Comillas University Exchange
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About this Program
The Comillas Exchange provides students with an opportunity to earn credits towards their major or minor while studying in Spain. Courses are predominantly taught in Spanish with select courses offered in English. Students interested in the Fall Semester program should consider an intensive Spanish course in which students can participate during the last two weeks of August, before beginning their period of exchange at Comillas. The Universidad Pontitifica Comillas, a Jesuit institution established in 1904, has approximately 7,700 undergraduate students. Dedicated to international education Comillas has over 70 exchange programs, which provide opportunities to interact with students from all over the world. Students can study at the Humanities Campus or at the Business Campus.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Spanish
- Courses with Locals
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Local University Program
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Housing is not included in the program fee. The program will provide housing in the following accommodation types:|Apartment
- Dorm
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 20-30
- Credit System: ECTS Credits
- Typical Course load: 4-5
- Credit Per Course: 5-6
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Comillas University
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 ECTS Credit = 0.80 SU Quarter Credits. Note: if credit conversion does not equate a whole or half quarter credit, credits will be rounded down to the nearest whole or half quarter credit per course
- Quarter Range: 16-24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $0
- Spring Semester: $0
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). Spring is an ideal time to explore the country’s cities and countryside, with flowers blooming and fewer tourists.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), particularly in inland areas like Madrid and Seville. Coastal areas like Barcelona and Valencia remain cooler, with a Mediterranean breeze.
- Autumn (September to November): Warm and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). A great season for travel as crowds thin out and the weather remains pleasant.
- Winter (December to February): Cool, especially in northern regions, with temperatures between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Coastal areas and the south remain mild, while mountainous regions experience snow, making it a popular time for skiing.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major international airports include Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport.
- Train: Spain’s high-speed rail network, Renfe AVE, connects major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, providing fast and efficient travel.
- Public Transport: Most cities have well-developed public transportation systems, including metro, buses, and trams. Multi-trip tickets and travel cards are widely available.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Spain is home to iconic sites, including La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Alhambra in Granada, Park Güell, and the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
- Language: The official language is Spanish, but regional languages such as Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken in their respective areas.
- Festivals: Popular events include La Tomatina in Buñol, Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Semana Santa (Holy Week) across various cities, and Fallas de Valencia.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Traditional Spanish dishes include paella (rice dish), tapas (small plates), gazpacho (cold tomato soup), tortilla española (Spanish omelette), and churros.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in major cities where international cuisine is also popular. Traditional Spanish cuisine is often meat-based but adaptations are increasingly common.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Madrid: Calle de Serrano, 75, 28006 Madrid (Phone: +34 91 587-2200)
- U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona (Phone: +34 93 280 22 27)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Spain is relatively accessible, particularly in major cities and modern buildings. Public transportation systems, especially in Madrid and Barcelona, are well-equipped for individuals with disabilities.
- LGBTQ+: Spain is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, with legal protections and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Major cities have inclusive communities and Pride events.
- Religion: Spain is predominantly Roman Catholic, though religious diversity is increasing with growing Muslim, Protestant, Jewish, and secular communities.
- Race & Ethnicity: Spain is ethnically diverse, with immigrant populations from Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe contributing to its cultural richness, though racial minorities may face occasional discrimination.
- Gender: Gender equality is a priority in Spain, with strong legal protections and progressive policies, but challenges like wage gaps and gender-based violence remain areas of focus.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by Comillas University.
U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a student visa for Spain if their program is over 90 days (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). The application process varies by Consulate and student location but may require travel to the nearest Consulate to apply in-person. Comillas will provide the official acceptance letter required for the visa. More information can be found at visaguide.world/europe/spain-visa/long-stay/student/. Comillas University will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in Comillas University’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.