Syracuse University

Syracuse University Foreign Foundation Delegation

Syracuse University, one of the leading private universities in the United States and a pioneer in offering academic programs abroad in Madrid, continues to be one of the few institutions that offers courses in both English and Spanish, aimed at students of all levels.

Since 1970, through Syracuse University Abroad, the Syracuse University Foreign Foundation Delegation Center has offered a wide variety of accredited courses in areas such as liberal arts, social sciences, and business, among others. 

Some students begin their semester in Madrid with the 10-day intensive seminar Marine Ecology of the Mediterranean Sea, where they explore marine and coastal ecosystems, food chains, oceanographic concepts, and the formation of the Mediterranean Sea. Other students begin directly in Madrid with an orientation day that introduces them to key aspects of their academic experience.

The center's staff consists of 11 professionals distributed across four key areas: Management, Academic Department, Student Services Department, and Administrative Department. All team members are bilingual in Spanish and English and have a solid background in education, ensuring a competent, dynamic work environment focused on the comprehensive development of students.

The teaching staff consists of between 25 and 30 teachers, most of whom are native Spanish speakers with doctoral degrees. Students earn credits from Syracuse University upon successful completion of semester-long courses, which are offered in two formats:

Option I: Courses at the Syracuse Madrid Center, located at the International Institute in the heart of the city. Subjects include Intensive Spanish Language, Anthropology, Spanish Arts, Biology, Communication, Ecology, Economics, Finance, Gender Studies, History, International Relations, Comparative and Spanish Literature, Marketing, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Women's Studies. Classes are small and are complemented by study visits, academic excursions, and cultural activities.

Option II: Courses at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM). Students with an advanced level of Spanish can enroll directly at the UAM, where they have access to a wide range of courses in the humanities and social sciences, as well as participating in cultural and sports activities. Classes are taught in Spanish and vary in size. Students can combine courses at the UAM with subjects at the Syracuse Madrid Center (spring semester only), taking between 2 and 3 courses at the UAM and completing their schedule with Spanish language and 1 or 2 additional courses at the Center.

The Summer Program focuses on Spanish Language, Gender Studies, European Politics, Spanish Pop Culture, and work experience opportunities, complemented by visits to historical sites.

In terms of accommodation, students can choose to live in a residence hall (double or single rooms, the latter with limited availability) or with carefully selected host families located within walking distance of the Institute or the UAM, or accessible by modern public transportation. Students receive two meals a day, both in the residence hall and with their host families, except for those in single rooms, who are responsible for their own meals. The relationships that develop between hosts, students, and other national or international students have been one of the most enriching aspects of the program.

The program also offers a full calendar of extracurricular activities including sports, dance, music, cooking, theater, cinema, day trips, workshops, and much more.