Program structure: This is an inter-disciplinary, integrated course that covers the theory, practice, history and social/ political/ economic context of some of Mexico’s most important social movements. Students study and the program takes place within the indigenous culture in Chiapas, campesino culture in Tlaxcala, and urban and student cultures in Mexico City. While the coursework on the program is conducted primarily in English, the program has many workshops and visits within local communities; therefore a strong command of Spanish is necessary in order to fully participate in the program.

Programs that require three years of college level Spanish, but students are encouraged to have more!

Argentina: Universidad Torcuato di Tella, FALL AND SPRING

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 353 or equivalent
• Program structure: Universidad Torcuato di Tella is located in Buenos Aires.  Courses are entirely in Spanish and are immersed in the classroom with Argentine students; little to no concession is given to students who are non-native speakers. The university offers courses in International Studies, History, Latin American Studies, Economics, Political Science, and Law.   

Chile: Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, FALL AND SPRING

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 353 or equivalent; 
• Program structure: Courses are offered in Spanish with a few options in English, immersed in the classroom with Chilean students.  Located in Viña del Mar along with coast, about 1 ½ hours from Santiago. * This program is ideal for Business and BLC students.

Spain: Universidad Pontificia Comillas- ICADE Business Faculty OR Humanities Faculty, FALL AND SPRING

• Program requires: Completion of SPAN 353 or equivalent
• Program structure: Students directly enroll in the Business and Law faculty (ICADE) or in the Humanities Faculty at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid alongside local Spanish and other international students.  Homestays with a Spanish family are coordinated by on-site staff