Hamilton College Academic Year in Spain
Study abroad program in Clinton, The United States
Hamilton College Academic Year in Spain (HCAYS) is a study abroad program in Madrid run by Hamilton College of Clinton, New York. The program, now in its 53rd session, is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Its headquarters, El Centro, is in the El Viso neighbourhood of Madrid, a five-minute walk from the Avenida de América metro station.
HCAYS combines small liberal arts classes with the option of enrolling directly in the Madrid university system. Students take four courses in the fall and spring terms, with most classes limited to 16 students. Course areas include:
- Advanced Spanish language
- Art, dance and film, including flamenco and documentary film
- History and social sciences
- Spanish and Hispanic literature
Before arriving in Madrid, all participants sign a pledge to speak only Spanish at all times, in and outside class. Students live with a Spanish host family that provides three meals a day; placement is based on a confidential housing questionnaire. The program can be contacted at [email protected].
Haz click aquí para ver este centro en español
Programmes
Students take four courses in the fall and spring terms, most limited to 16 students, alongside the option of enrolling directly in the Madrid university system. Examples by area:
- Language: Advanced Spanish Language in Context I and II
- Art, Dance and Film: Introduction to Flamenco Dance, When Art Speaks (partly taught on-site in Madrid museums), Introduction to Documentary Film
- History and Social Sciences: anthropology, cinema and politics, Spanish Society and Economy in the EU
- Literature: Hispanic Caribbean Islands, Cervantes - El Quijote, Contemporary Spanish Poetry
Housing
All students live with a Spanish host family. Homes are visited and inspected by the program, and placement is based on a confidential housing questionnaire. Families provide three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), every home has wifi, and all homes are within walking distance of public transport. Room and board are not provided during the winter vacation; students may stay with their families over spring break if they tell them at least one month in advance.
Accreditation
Subjects taught
- Humanities
- Study Abroad Programs
- Philology, Languages, Literature
- Language Courses
- Language Courses and Cultural Immersion Programs