Is this program right for you?

This program is an option for students who are seeking a very independent study option in Madrid. Students directly enroll alongside local students at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas within the Facultad de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences).  Students hoping to participate in this program should have very advanced Spanish language skills and a high level of flexibility.  

Students who are successful on this program will be looking for a challenge, be comfortable with a high level of ambiguity and understand the challenges of making new friends in a foreign environment.  

Although students in the Comillas program will exist independently and take classes at the Cantoblanco campus of Comillas, they will still have access to the AU Center in Madrid that runs our other AU Madrid programs, and have the benefit of some support by the Director of the AU Center. 

Academics

The Universidad Pontificia Comillas, founded in 1890, is a premier institution located in the capital of Spain. Nestled in Madrid, the political, economic and cultural heart of Spain, it offers an excellent opportunity for academic, professional and personal development. Comillas has several campuses spread throughout the city.  The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences coursework take place at the Cantoblanco campus which is located north of Madrid.  

Prerequisites

• Students are required to have taken three years of college-level Spanish (completion of SPAN 353 or the equivalent) prior to attending the program
• Must have completed sophomore year of college prior to attending program.
• Must have a 3.0 GPA

Courses

Students earn a full semester of American University (AU) undergraduate credit while studying at Universidad Pontificia Comillas. Students directly enroll at Comillas. For more information about what is means to directly enroll in a foreign university, please view our Direct Enrollment page. The Cantoblanco campus, where the Humanities faculty is located, is in the northeast section of Madrid, accessible via the Cercania train network.   

In this program, students with advanced Spanish language skills take classes with Spanish students and other international students. The Faculty offers courses taught in Spanish as well as a select few in English.  Subject areas include: Spanish language, Spanish studies, Translation, Education, International Studies, Psychology, Philosophy, and several other modern languages. Spanish as a foreign language coursework is available at the advanced levels, as are courses in Spanish literature and culture.

See the attached excel document that displays current projections of courses to be on offer. **Keep in mind that courses are not guaranteed, and students should have a high level of flexibility in which courses they take at Comillas; course schedules will be finalized upon arrival in Madrid - not before.  Students cannot take "anual" courses unless they plan to be in Madrid for the full academic year.  Also, when looking at the excel chart, note that there are buttons on the bottom to see the different departments offerings.  Also pay attention to which "semestre" the course is offered.  "1º Semestre" refers to the Fall semester and 2º Semestre refers to the Spring semester.  

Course Offerings 12-13.xlsx

Another view of the courses on offer can be seen here.  Keep in mind you can only take courses in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.  Full course descriptions can be found Here.     

Student Life

Only in Madrid can you stroll through the lovely Retiro Park and enjoy the jugglers and mimes, treat yourself to "tapas" while taking in the exquisite design of the old Plaza Mayor, or view the paintings of Goya, Velasquez, and El Greco at the Prado Museum. Also Madrid's fabulous public transportation system makes conquering this exciting city easy!

Madrid truly lives up to its title as the city that never sleeps. Night-owls delight in Madrid as you are expected to eat and dance the night away, whether you're twenty years old or fifty years old. There is always something to do in Madrid no matter what time it is.
 

Housing and Meals

Homestays coordinated by AU

Full integration happens in the home, as well as the classroom. During your semester in Madrid you will live in a Spanish home coordinated by the AU Center in Spain. Your homestay allows you to experience the warmth and hospitality of Spain while improving your language skills. Once you have completed AU Abroad on-line pre-departure forms, the AU Abroad Madrid on-site Coordinator will organize your living arrangements before you arrive. Students may be in single or double rooms. In the homestay, students enjoy breakfast, lunch, evening meals and, in most cases, weekly laundry.  

 

Visa Information

Upon acceptance, the international coordinators at Comillas will provide students with a visa letter. AU Abroad will distribute the letters to students. Students are responsible for contacting the Spanish Embassy or Consulate to find out which additional documents are needed to obtain a student visa.  Students should apply for their visa with plenty of time.