Universidad Pontificia Comillas
- Study business, engineering, or humanities in English or Spanish
- Live in and explore Spain's capital city of Madrid
- Take a Spanish language or culture class during the semester
KU and Universidad Pontificia Comillas have exchanges through several departments and students from a wide array of majors will find classes that will fit their needs. Students will directly enroll at Comillas and take a Spanish language course and courses in Spanish or English. Please take careful note of the program fee because it varies depending on the department at Comillas.
Universidad Pontificia Comillas is located in Madrid, the capital of Spain. With a population of slightly over 3 million, there truly is something for everyone. Madrid, and all of Spain, has a rich history dating back to centuries, which is reflected in art museums and churches. There is also an upbeat, modern influence in hip bars and restaurants, high end shopping, and the world famous soccer team, Real Madrid. Take time to explore both aspects of Madrid and get to know madrileños who can show off their great city.
The university is a private Jesuit university, founded in 1890. There are over 10,000 students, including approximately 1,800 international students. The university has several departments and schools. KU students can take courses at three of the departments and the school of engineering on two Madrid campuses: Alberto Aguilera and Cantoblanco. View information about each campus and maps.
KU and Comillas have exchanges with three departments and one school that are located on two campuses in Madrid. Each of them has a lot of information available online including syllabi, course lists, general information, etc. Students should plan on taking all of their classes from the department or school in which they are enrolled.
All students will attend orientation at Comillas prior to the start of the semester and can take a Spanish course during the semester to improve language skills. For an additional fee, Fall students can enroll in a four-week Spanish Language and Culture program to improve their Spanish and learn about Spanish culture.
ALBERTO AGUILERA CAMPUS
Department of Economic Sciences and Business Administration
Syllabi and course lists are available in the “Prospective Exchange Student” section.
Students can take courses in business, international business, economics, marketing, and finance, among others.
Syllabi and course lists are available in the “Prospective Exchange Student” section.
Students can take courses in political science, law, and international law, among others.
Syllabi and course lists for engineering courses are available in the “International” tab.
In addition, Comillas offers the SAPIENS program, which are engineering courses taught in English that are specifically designed for U.S. students, Spanish culture courses, and research opportunities. Students can elect to participate in the Fall or Spring, though Spring has the largest number of course options. Students can view SAPIENS course syllabi on the SAPIENS program page or the International Engineering Blog.
Students interested in the Summer SAPIENS program should see the Universidad Pontificia Comillas SAPIENS Summer program page.
CANTOBLANCO CAMPUS
Department of Human Social Sciences
This department's exchange is closed for 2021. Please contact the KU Study Abroad Program Coordinator to find an alternate program.
Students can take courses in education, global and international studies, history, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, and social work, among others. The department also offers the Diploma in International Relations from a Spanish Perspective, which is earned by taking certain courses. Syllabi and course lists are available in the "Syllabus" section.
Students typically earn 12 to 18 KU credit hours during one semester abroad.
Resources
Students are encouraged to use the following resources to research available courses at Comillas and to determine if these courses will meet their academic requirements at KU.
-Comillas course syllabi: Please see above for links to each department or school and instructions on finding syllabi.
-KU Course Equivalency Database is a list of:
- Courses that are currently pre-approved for KU credit (approved equivalency)
- Courses that students have had approved for KU credit in the past (possible equivalency)
-Credit Approval Process: This is the procedure for obtaining KU course equivalency approval for courses you plan to take abroad.
All courses taken and grades earned while abroad must be posted as KU equivalents on a student’s KU transcript and grades will figure into a student’s KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit and their application toward graduation.
Universidad Pontificia Comillas does not have campus housing, so students are responsible for finding their own housing. Comillas suggests a few housing companies students can work with and the information about these companies is in the handbook that accepted students receive. Housing options typically include host families and apartments.
Please note that that housing on the budget is a host family with half board. If a different housing option is chosen, the cost will vary.
Comillas provides general information for international students. On that same page, under the "International" tab, click "Guide for Foreign Students", which is a great resource to learn more about the university, Spanish education system, and the city of Madrid.
Each department's website also has information for incoming exchange students. Please see the links for each department in the "Academic Information" section above.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Additional Resources
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Students wishing to take classes in Spanish should have completed at least four semesters of college-level Spanish (SPAN 216) or the equivalent.
Minimum GPA: 2.75 or special permission.
Comillas Office of International Relations
Student visa information
Students planning to study abroad on the Comillas program should not delay completing the application because all students studying abroad in Spain must obtain a student visa. Students without a passport should apply for one immediately.
June 2021: Passport processing times for U.S. passports are currently 18 weeks for routine service and 12 weeks for expedited service. Students who don't have a valid passport should apply for one immediately. Read more information about applying for a U.S. passport.
In order to submit the visa application, students must be accepted into the program and receive paperwork that Comillas will send to Study Abroad & Global Engagement. Once submitted at the consulate, the student visa will take four to six weeks to be issued.
The consulate can change their policies at any time, but currently, visa applications must be submitted in person to the Consulate General of Spain in Chicago. Students can read more about the student visa process on their website and will also have access to a required reading about the visa process once an application on KU’s website has been started.
Students with questions should contact Study Abroad & Global Engagement.
