 Located in the
center of Spain, it’s
the country’s capital
and largest city.
 Population is roughly
3.4 million and the
entire population of
the metropolitan area
is nearly 7 million.
 3rd largest city in
the European Union,
after London and
Berlin
 Prado Museum & Royal Palace
 London, Paris and Rome in less than 3 hours by air
 Wonderful array of Spanish cities in 3 hours or less
 Museo Reina Sofía
 Students from all over the world
 Cosmopolitan city
 Courses taught in English
 Madrid contains
the worlds
largest collection
of Picasso’s
work as well as
that of many
other famous
Spanish artists.
 "Fiesta de San Isidro" is Madrid's
biggest festival – a week long - and one of
the best ways to experience the culture of
the people of Madrid, "los Madrileños".
 According to FIFA,
Real
Madrid FC is the world's
most successful football
club of the 20th century.
Their stadium is called
Bernabéu, and is located
in Chamartín in the North
of Madrid. The capacity is
85,000 spectators.
 Madrid is located on a plateau 2,133 feet above sea level.
 Madrid enjoys more cloudless days than almost any
other city in Europe.
 Originally founded in
1492 in the city of
Alcalá de Henares
 One of the most
prestigious
universities in Spain.
 Known affectionately as
La Complu
 It’s a world class university which has been recognized by the Ministry
of Education as an International
Campus of Excellence
 The Complutense University of Madrid is a member of the
Europeum and has over 130,000 students, 4,000 of which are
international students.
 Take a virtual tour at: www.ucm.es/campusvirtual
 UCM can only accept incoming students for the areas of studies
specified in bilateral agreements between universities. Come to
304 Fairchild to figure out an enrollment plan!
 Inquiries phone number: +34 914520400
Interested international applicants can enquire by calling 91-3 94
69 20 to 21. Inquiries can also be sent by facsimile through 91-3
94 69 24. International applicants can also send inquiries
through email at rrinter@rect.ucm.es. Through these contact
information, interested applicants can ask questions regarding
admission requirements, course offerings, special examinations,
and accommodation options.
The range of educational
degrees offered at the
Complutense University is
one of the most complete
in Europe and includes a
wide variety of specialty
areas. The degrees are
grouped into five areas of
knowledge: Arts and
Humanities, Sciences,
Health Sciences, Social and
Legal Sciences, and
Engineering.
For more information see:
www.ucm.es
Registration.
Academic year
2009-2010
75,601
Bachelor’s Degrees
10,229
5 year Degrees and
Higher Engineering
Degrees
41,361
University Diplomas
and Technical
Engineering Degrees
10,191
Second Cycle
Degrees and
Engineering Degrees
1,818
Official Master’s
Degrees
3,693
Doctoral Degrees
8,309
BACHELOR'S DEGREES. 2010-2011


Arts and Humanities

Health Sciences

Archaeology Heritage
Fine Arts
Conservation and Restoration
Design
Spanish Language and Literature
English Studies
Semitic and Islamic Studies
Classical Philology
Philosophy
History
Art History
Modern Languages and Literature
Translation and Interpretation


Nursing
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Speech Pathology
Medicine
Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Dentistry
Optics and Optometry
Chiropody
Psychology
Occupational Therapy
Veterinary Science

Engineering

Computer Engineering
Geological Engineering
Computer Science Engineering
Mathematical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Software Engineering

Sciences

Biology
Biochemistry
Physics
Geology
Mathematics
Mathematics and Statistics
Chemistry
http://portal.ucm.es/en/web/en-ucm/educational-opportunities
Social and Legal Sciences
Business Administration and Management
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Political Sciences
Commerce
Audiovisual Communication
Law
Spanish and French Law
Economics
Social Pedagogy
Applied Statistics
Geography and Spatial Planning
Management and Public Administration
Information Technology Management for Business
Information and Documentation
Pre-school Teacher
Primary Education Teacher
Pedagogy
Journalism
Advertising and Public Relations
International Relations
Labor Relations and Human Resources
Sociology
Social Work
Tourism
10
9
7-8
5-6
0.0
Matricula de honor (MH) - Excellent
Sobresaliente - Very good
Notable - Good
Aprobado - Satisfactory
Suspenso - Fail
 The Academic Year starts in the first week of October an ends mid July, with
the following holiday periods:

 - Christmas Break: 2 weeks December 22nd- January 8th
- Easter Break: 10 days in March or April (until the Easter Monday)
- Summer Holiday: July 15th - October 1st
- Saint Thomas: January 28th
- Saint Joseph: March 19th
- Labor Day: May 1st
- Day off in Madrid: May 2nd
- Day off in Madrid: May 15th
- Spanish National Holiday: October 12th
- Open Course Day: October 1st or 2nd
- Constitution Day: December 6th

 The second semester starts around February 15th.

http://www.ucm.es/cont/descargas/documento33487.pdf
 Shared flats (apartments) (approximately 280€ to 450€, ($400 $643) a one month deposit is required.)
 The University helps to find lodging, but early
information is needed about the needs of each student
(arrival date, stay duration, etc.).
 The housing application form must be received as
soon as possible.

If your country of origin is the USA, you will of course need a valid passport to visit Spain, but you will
also need to obtain a visa if you will be in Spain for longer than 3 months.

Getting a student visa can take from one week to several months so it’s recommended that you
start the application process as early as possible or at least get a confirmation from the consulate
about approximately how long time the process will take.

All documentation required for the student visa to Spain has to be presented in person at the nearest
Spanish consulate – ours is in Chicago.

Normally the consulate will ask for a confirmation letter from the Spanish university stating which
course you are signed up for, how many hours and for how long. Frequently the consulate will also
request an accommodation confirmation letter stating where you will be living and who is
responsible for your accommodation.

You will also have to fill out a number of forms and bring at least 3 photos (passport size).

You will also normally need show valid international medical insurance.

The consulate might also ask for documentation that can prove that you can maintain yourself
financially during your stay in Spain.

In some rare cases the consulate might even ask for a medical certificate and crime record but this is
not very common.

Information found at: http://www.gostudyspain.es/Visa.htm
 There are lots of websites you
can use to find reasonably
priced flights. Here are a few to
start you off:
 www.travelocity.com
 www.priceline.com
 www.cheapflights.com
www.madridinfosite.com
 Metro
 Buses – city and tourist
 Taxi
 Long distance buses
 Trains
 Quick, clean, safe and easy to use – but




pickpockets are frequent so be cautious
Goes practically anywhere in the city.
The lines are differentiated by color and are
numbered 1 to 13.
Tickets can be purchased at any kiosk or
station
Individual tickets for 1€ are available, as
well as packages of 10 for 6.15€ and
monthly passes. (The pack of 10 is recommended,
because the pass can be used by different people.
The tickets can be used with the metro or with the
public bus system.)
 The metro runs from 6
a.m. to 2 a.m.
 Always carry a map of Madrid.
 Bus and metro tickets are the same. If one does
not have a ticket, it is possible to directly pay the
driver.
 Boarding a bus with luggage is left up to the driver,
who can deny entry if the bus is very full.
 The majority of the buses run from 6 a.m. to 11
p.m. The night buses (called “buhos”) run less
frequently and always pass by the Plaza de Cibeles.
The price is the same.
 Good alternative to the metro, especially if
one's objective is to see Madrid.
 Not as agile as the metro, but very
comfortable.
 Air conditioning in all buses
 About half of the buses are wheelchair
accessible.
 The fare is always indicated by the taxi meter in the front part of the taxi. The
taxi meter starts its fare with the “bajada de bandera” (lowering of the flag),
which is usually about 1.5€.
 After that, the taxi meter runs according to distance covered, the urban area, the
day of the week (higher fares on holidays), and the pickup point (higher fares for
pickups in bus stations, train stations and airport).
 The night fare is always higher than the day fare. In no case is one owed to pay
additional fares for luggage or pets transport. All additional fares are always
indicated on informational signs on the back windows of the taxi.
 Remember that the taxi should always charge by the meter. Turn down any
negotiated or closed fares which, besides being illegal, almost always end up
being a more expensive fare. If unsatisfied with the service, remember to write
down and call in the taxi registration and license plate numbers.
 The bus is the cheapest form
of transport for getting
around Spain. In most cases
it is a relatively quick and
quality form of
transportation. Often it is
faster than traveling by train
(especially along the
Spanish coast).
 The long distance buses
depart from three different
stations in Madrid: Mendez
Alvaro, Avenida de America
and Conde de Casal.





Comfortable, economical and efficient.
The system is composed of 13 lines that
run throughout Madrid.
The suburban trains are especially
convenient and fast for trips to nearby
cities such as Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial
and Aranjuez.
All lines leave or pass through Atocha.
The main suburban train stations are
Chamartín, Príncipe Pío, Nuevos
Ministerios, Recoletos, Delicias,
Embajadores, Aluche and Méndez
Alvaro.
The trains operate daily from 6 a.m. to
midnight. They usually pass through
every 15 to 30 minutes. The single ticket
price varies between 1.10 and 3.40,
depending on the trip.
 When you are in your own city and see a group of
foreign tourists, you take a quick look at them and
make an instant judgment of them, whether they are
educated or not. This is human nature and first
impressions are important.
 When you go to Spain, the Spanish people you come in
contact with will also be getting their first impressions
of you, depending on your dress. You may not get the
best treatment at hotels and restaurants if you are not
dressed appropriately. Some restaurants and
discotheques will not let you in.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187427c98918/Spain:Dress.Suggestions.For.Spain.html
 This is a guide for educated visitors
to Spain who want to blend in and
not stand out as tourists. Those
who dress properly according to
Spanish customs will not be
ashamed if they meet Spanish
people.
 By not standing out in crowds, they
will not be the targets of
pickpockets.
 Dressing according to local
customs shows respect for the
country that you visit.
 There are foreigners who are proud
of the fact that in their vacation to
Spain they wore shorts all the time.
This is not the guide for them.
 Spain is a modern country,
but with many traditions
of dress. The Spanish take
pride in the way they
dress, and they dress well
compared to people of
other western countries.
Also Spanish women are
much more feminine than
their counterparts in other
western countries. All of
the Spanish take much
care and thought when
buying their clothes
because they want to be
well dressed.
 You want to pack
lightly and leave about
a third of your
suitcase empty for the
souvenirs you will buy.
Going to stores and
buying things you
cannot find in your
own country is one of
the fun things of
travel.
 There are hardly any self
service laundromats in
Spain, because this is not
the custom in the country.
You can buy liquid
detergent at any
supermarket in Spain, so
you do not have to bring
this. If you are staying in
an apartment, it may have
a laundry machine, but it
may not have a clothes
dryer. Most people hang
dry their entire wardrobe,
often it will be outdoors,
similar to this photo.
 If you want to avoid
screaming "American
tourist, rob me” avoid:
 bright white sneakers
 baseball caps
 Tee or sweat shirts with sayings
or pictures on them - and
shorts in cities. Longer, dressy
shorts are acceptable for
women, but definitely avoid
short shorts and skirts!
 Clothing:
 Layers are always a good idea. Try to stick
with neutral colors – black, white, brown.
Colors are fine, just know that you’ll be
calling attention to yourself and that’s not
always a good idea. Bring a variety.
 Money belts – These are essential. You can
wear them discretely underneath almost any
type of clothing. Bring two just in case.
 Electronics:
 Mobile phones are very easy to
purchase and manage. You do not
need to get one before arriving in
Spain. Pay-as-you-go phones are
the most convenient to monitor
spending.
 Adapters are cheap and sold in
several markets and stores, but it
might be wise to bring one so you
can charge your computer the first
few nights. However, you must be
careful to research your electronic
devices to avoid destroying them
with improper voltage!
Visit the following website
for more information:
http://aboutspaintravel.com/what-typeelectric-power-adapters-are-neededspain-us-travelers
http://www.idealspain.com/pages/information/culture.htm
 Eating out in Spain is
relatively cheap and meals
are usually substantial
instead of gourmet. The
Spanish tradition of tapas
is a good way to sample the
local food. Tapas are small
dishes of snacks which are
served anytime especially in
small bars. They cover all
types of foods from seafood
to vegetables. Many Spanish
people make an evening of
hopping from bar to bar
trying different tapas.
Another of Spain's favorites
is Serrano Ham.
• Spain is famous for its fish delicacies and
simply must be sampled, especially if you
get to coastal areas. Paella has long been a
Spanish favorite, based on either meat or
seafood. Every region in Spain has its own
specialties.
http://www.idealspain.com/pages/information/culture.htm
 Spaniards in general
are a very friendly,
warm and fun-loving
race. People seem to
think that they are lazy
but this is simply NOT
true. In general,
Spanish people are
hard-working but they
do know how to enjoy
their free time. Family
life is very important in
Spain and this features
in every region.
Towards the south of
Spain, life is
considerably slower
and more relaxed.
http://christina66.multiply.com/journal/item/114
• Spanish people are very proud of their history
and culture and are very happy when foreigners
take an interest. They love to show off and this
is so evident in their dance such as flamenco.
They need little excuse for a party of a fiesta and
this is now part of everyday life in Spain.
http://www.idealspain.com/pages/information/culture.htm
 When it comes to technology in Spain they are
behind most of Europe but catching up fast.
Spain has been a little slow to realize the
potential of the internet whereas mobile phones
were quick to take off. You don't have to look far
to see people on their mobiles. New technology
is interesting to Spaniards but they are a little
slow to take it up. It appears that new technology
is far less important than socializing and
enjoying life.
• The Spanish way of life is
somewhat slower than the
rest of Europe, especially in
the south. This may be seen
as lazy, but when the Spanish
work, they work hard. They
have adapted to the weather
and play hard too. It is quite
common for life to begin
when the sun goes down,
especially in the summer.
They are a very happy people
who enjoy life to the fullest.
They love music, dance
and food.
http://www.idealspain.com/pages/information/culture.htm
 Much of Spanish life is lived in the
streets and the atmosphere is
especially vibrant at fiesta time. On a
warm evening the street cafes and bars
can fill to capacity as people sit and
relax. Most night clubs open late at
night and don't close until late the
following day (11 p.m. – 7 a.m.) Spanish
men tend to maintain eye contact with
females for longer, although this does
not mean anything.
• Smoking is now banned in all interior public places in
Spain although it is common for people to take no notice.
Most bars still allow smoking and it is signposted on the
door.
 Winter (December to middle March)
Though cold, winter in Madrid is usually quite dry, and for those
not looking for sun-tanning weather it can be a very refreshing
time of the year to visit the city. It occasionally snows in the
center, but it rarely accumulates. While there is certainly no
shortage of activity in the city, there are far less tourist than at
other times of the year, resulting in smaller crowds at museums
and other tourist centers, off-season rates at hotels etc. It is
worth keeping in mind that the temperatures at night can go
well below zero so make sure you get a room with proper heating.
 SUITABLE CLOTHING: You'll want warm clothes, including
sweaters, as heating is not guaranteed in many places. Though
rain is relatively infrequent it can by no means be ruled out. A
water-resistant jacket and umbrella should suffice, and a pair of
heavy shoes or lightweight boots that don't mind getting wet are
advisable.
 Spring (middle March through May)
Spring is one of the most pleasant times of the year to visit
Madrid. The long days are generally warm and the nights cool.
The nightlife goes up a notch, as the warmth seems to get the
blood (and beer) flowing. Large numbers of young people take
to the streets for the all-night 'marcha' and all the outdoor cafes
open up. During Holy week ('Semana Santa', the week leading
up to Easter) Madrid is usually fairly quiet as the Madrid masses
head to the south for the processions and the year's first sun-tan.
Rain is not uncommon at this time of the year, and days are often
quite windy.
 SUITABLE CLOTHING: You will have to allow for a range of
temperature. Its very unlikely to get very cold, but it can get quite
chilly at night, particularly if you go outside the center. At mid
day the temperature can easily rise to short sleeve temperatures.
Rain gear is recommended, as is a jacket to break the wind.
 Summer (June through August)
Temperature-wise, Madrid's summer should really be divided into two
sections; the pleasant summer and very-hot-summer. The former may or may
not last all through June, and then begins again in mid to late August. This is a
good time of the year to visit Madrid, especially to enjoy the long warm nights
in June, when the street life is at its best. In July and through most of August,
the city simply gets very hot, with temperature frequently touching into the
40's (over 100 Fahrenheit). The real problem with this time of the year in
Madrid is that it doesn't cool down very much at night, making sleeping
uncomfortable for those without air-conditioning. An important summer
phenomenon is that in August the locals pour out of the city en-masse. Many
people like it in Madrid this time of year, as the city has much less traffic (its
actually possible to find a parking spot!), the mood is quiet, many restaurants
and shops are closed, but the ones that are open are likely to be much less busy
than normal. If you like to have 'the city to yourself', then August may be the
time for you to visit. If you're lucky, the cooler weather will return sooner rather
than later. Rain is infrequent but there are the occasional summer storms.
 SUITABLE CLOTHING: Short- sleeved shirts, shorts, sun glasses, hats to keep
the sun off your head. Sandals are a very good idea, and Madrid is a good place
to buy them. Sun cream if you are of fair complexion.
 Autumn (September through November)
Like spring, autumn is an excellent time for a visit. The
city's mood is quite different as everyone has recently
returned to work or school after the August holidays, the
temperature is very pleasant with people relieved that the
intense July sun is behind them. There are also plently of
cultural activities going on. Late in autumn there is always
the risk of some rain, but its rarely so much that an
umbrella can't cope.
 SUITABLE CLOTHING: Like spring you have to bring
clothes for a range of temperatures. Its unlikely to get so
cold that a decent sweater can't cope though. Obviously the
later in Autumn you go the cooler it gets.

http://www.aboutmadrid.com/madrid/weather.asp
 Madrid is 7 hours ahead of Kansas time
 If you do not have internet in your place of residence,
no worries – “internet cafes” are all over the place.
 Remember not to let staying in touch with people back
home overshadow having new experiences abroad –
don’t be a slave to your computer!
 Remember to send postcards!
 www.ucm.es/
 www.aboutmadrid.com/madrid
 http://madrid.university-guides.com/
 http://www.fodors.com/community/travel-tips-trip-ideas/what-kind-of-shoes-
and-bags-to-bring-to-spain.cfm
 http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187427-
c98918/Spain:Dress.Suggestions.For.Spain.html
 http://www.idealspain.com/pages/information/culture.htm
 http://www.lingolex.com/swom/wom-survival.htm
 And of course – www.ksu.edu/studyabroad