ENGR Exchange: Universidad Pontificia de Comillas (Spain)

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
The Universidad Pontificia Comillas was founded in 1890 and is directed by the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. It is one of the 90 Universities that the Jesuits possess around the world, along with another 500 secondary education institutions. Located in Madrid, it offers students an excellent opportunity for personal, professional and social development.

The University has a style of its own, backed by a rich humanistic and educational tradition, and is characterized by the search for excellence in both pedagogical methods and the final results obtained. Students at Comillas study and learn in an environment of mutual respect, with high and demanding standards, close inter-personal relations, a deep understanding of the study materials and a desire for personal improvement, which enables them to become active members of our society.

Aside from the courses available in pursuit of a degree, a wide range of opportunities to develop a spirit of constructive criticism is offered through debates, cultural groups, meetings with students with a variety of professional interests and through a productive, enriching international environment at both a human and cultural level.

At Comillas, university work is understood not only as a transmission of knowledge, but also as a search for a way to understand existence itself and the manner in which professional skills can help and serve society. They aim to help students develop their potential as persons, in the hope that each individual will form his or her own independent critical approach to issues and develop a sense of solidarity with society and other people.

Host City
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan city with more than four million inhabitants. It is the site of the Spanish government and is the most important financial and cultural center in the country. The cultural, leisure and sports offering is rich and varied. It has countless theaters and museums, such as the "El Prado" National Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Queen Sofía Center for the Arts. Monuments, exhibits, and concert halls dot the city. Moreover, in Madrid, over 43 parks and emblematic green areas such as the Retiro Park, the "Casa de Campo" Recreational Park or the Sabatini Gardens can be enjoyed.

---

Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
• You must be an ENGR major

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.

---

1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

---

Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

Universidad Pontificia de Comillas offers a specially designed spring of Sophomore year program in English called the SAPIENS program.  Maryland equivalencies approved in this program include PHYS270/271, ENES221, ENES232, MATH246, MATH461, & ENEE205. Click here to learn more about the SAPIENS program.
 

 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). 

• If you are interested in taking an engineering course not listed in the SACD, please submit an engineering course evaluation request.
• If you are interested in taking a non-engineering course not listed in the SACD,  please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.

 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  Most courses at Universidad Pontificia de Comillas will be converted as follows:

Universidad Pontificia de Comillas Credit	UMD Credit
.667 Credit	1 UMD Credit
6 Credit	4 UMD Credit

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on February 27, 2014.

Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

Universidad Pontificia de Comillas Grade	UMD Grade
5	C -

 

---

Students have the option of staying in a shared flat with other students, or an individual flat. There are a number of housing providers available in Madrid. We recommend using one of the following services:

• LodgerIn
• Aluni
• Yugo

These companies have been vetted by University of Maryland staff and are legitimate housing organizations with a physical presence in Madrid. You may also consider options recommended by the Comillas international office. 

---

Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Students participating in a BMGT or ENGR exchange program are not charged differential tuition. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

The Clark School of Engineering provides additional services to engineering students studying abroad in Madrid to support our students during their time abroad. This includes support from the in-country program director, 24/7 emergency support, cultural activities, an overnight group trip to Sevilla (or similar location), optional day trips, group meals, and a pre-arrival orientation. The cost for this service is:

• Fall '23:  $675
• Spring '24:  $675

This fee will be billed to your UMD account.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

---

Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

International Welcome/Orientation
Comillas organizes an Orientation Day for all exchange students at which they are given general information about the University and the different university services.  Each School will also provide specific information about the procedures for registration, selecting modules, etc.

Counseling & Health Services
Should you fall ill, there is a medical service at the University which is available for students who need it.  A free, 100% confidential Psychoeducational Counseling Unit is also available for advice related to both academic and personal problems.

Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*

Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*

*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.

---