Hamilton College

Founded in 1974, the Hamilton College program's main objective is to achieve academic standards comparable to those of the best American universities. While recognizing the particular value of study programs in Spain, whose calendar and budget are designed to allow students considerable opportunity to travel, the founders of the Hamilton program chose to emphasize the academic aspects of studying abroad. To achieve this goal, various initiatives have been developed. On the one hand, class sizes are small (generally eight to fourteen students); the program's professors are distinguished in the fields of language, literature, art, film, and the social sciences in general, and individual guidance is offered regarding course selection and internships.

The rewarding study abroad program of Hamilton College   

To be admitted, students must be sophomores or juniors at accredited institutions in the United States, with two years of college Spanish or its equivalent, a B grade point average, and strong recommendations and grades from their Spanish departments. The total fee includes tuition, room and board, travel, and excursions. To ensure that students' experiences outside the classroom are as rewarding as possible, host families are chosen with great care, and meetings between program students and Spanish students of their own age are coordinated.

The program accepts students for either one semester or the entire academic year. Each semester includes a five-day orientation outside of Madrid. Fall semester students travel to Galicia, and spring semester students travel to Andalusia.