CWRU in Madrid students live and learn in Getafe, a suburb of Madrid, during their first semester with Case Western Reserve University. They study at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), in addition to taking courses with CWRU. A CWRU faculty member will live in Madrid, bringing their expertise to help students feel supported in Madrid. This faculty member serves as a mentor and guide for CWRU in Madrid students as they adjust to university life abroad.
In addition to group programming put on by the CWRU faculty in Madrid, a group orientation will be planned by CWRU staff for the first week on-site. The orientation will culminate with UC3M’s Welcome Day on Friday, September 5, which familiarizes students with UC3M support services, campus life and more. An exciting component of UC3M’s Welcome Day is that students who signed up for the Buddy Program will meet their local UC3M Buddy.
UC3M’s Buddy Program is a free program available to any CWRU in Madrid student who is interested. Students who sign up will be contacted by their Buddy before their arrival for help with any concerns. Once in Madrid, your Buddy will show you around, answer questions about life in Madrid, and invite you to take part in activities and events off campus. Applications for the program are open now and close July 4. Learn more and apply.
Some other ways students can structure how they live and learn in Madrid are by joining one of the popular International Student Associations on campus and exploring cultural activities around Madrid, such as:
- Attending lectures by local film directors and poets
- Visiting the national newspaper
- Taking lessons in Spanish cooking and dance
- Participating in sports activities such as soccer games
- Enjoying a cultural week focused on the Spanish War of Independence against Napoleon’s Army
There are many opportunities for you to participate in the life of the city alongside local Spanish students. We encourage you to take advantage of the rich campus life. On UC3M’s campus, 51% of the students study abroad prior to graduation—nearly everyone you meet will know what it’s like to study in another country. You’re in good company.