About The Program
Surround yourself with Spanish language and culture in this unique bilingual experience at Carlos III University of Madrid. With access to a wide variety of courses in English and Spanish, you can explore your academic interests while mingling with local students. One of Europe's top destinations, Madrid is both a cosmopolitan, international city and a historic Spanish treasure. It has every style of architecture from medieval to wildly modern. Intrinsically creative, the city's ongoing foodie revolution puts a delicious twist on traditional Spanish tapas. To balance Madrid's high octane social life, relax in a tree-lined park, a sunny plaza, or take in a Picasso masterpiece at a city gallery.
Where you'll study
Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) was established by Spanish Parliament during a time of university reform in the 1980s. In that founding spirit of positive change, UC3M promotes an education that combines science and culture as a global ideal. It's a small public university with big ideas and a clear focus on international exchange. You’ll be welcomed on campus along with some of the world’s top students visiting from 50+ countries. Carlos III is also one of the four Spanish universities in the 4 Universities Alliance, a partnership creating an ecosystem of knowledge, greater mobility for students, and the ability to collaborate with industries. Companies don’t have the time to incubate new ideas. By allying with UC3M, they can mentor students like you before you become an employee. The university’s clear intent toward collaboration and internationalization gives you access to dynamic classes and some of the best research and learning opportunities in the country. You're invited to participate in a wide range of cultural activities and sports as you settle into student life on campus.
Media Gallery
TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
Optional field trips and activities to introduce the local culture are available through your host university. Most events are free or discounted, but some come with an additional cost not included in UCEAP fees.
Join Erasmus activities and trips
Explore nearby UNESCO heritage sites like Toledo
Buddy programs and language exchanges
Thanksgiving and Farewell dinners
From The Californian Abroad
Studying at Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) has been a fascinating cultural and linguistic learning experience for which I am thankful. I chose UC3M for its location near Madrid, which allowed me to spend my free time exploring museums, parks, and landmarks in the city. UC3M is undoubtedly a global campus, and it feels like a university proud of its diverse student body. I enjoyed meeting Spaniards and international students from around the world. I will remember the campus, with its charming brick buildings and almond blossoms, with fondness.
Studying at University Carlos III of Madrid for a year allowed me to have a completely different academic experience each semester. My fall semester was a Hispanic studies program aimed at international students. In the spring, I'm doing an immersion and almost all my classmates are Spaniards (although I have the opportunity to take classes in English). I love that! All the professors are friendly, which is something new for me since my university classes at home are so big they barely get to know your name. They are also very passionate about their courses which makes it very interesting and enjoyable.
In four months I developed my ability to speak Spanish, fell in love with Spanish culture, and grew tremendously as a person.
I have met people from all over the globe and slowly learned that we are more similar than different. We all share similar thought processes, emotions, and beliefs.
Studying abroad and living in Spain wasn't always roses, and I've loved it more than I can say. I fell head over heels for Madrid even as I struggled to navigate Spanish doors with their multiple bolts and unfamiliarly shaped keys. I got lost using both Google and Apple Maps, and yet this city has my heart.
I was the only one out of my friend group to do an entire year abroad. This meant I had two transitional periods—the first when I arrived with lots of friends, and the second when I returned alone. While it's comfortable to be with friends from home when you study abroad, one must take advantage of all the interesting and amazing people abroad too.
Studying abroad was truly life-changing because it provided the opportunity to learn about the world and myself, while at the same time, broadening my perspective in ways I never imagined. Before leaving the US, I was most anxious about making friends but I soon realized that everyone I met had the same goal: discovering themselves while exploring the world. Our shared mission created a deep bond, transforming strangers into lifelong friends who became my family.