Study abroad

Experience the Hispanic culture firsthand

A woman selling rugs Studying and living abroad can provide you with a rich multicultural experience that will prove an invaluable asset in both your professional and personal life.

Through the study abroad programs offered by the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies, you can spend an unforgettable term (or two!) in Madrid, at the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, or at the University of Holguín, Cuba and earn up to 4.0 credits towards your degree here at the University of Waterloo. To give you maximum flexibility in planning, your study abroad programs run in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms. You can take any combination of language, literature, and culture courses, and design the study plan that best suits your needs and interests!

Eligibility and application

To participate, you must be registered in a four-year program, be in good health, and have the kind of flexibility and sensitivity to others that will allow for successful adjustment to an unfamiliar cultural setting. Participating University of Waterloo students are required to enrol in the Ontario University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and the University of Waterloo’s Supplementary Health Insurance Plan. Both exchange programs require that all participants obtain appropriate health and accident insurance to insure health coverage during their stay in Spain or Cuba. The University of Waterloo is responsible for verifying proof of insurance for all participants.

Costs and expenses

The Western façade of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain The cost per semester either at the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija or at the University of Holguín is currently similar to the cost of spending a semester on campus at Waterloo.

University of Waterloo students will normally be approved on a Letter of Permission basis with tuition fees payable to either the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija or the University of Holguín by the student. Costs related to travel, room and board, and other incidental expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Housing

We encourage students to stay with a local family to better experience Madrid or Cuba’s way of life, thus ensuring a solid Spanish language background.