Since the restoration of democracy in Spain in 1977, Madrid, the country’s capital, has become an exciting cultural, political, and commercial center in Western Europe. It harbors a wealth of historical, architectural, and artistic treasures to be discovered and enjoyed. Situated in the center of the Iberian peninsula, the city offers easy access to all of the country’s regions and provides the opportunity to become acquainted with a cross section of Spain’s diverse cultural heritage. Tufts University has enjoyed an exchange relationship with the Autonomous University of Madrid since 1985 and with the University of Alcalá since the fall of 2000.

Well-prepared undergraduates (normally juniors, but occasionally some seniors) who have completed Spanish 21 and 22 (Composition and Conversation) or the equivalent to six semesters of college-level Spanish may apply to the program. Spanish 31 (Main Currents of Spanish Literature I) and 32 or 34 are highly recommended. The majority of the students who participate in the program are Spanish majors or International Relations majors. A variety of other majors are represented from the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences. All courses are taught in Spanish.

Housing is arranged for the students by placing them individually, according to their preferences indicated on an extensive housing questionnaire, in families carefully selected by the program. Placements are made only on a one-program-student-per-family basis because of the importance of this experience as a source of one-to-one contact with the culture and the language. Students have breakfast and dinner with their families and receive a weekly allowance for lunch.

At the beginning of the academic year, an orientation program is run in Alcalá for fall and full-year Alcalá students, and in Segovia for full-year U.A.M. students. The two-week orientation program introduces students to life and study in Spain and acquaints them with some of the university professors. A series of lectures is given on a variety of topics (Spanish history, art, politics, economics, journalism, culture), and walking tours of Alcalá/Madrid and the university campus are also included. A similar orientation program is provided in Alcalá, Toledo and Madrid at the beginning of the second semester.

The theater course, taken by all program participants, involves students in Alcalá and Madrid’s active cultural life. Each month a series of plays, films, exhibits, concerts, and lectures is recommended. Students are reimbursed by the program for these activities and for other extracurricular activities such as dance, music, ceramics, and gymnasium use, up to a designated limit each semester. One excursion guided and explained by experts is planned each semester to expose students to some of the historic and artistic treasures of Spain found off the beaten tourist track.  Students are strongly encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities and cultural and extracurricular activities to help activate their integration process, regarding which they are offered abundant informational resources and staff support at both program offices.