Study Abroad Programs - Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela lies in the northwest corner of Spain in the autonomous region of Galicia. It is well known as the destination of many religious pilgrims who follow the road to Santiago that ends at the impressive Obradoiro Square in front of the Cathedral, which boasts an impressive Baroque facade. The old city is an enchanting maze of narrow cobblestone streets. Santiago is also less than an hour from the Galician coast and beautiful port cities of La Coruña, Pontevedra and Vigo. The region of Galicia, with its rolling hills and fertile lands, is extremely green and enjoys a steady share of rain year-round.
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), which recently celebrated its 500th birthday, is located in buildings throughout the city. Its faculties are divided between the north, south and central campuses. It is one of the top academic institutions in Spain and is a major research institution. The city itself is very much a university city, with nearly a fourth of its population of 150,000 made up of college students.
Students enroll in regular university courses. Most classes are taught in Spanish. While some courses are taught in the regional language of Galician, exchange students can find a full load of courses taught in Spanish.
Faculty Coordinator
Prof. Kathleen March in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics is the faculty coordinator for this direct exchange program. Students should contact Prof. March to learn more about the academic program at the University of Santiago de Compostela.
Areas of Study (in Spanish):
Spanish language, literature, and culture taught by the Modern Languages Center especially for international students.
Anthropology, Art History, Business, Biology, Economics, Geography, History, International Relations, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
Prerequisites:
Minimum overall GPA 3.0
A minimum 5 semesters of Spanish language study is required for this exchange program.
Calendar:
Fall semester: late September to early February
Spring semester: mid-February to late July
In university courses, final exams are scheduled after the term ends, and can run through early February and early July. Students who intend to study in Spain for one semester should plan to apply for the spring semester. For more information, visit Academic Calendar.
Housing:
Student housing is scattered throughout the city of Santiago de Compostela in publicly and privately owned student residences. The SUR (Servicio Universitario de Residencias) maintains a listing of available housing. Meals may be taken at reduced rates at one of the student cafeterias throughout the city, eaten at local restaurants, or cooked for oneself. Bus service throughout the city is excellent. The University has an active student life with regularly scheduled concerts, lectures, and movies; opportunities for involvement in sports; and a whole variety of student clubs and organizations.
Accepted students may apply for housing in the residence halls. Other housing options are available.
Estimated budget for one semester:
- Tuition – 15 credit hours of in-state or out-of-state tuition to UMaine
- Fees – mandatory fees for 15 credit hours to UMaine (Unified fee, Activity fee, Communication fee and Rec Center fee)
- Housing – $2,500
- Food – $1,500
- Airfare – $1,300
- Health insurance – $100-200
- Textbooks – $200
- Spanish visa application fee – $140 and travel expenses to the Spanish consulate in Boston
- Personal expenses – vary