University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid GE3 Exchange

Four students wearing white lab coats while working in a lab.
The fancy stone exterior of the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Spain, Madrid

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review of applicants is based on these criteria. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Through this direct exchange opportunity, you'll study at UPCM alongside other international students and Spaniards. Practice your Spanish and earn credits toward your engineering degree while living in one of the most exciting cities in Europe! 

This program is run through the Global Engineering Education Exchange (Global E3), a consortium of over 70 universities in the U.S. and abroad working together to provide students with the opportunity to study abroad.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen Spanish language skills, as well as cultural competency and awareness
  • Navigate new educational systems, including new learning and teaching styles
  • Observe Spanish perspectives on academic disciplines
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    • Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial Engineering
  • Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture

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

  • Open to UW Madison degree seeking Engineering students in good academic standing. Students must be admitted into their specific major (i.e.: ME, CEE, etc.), but cannot study abroad in their last two semesters. Special permission may be granted to study abroad in second to last semester.

    Participants on this program must take at least half engineering, science and/or math courses. 
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Students must have completed at least Spanish 102 (two semesters) to be eligible to apply for this program. Students who have completed at least Spanish 204 (four semesters) can take courses offered in Spanish.
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA in all Spanish language courses
  • Language Prerequisite(s):
    Variable (see notes) Spanish
  • 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

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Comillas offers courses in engineering and Spanish language & culture.

Classroom Language

Spanish, English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Fall: Late August/early September to approximately December 23

Spring: Mid January to mid/late May (regular Comillas courses) or late April (SAPIENS courses)

Academic Year: Late August/early September to late May or April, please contact the Study Abroad Advisor for the program to discuss AY (found under contacts tab)

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 8/7/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

In today's global marketplace, there is an increasing need for broadly educated engineering graduates with cross-cultural skills, international understanding and proficiency in more than one language. The College of Engineering is committed to providing international opportunities that will assist engineering students in obtaining these important skills. With more than 20 programs, including many with instruction in English, our programs help you gain flexibility, adaptability, confidence and crosscultural skills for the job market and fulfill your desire for learning and adventure.

Comillas is a medium-sized private university offering many technical courses as well as Spanish language and culture courses. 

Regular courses available at Comillas can be reviewed here. The language of the course is indicated by the Spanish or British flag. In addition, Comillas offers a variety of courses in English to exchange students through the SAPIENS program- you can view these courses here. Fall courses are indicated with a leaf and spring courses are indicated with a flower. 

Students with less than four semesters of Spanish must choose all courses from the SAPIENS offerings; students with at least four semesters of Spanish may choose courses in English or Spanish from both Comillas and SAPIENS courses. Comillas and SAPIENS courses follow different calendars, so if you plan to take Comillas courses the semester will end a few weeks later.

Participants on this program must take at least half engineering, science and/or math courses. 

Affiliate Institution(s)

Information for Exchange Students Global E3 Comillas

Foreign Courses

SAPIENS Courses ICAI Courses

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