Study Abroad: Madrid, Spain

Who is this program for?

This program is for third-semester (sophomore) UMass Amherst nursing students interested in studying abroad for a full semester. 

Program Overview

• In-country Partner: API
• Host University: UCJC (University Camilo José Cela)
• Peers: Classes taken with UMass students.
• Housing: Palacio de Barradas Student Residencies with UMass peers and other international students (mostly Spaniard). Option to live with host families.
• Meals: 3/day in residencies; 2/day with a host family.
• Extracurriculars: Sports complex with pool and clubs.
• Other: Opportunities for Spanish language practice.

Why Madrid?

• Geographical center of Spain (Puerta del Sol)
• Incredible museums and monuments
• Access to incredible city parks and mountains to north of city (if you like the outdoors!)
• Cosmopolitan center of Europe
• Vibrant nightlife and walkable city
• Well-connected public transportation system by bus, metro, and train. A metro pass is included in the program fee - it’s yours to use and includes all zones in Madrid!
• Strategically located for travel

What courses will I take?

All courses meet the third-semester requirements of the UMass Amherst nursing program.

Where will my courses be held?

Courses are developed by EMCON faculty and delivered by local instructors at UCJC (University Camilo José Cela). In this API-affiliated program, all courses and hands-on lab work will be conducted on the host university campus, with opportunities to observe local healthcare practitioners at nearby clinics and hospitals.

Castellana Campus

• The most sustainable university campus in Spain
• In city center, next to Paseo de la Castellana, between Cuzco & Plaza de Castilla
• Building has four floors & several outdoor work areas
• State-of-the-art intelligent building and smart technology in classrooms

Villafranca Campus

• The Central Campus is a transversal and open space
• MediaLab and central library
• Cafes and dining halls
• UCJC Sports Club with gym, basketball courts, pool
• Laboratories and simulations spaces for hands-on practice

Dorms or host family?

There are two housing options to choose from: student residencias or host families.

Student Residencias

• Double rooms with UMass peers
• 3 meals per day included
• Cafeteria-style dining with 1-2 options
• Linens and towels provided
• Shared study and leisure areas
• Access to laundry facilities
• 24/7 Security - staffed front desk during the day and security monitor at night

Host families

• Single or shared room with UMass peers
• You’re able to request a housemate (must be mutual)
• 2 meals per day included
• Laundry and internet access included
• Limited number of host families available
• Culturally and linguistically immersive experience - great way to experience Spanish culture firsthand

What else will we do there?

• Day trip to Toledo
• Two overnight excursions (over two weekends) e.g., Salamanca and Seville
• Cooking class
• Museum Tours (e.g., Prado Museum)
• Guided Bike Tours
• Thanksgiving Dinner
• Movie Nights
• Opportunities for independent travel

How much does it cost?

You may think that studying abroad is financially out of reach, but in fact, we make the total cost as close to an in-state semester on campus at UMass Amherst as we can! Compare UMass Amherst semester fees with study abroad semester fees. Please note: a number of different merit and needs-based scholarships are also available! Financial aid can be used for study abroad.

• Program fee: $16,500
• IPO Admin fee: $985 for fall semester
• + airfare & passport/visa fees

Questions?

• Please direct application and finance questions to clorimer [at] umass [dot] edu (Christine Lorimer), Program Manager & Advisor, International Programs Office.
• For academic questions, please contact annie [at] umass [dot] edu (Ann Becker), Clinical Associate Professor and International Programs Nursing Advisor, Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.
• Check our upcoming events page for upcoming info sessions.