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Universidad Autonoma de Madrid

University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in Spain

Universidad Autonoma de Madrid

Immerse yourself in the Spanish culture while attending classes and living in Spain. UMSL students love the interaction with locals, the sights, and nightlife in Madrid.

Map of Spain

What is it like there?
Spain is a beautiful, diverse, and accessible country. Over 50 million tourists each year are drawn to its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, good food, and lively culture. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a lively city. The people are always in the streets, on their way for some tapas, drinks, a movie, or just to meet up with friends. The city is filled with students and young people.

The Universidad Autonoma de Madrid is located just 15 km from Madrid in Cantoblanco. Busses and commuter trains provide quick and cheap transportation between downtown and the university campus. Students enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in Cantoblanco and having Madrid so nearby.

Founded in 1968, the UAM now has over 33,000 students and is one of the most respected universities in Spain.

What will I study? At the UAM, UMSL students will be taking regular university classes alongside their Spanish counterparts. Students can take classes in any department (called a "faculty") at the university, which includes the following:

Ciencias: Sciences: Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
Derecho: Law, Political Science and Public Policy
Filosofía y Letras: Spanish, French, English, Arab, Filosophy, Geography, History and Art History
Ingeniería Informática: Computer Science, MIS
Psicología: Psychology, Anthropolgy
Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales: Business Administration and Economics

Students can visit this website for a complete lists of subjects and study programs. For information on schedules and course descriptions, please visit the web page of each faculty.

What is the language of instruction?
Spanish only. Students must have at least a high-intermediate level of Spanish to apply for this program. A Spanish language class is offered throughout the semester to help students improve their grammar and comprehension.

Where will I live?
The UAM has built a new student residence where most international students choose to live. The Residencia Universitaria Erasmus is located on campus. Students can choose single or double rooms. All rooms are furnished and include a bathroom and fully-equipped kitchen. Single rooms cost approximately 460 Euros per month, doubles approximately 330 Euros per month.

Alternatively, students may arrive in Madrid a few weeks early and find their own housing in shared apartments. This can be a less expensive option.

PHOTOS of the university residence and some sights around Madrid and nearby Toledo are here.

VIDEO of UAM is available here.

When can I go?
Students may go during the winter semester or academic year. Students may not attend for fall semester only due to the different academic calendars (1st semester = October - February, 2nd Semester = February - June). Click here to see the academic calendar.

What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, be a junior or senior, and have taken at least four courses beyond Spanish 2101.

How can I learn more?
Visit Universidad Autonoma de Madrid website, look at their online International Student Guide or on the International Student website, or stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to browse their catalogs and brochures. You can also make an appointment to discuss this program with a study abroad advisor; call 516-5229.

How much does it cost?
Below are the 2008-2009 estimated costs for one semester (4 1/2 months) at UAM compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like UAM, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition, both CIS and external scholarships are available.

UAM UM-St. Louis
Educational Fees1 $2,947.20 $2,947.20
Information Technology Fee $146.40 $146.40
Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee $0.00 $418.68
Housing2 $3,300.00 $2,805.00
Meals3 $1,900.00 $1,698.00
Airfare $1,450.00  
Books $250.00 $400.00
Miscellaneous4 $850.00  
Total Estimated Cost5 $10,843.60 $8,415.28

1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 3 Plus Meal Plan.
4 Includes transportation and mandatory international insurance.
5 Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.

Last modified September 24, 2008