Boston College Students attend the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), the Universidad Carlos III (CIII) or the Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE). At ICADE, they enroll in regular courses at the Spanish university; those registered at the UCM and CIII will also enroll in courses designed for American students. All classes may be chosen from most of the university's facultades. Students enrolled at the ICADE will primarily select courses from business-related offerings. Faculty members as well as the Resident Director will assist students in selecting courses. Students will also have tutors available to help them throughout the academic year.

In September and January a three week pre-session is held at the Instituto Sempere in Madrid, providing B.C. students enrolled in the three Universities with intensive language classes, lectures on contemporary Spain, and cultural visits. The preparation focuses on developing/improving skills needed to integrate fully into the Spanish university as regular students. The language and culture program is continued throughout the academic year in the form of a three-credit course/field study taught by the Resident Director. In addition to ongoing cultural activities which will introduce the students to Madrid, students will be encouraged to pursue service projects within the local community.

Students will be housed individually with Spanish families or in apartments shared with local students. A Housing Coordinator will supervise the different aspects of the program to ensure the students' well-being and adaptation to the culture.

The goal of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to do coursework in their field of interest/specialization while at the same time developing an understanding of and appreciation for the host culture through complete integration into the Spanish university system and local community.