Duke University Global Education Office for Undergraduates

Why Duke in Madrid?

The Duke in Madrid (DIM) program was founded in 1989 and is sponsored by the Department of Romance Studies and the Global Education Office for Undergraduates of Duke University. Committed to a cultural studies perspective, the program aims at improving participants’ Spanish fluency and deepening their understanding of Spain and its many cultures within a global context.

There are a lot of study abroad opportunities in Madrid, so it's fair to ask - why study with Duke in Madrid? Here are some of what we think are the top reasons.

Madrid itself - It's vibrant, bustling, and full of culture! 

University life - We're in a university setting in downtown Madrid. You're able to take our great program classes, as well as regular university classes with Spanish students. You'll also have the opportunity to get involved in campus life. 

Full Duke University credit! Participants enroll in four course credits (suggested value of 16 semester credit hours), transcripted by Duke University. Courses are eligible for Duke curriculum codes and the grades count in the Duke GPA - all good stuff! 

Experienced on-site staff and program office - The best staff in Madrid! 

Well-organized, guided excursions to Barcelona, Andalucia, Galicia, Segovia, Toledo, etc. (Often there's the option to stay afterwards on your own - great fun!) Students rave about the hotels and meals.

Internet access - We provide all participants with a modem internet card for use with a laptop - you provide the laptop.

Health insurance - Participants are covered while in Spain.

Homestays - You'll live with carefully selected host families around Madrid. And, never fear, it's a homestay, not a home-smothering! ;) 

Service learning opportunities - It's a buzzword at Duke and it's possible in Madrid.

STUDENT VOICES

"I loved Duke in Madrid! My host family was wonderful, the staff was fantastic, and I've made lifelong memories. I highly recommend it!"

-Spring 2009 Student Evaluation

 


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Postcard from Abroad

Dear Global Education Office:

It is impossible to pick one highlight of Duke in Madrid. The whole experience was unbelievable. I made great new friends, improved my Spanish skills 100-fold within a semester, met incredible people such as my host family and the DIM directors and professors, and learned a lot about myself.

The program is amazingly well thought out, giving a comprehensive understanding of all of Spain, not just the stereotypical representation from Andalucia. Not only does the program include trips to several cities, the directors also planned dance classes, cooking classes, a flamenco show, a theater production and tours of all kinds to help us immerse in the culture.

I am returning to Duke with a renewed and deeper love for the language and culture. I am no longer shy about speaking nor worried about applying my skills while volunteering in the pharmacy and in my future career. My best advice would be to go study abroad at some point in your college life, and in the Spring if possible because the benefits are endless. It will change your life.

-Lydia Chen

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