Drexel in Spain: Universidad Nebrija
This exchange program (called the “Nebrija Integrated Programme”) takes place at Universidad Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid, Spain. For nearly 20 years, Nebrija has received students from all over the world to take courses alongside Spanish students and become integrated into the daily university life. Drexel students interested in studying International Relations, Business, Law, and Tourism/Hospitality, and Spanish language can take this opportunity to take coursework with locals and sharpen their language skills, all while becoming immersed in the local culture of Spain’s vibrant capital city.
Nebrija prides itself on giving every student individualized attention, and the program provides interactive and communication-based teaching for effective and enjoyable learning. In addition to quality coursework and an array of extracurricular activities, Nebrija also offers support services such as a library, cafeteria, housing accommodation service, wi-fi access, and more.
Students must also take a language placement exam during the application process to determine their Spanish level based on the European system (A1-C2), and much achieve a score of B2 or higher. Coursework is available at Nebrija in both Spanish and English.
For more information about the Integrated Programme at Universidad Nebrija, visit the "Integrated Programme" website and select “Integrated Programme: Social Sciences.”
Upon arrival, all students will take part in a welcome orientation to facilitate their integration into Nebrija university life and local Madrid culture. The first day of the program, all students will also take a Spanish placement exam to determine their language level (A1-C2).
In addition to academic coursework, this exchange program gives students the opportunity to participate in many other activities, including sport and leisure activities organized by Nebrija student clubs, and a language exchange program with Spanish students organized by the university’s Club Internacional.
Below are some links to videos about Nebrija, Spain, and Madrid
Road to Nebrija
Discover Spain
Enjoy Madrid
Nebrija Youtube Channel
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Prior study of Spanish language
- Sophomore status or higher
Most courses at Nebrija’s Integrated Programme are taught in Spanish, though some courses are also offered in English. Students should plan to take some or all of their courses in Spanish while attending this program, as they will have a much broader selection of courses to choose from. Spanish 103 prerequisite for students who wish to take classes in English. Spanish 203 prerequisite for students who wish to take classes in Spanish.
Course Availability
Course listings: Click this link and then select “Integrated Programme: Social Sciences. As part of this “Social Sciences” program, students may choose from courses in International Relations, Tourism, Business Administration, and Law.
Course Equivalencies
Course Equivalents: This spreadsheet is a historical list of pre-approved courses Drexel students have taken 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.
Grading
Students and taught and graded by local faculty at Nebrija. 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 Nebrija (typically 4-5 courses each semester) while also being careful to take the equivalent of a full time load at Drexel.
The exchange program at Universidad Nebrija is offered in the Fall term only. As Nebrija is a semester-based school, the program dates may require participants to leave their spring/summer co-op slightly early.
Please review the Nebrija academic calendar here.
Fall Semester Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
Early September |
| Program End Date |
January |
The Fall Semester at Nebrija begins in early September and ends in January. Drexel students will be permitted to take final exams in December, in order to return to Drexel in time for winter classes. Students must arrange early exams directly with their Nebrija professors upon arrival.
Students may choose to live in a homestay, apartment, or a student residence.
The homestay option gives students the opportunity to live with a local Madrid family. This is the most immersive option, as students will be able to practice Spanish in the home and experience local Spanish life, while also enjoying home cooked Spanish food! In 2015, homestays arranged through Universidad Nebrija with half board cost 795€/month, and homestays with full board cost 930€/month.
Renting a room in a local apartment is also an option, though students will need to arrange this independently. An average rented room in Madrid costs about 450€/month, not including utilities.
Limited spaces in student residences (similar to dormitories) may also be available.
Upon acceptance to the program, Universidad Nebrija can provide guidance and support in finding and arranging housing accommodation.
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. 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.
