The Marquette University Study Center in Madrid, a pioneer in study abroad in Spain, was founded in 1965 out of the desire and interest of providing American students the opportunity and challenge of experiencing the language and culture firsthand. The program is open to all qualified undergraduate students enrolled in U.S. colleges or universities. Candidates do not have to be Spanish language majors to participate. Students may elect courses in such fields as Spanish language and literature, history, economics, political science, geography and art within the Universidades Reunidas curriculum and the Universidad Complutense, as well as a special class in Theology. All classes are taught at the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras by professors from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

A special four-week Orientation-Language Course has been specifically organized within Universidades Reunidas to better prepare Fall Semester and Academic Year students for their ensuing semester studies. This required course consists of 16 class hours each week for which three semester credits may be granted to those students who successfully complete all of the course requirements. The improvement of oral and listening skills is stressed, as well as a review of the most important grammar points and idiomatic expressions. Lectures on culture, literature, art and history; guided cultural tours of Madrid and excursions to neighboring cities, such as Toledo and Segovia, are all integral parts of the course. A two-week orientation is given to Spring semester only students for which 3 credits are granted. This course consists of grammar classes and lectures on culture, literature, art, history, geography, etc.

Marquette University students are expected to register for 14-16 credit hours per semester, with a minimum of 12 credit hours required to maintain full-time student status.

In order to be considered for admission, the applicant must have an overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.0 scale) or better, and a "B" (3.0) or better average in his/her college Spanish courses. In addition, the applicant must have completed two courses beyond the intermediate level in college Spanish. One of the two courses must be a "Spanish Composition and Conversation" course, or its equivalent.

Housing in Madrid depends on individual student needs and preferences. The program assists students in finding housing in private homes, if they so desire. Anyone wishing to live in an apartment must make their own arrangements.

Marquette plays an active role in the academic activities of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, organizing conferences and creating interdisciplinary options for students and faculty. Marquette students enjoy the atmosphere of a large, acclaimed and thriving university, with sports activities, academic conferences and opportunity for exchange with Spanish students attending the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Marquette students benefit of an excellent preparation in a program where they can take fullest advantage of the opportunity of a superior experience abroad.