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Illinois in Granada, Spain

A collage of two images. On the left, a group of students poses inside a marble courtyard with intricate arches. On the right, a distant view of the Alhambra surrounded by trees.
An aerial view of white, closely-packed buildings covering a hillside.
The Alhambra fortress, viewed from a distance at sunset, with mountains in the background.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Spain, Granada

Spend your semester or academic year studying the Spain of the past, present, and future. Investigate and experience the give and take between the cultures and ideas that have defined Spain for generations. Live and study in a city that is the product of hundreds of years of contact between the Romani, Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Explore the streets and cross paths with the languages and livelihoods of the Spaniards, West Africans, Latin Americans, and Eastern Europeans that make up the city of Granada, Spain.

Offered through the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), you’ll study Spanish language and culture at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas at the University of Granada. This renowned center offers exceptional courses for visiting students and provides opportunities to connect with local Spanish students who share your passion for languages and cultural exchange.

Beyond the classroom, Granada offers breathtaking architecture, rich traditions, and easy access to the diverse region of Andalucía. Whether you’re wandering the Alhambra’s gardens, enjoying tapas in a lively plaza, or traveling through southern Spain, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the cultures that make this region unique.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Spanish 226 strongly encouraged before participation in this program
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA in all Spanish language courses
  • Language Prerequisite(s):
    Fourth Semester Spanish
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Spanish language and culture

Classroom Language

Spanish

Housing

Local Hosts

Program Duration

Fall: Late August - Late December
Spring: Early January - Late May
Academic Year: Late August - Late May 

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 - [Suspended] 2/6/2026
Spring 2026-27 8/7/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 1/22/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Studying abroad was one of the most helpful things that I could have done to develop my professional and conversational Spanish.  -Seth F.

You’ll spend your semester or academic year studying at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas at the University of Granada, a leading institution for language and cultural studies. For your first month you'll be enrolled in the Intensive Spanish Language Course (CILE), designed to strengthen your skills and prepare you for success in your regular semester classes.

After your on-site orientation, you’ll take a language placement test to ensure you’re enrolled in the course that best matches your proficiency level. This personalized approach helps you build confidence and fluency before diving into your full academic schedule.


At the end of your three-week intensive Spanish course, you’ll take a final exam to assess your progress. Students that do not test above level 4 (intermediate Spanish, B1.1 on the CEFRL scale) will only be able to take content courses (e.g. culture, literature or linguistics) in English that will not count towards the major or certificate.  A minimum of 5 semester of Spanish is strongly suggested for UW students interested in this program who intend to use credits to satisfy advanced coursework in the Spanish major or certificate.

Your exam results will determine which program you join next:

Spanish Language & Culture Course (CLCE): Ideal for beginner to intermediate students, focusing on language development and cultural understanding.

Hispanic Studies Course (CEH): Designed for advanced Spanish speakers, offering in-depth exploration of Hispanic literature, history, and society.

Want to learn more? Visit the University of Granada’s program page for program information and requirements.

Program Web Pages

Illinois in Spain: Spanish Studies in Granada Universidad de Granada Centro de Lenguas Modernas

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents