Academics

Tufts in Madrid offers a flexible, rigorous academic experience that combines the strengths of our program center courses with direct enrollment options at top Spanish universities. Students across both tracks—Arts & Sciences (A&S) and STEM (S&E)—can tailor their studies abroad to their academic interests and degree requirements while deepening their intercultural understanding.

Whether you’re pursuing a major in the humanities, social sciences, or STEM, our program structure invites you to engage deeply with Spanish society, culture, and academic life while earning credit toward your degree.

Students typically take 3–4 courses per semester, drawing from options at our program center and/or one of our university partners: (A&S): the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and (S&E) Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). Courses are offered in both Spanish and English, depending on the student’s track and language level.

Arts & Sciences Track (A&S)

Students in the Spanish immersion track take most or all of their courses in Spanish, combining direct-enrollment courses at UCM with seminars taught at the Tufts in Madrid program center.

    • All A&S students take our Advanced Spanish Language course, designed to strengthen academic fluency and cultural competency.

In addition, students select 1–2 seminars at the program center, taught in Spanish by expert local faculty. These small, discussion-based classes explore contemporary issues such as:

  • Race and migration
  • Memory and identity
  • Gender and sexuality
  • The intersections of art, literature, politics, and activism

These seminars emphasize critical thinking, self-reflection, and intercultural awareness. They are rooted in lived experience and invite students to engage deeply with the cultural and social dynamics of contemporary Spain.

  • Students typically round out their schedule with 1–2 UCM courses, either directly in university departments or through the Reunidas program for international students.

STEM Track (S&E)

Students in the STEM track take their primary coursework in English at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), a top-ranked Spanish university known for its strengths in innovation, technology, and internationalization.

UC3M offers a wide range of courses in engineering, computer science, mathematics, economics, and applied sciences, designed specifically for international students. These courses align with Tufts’ STEM curricula, allowing students to stay on track toward graduation.

Students in this track may also:

  • Participate in program-organized cultural activities and excursions to enhance their immersion.

  • If they have completed at least four semesters of college-level Spanish, choose to take one seminar at the program center, taught in Spanish alongside A&S peers.

Our Spanish University Partners

Spanish Track (A&S): Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

Founded in the 13th century and re-established in 1822, UCM is one of the most prestigious public universities in the Spanish-speaking world. Located on the Moncloa campus, just minutes from the Tufts in Madrid program center, UCM offers an extraordinary range of academic disciplines and resources.

A&S students can choose from two types of courses at UCM:

  • General curriculum courses, enrolling directly in departments such as Art History, Sociology, Political Science, Biology, Psychology, Literature, and more.

  • Reunidas Program courses, taught by UCM faculty and designed for international students from U.S. universities, with offerings in Spanish language, culture, and social sciences.

English Track (S&E): Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)

  • UC3M is a top-tier public university recognized for excellence in engineering, applied sciences, and international education. It ranks among Spain’s most modern and globally engaged institutions.
  • S&E students at UC3M take 3-4 courses in English with other international and local students and have access to research opportunities, cutting-edge labs, and student residence halls on or near campus.

If you have questions about academic planning or course selection, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Madrid-based Academic Services Coordinator, Guille Cámara.