Programs : Brochure

Drexel in Spain: Engineering Winter in Madrid

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Program Overview

Universidad Pontificia Comillas is located in Spain’s capital city, Madrid, a cosmopolitan city and cultural hub with more than 4 million inhabitants. Founded in 1890 by the Society of Jesuits, UP Comillas is one of the 90 Jesuit universities in the world. The university has a style of its own, backed by a rich humanistic and educational tradition, and is characterized by academic rigor, individualized attention for students, and a high degree of social awareness. Students at Comillas study and learn in an environment of mutual respect, with high and demanding standards, close interpersonal relations, a deep understanding of the study materials, and a desire for personal improvement.

Upon arrival at Comillas, students will participate in an orientation program where you will find out about the city, university life, and have the opportunity to meet other international students. The International Relations team acts as a support system for exchange students and can provide information to you regarding campus life and academics.

Optional leisure activities with classmates and campus clubs offer a great opportunity for students to get involved and meet other students. The city of Madrid offers ample opportunity for cultural activities, sports, museums, and nightlife.

Students can learn more about preparing to study abroad at Comillas by reviewing the Guide for International Students.

Comillas’s School of Engineering, ICAI, is conveniently located in downtown Madrid. ICAI’s special engineering program in English, SAPIENS, offers sophomore engineering students the opportunity to take relevant coursework in English while becoming immersed in the culture of a Spanish university.
 
Comillas ICAI website: http://www.icai.upcomillas.es/en/

SAPIENS website: http://www.icai.upcomillas.es/en/estudios/otros-estudios/sapiens

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Eligibility

• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Prior study of Spanish language
• Sophomore status or higher

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Academics

The SAPIENS program is open to the following majors during the winter term of their sophomore year: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Computer Engineering This program has only a SPAN 101 language pre-requisite, and will give students the opportunity to learn some Spanish while taking courses in English. All students are required to take a semester-long Spanish language course in addition to their other courses.

This program has only a SPAN 101 language pre-requisite, and will give students the opportunity to learn some Spanish while taking courses in English. All students are required to take a semester-long Spanish language course in addition to their other courses. Other courses offered at ICAI, both in English and Spanish, are open to Drexel students. Revew the full list of all ICAI course offerings. Students who wish to take courses at ICAI not listed on the above suggested plans of study or pre-approved list should first consult their academic advisor. Be sure to select only courses offered in the spring semester and take note of the language of instrtuction. Students must have all courses that do not appear on the pre-approved list approved for Drexel course equivalency prior to acceptance.

Grading
Students and taught and graded by Spanish faculty at Comillas ICAI. Grades are noted as “CR/NCR” on their Drexel transcript and will not affect their GPA. In order to receive CR students must earn a “C” or above at the host institution. You must plan to be a full time student at Comillas while also being careful to take the equivalent of a full time load at Drexel.

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Program Calendar

UP Comillas Spring Semester Dates and Itinerary

Program Start Date	January
Program End Date	May

SAPIENS Spring Semester Dates and Itinerary

Program Start Date	Early January
Program End Date	Mid May

UP Comillas is a semester school. The SAPIENS program begins in early January and ends in mid May. This program offers winter quarter credit. In order to participate, students must be scheduled for winter class, followed by a spring/summer co-op. Due to the semester calendar, the program dates will require students to begin their spring/summer co-op late.  

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Housing

Students will arrange their own housing in Madrid in either apartments or homestays. The Information and Lodging Office at Comillas can assist in selecting and arranging housing.

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Visa

All students are required to obtain a student visa in order to study in Spain. For more information, visit the Spanish Embassy Website.

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Cost and Financial Aid

Program Costs
This is a Drexel sponsored program, thus your Drexel tuition and financial aid remain the same during your term abroad.

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 (only available to students 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.

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More Information