Drexel in Spain: EPA Madrid
Educational Programs Abroad (EPA) is a great opportunity for International Area Studies majors and minors, as well as language minors, to spend a term in Madrid. This program offers a unique combination of study and an academic internship in each location. While working, students take academic courses at a local university, directly immersed into the culture and working environment of their host country.
If you wish to explore the diverse culture of Spain while studying then Madrid is a city that can certainly satisfy your inquisitive and adventurous side. Madrid is the home to Real Madrid, the most celebrated soccer team as well as a great food, fashion, art, music and architecture. Although the population is close to five million, the heart of Madrid, where the pace of life is relaxed, remains very compact. EPA students soon find their professional and social niche in this pleasant and easy-going city.
Experiencing an entirely new culture is at the heart of EPA. There is an orientation program upon arrival, and an EPA Program Director will be on hand to help students settle in and support them throughout their time in Spain.
For more information on the EPA Madrid program click here.
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Prior study of Spanish language
- Sophomore status or higher
Course Availability
Course offerings: Include National Politics, European Politics and History, and the culture of the host country. Class generally involves meeting once a week with fellow students and a course tutor. Grades are based on essays, exams and sometimes oral presentations Students earn Drexel grades and credit for the courses taken through the EPA Program.
Students MUST take pre & post language placement test at Drexel Modern Languages Office in order to receive language credit.
Course Equivalencies
Course Equivalents: This spreadsheet is a historical list of pre-approved courses Drexel students have taken there before. Students can choose to take courses from this list, but there is no guarantee that these courses will be offered in the future.
Course Approvals: Students will need to get courses approved by the appropriate department for each course they plan to take if the course is not on the course equivalency spreadsheet (linked above). For example, if you want to take a course at the University abroad for Drexel credit, its equivalent must be pre-approved by the appropriate department at Drexel.
Internships: Students also participate simultaneously in an academic internship during their study term These internships are academic in nature and do not fulfill a co-op requirement.
EPA Academic Outline (total 18 credits):
2 courses: 4.5 credits each (9 credits total)
Academic Internship + Research independent study with Director of IAS: 6 credits total IAS 399 syllabus
Intensive Spanish Language course: 3 credits
EPA has developed a strong network of companies across industries to take on interns in Madrid. Students receive successful placements for internships from a broad portfolio of opportunities that help them gain valuable international work experience and prepare them for a successful future.
Click here for more information.
Grading
Courses are taught in Spanish at the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, located in Northern Madrid near University City and the Parque de la Dehesa de la Villa. All EPA students participate in a Preparatory Intensive Spanish Course taught through Nebrija at the beginning of the term before choosing semester courses that coincide with their level of Spanish. Their semester courses will most likely be taken alongside other non-native speakers, although students who test at a B2 level or above may register for courses with native speakers upon request.
Fall Semester Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
Late August |
| Program End Date |
Mid December |
Students should be prepared to leave summer term class/co-op several weeks early. Students should prepare to make adjustments and be flexible in fitting this program into their Drexel schedule. Due to the need for cycle adjustments, students should begin planning 12-18 months in advance.
Students can either live in shared apartments, or homestays with Spanish families. The homestay students are normally provided a bedroom and one meal per day. Living with a Spanish family provides an excellent opportunity to improve language skills.
U.S. citizens are required to obtain a student visa for programs lasting longer than 90 days. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Spanish Consulate to find out if a visa is required for Spain. The process of applying for your Spanish student visa may take 6-8 weeks, so students should plan ahead. Accepted students should contact the Spanish Consulate for further assistance.
Program Costs
This is a Drexel sponsored program, thus all of your Drexel tuition and financial aid remain the same during your term abroad. Students will be billed a program fee by Drexel to cover housing and other miscellaneous costs. For program costs, please consult the budget sheet.
Financial Aid
Financial aid applies for this program. Students who receive Federal Work Study should consider applying for the Study Abroad Online Journalist work study position (after acceptance).
Scholarships
To seek additional funding, review the Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly. Students may also want to submit a revised budget to the Financial Aid Office to see if additional funding may be available.
For more information on these and many other scholarship opportunities, visit our Scholarships page.
