This program is best suited for:

• Students with little to no Spanish language knowledge who are looking for humanities distribution credit and/or business, economics, and international relations.
  • There is also at least one class in English offered in the spring semesters in each of the following disciplines: health sciences, history & geography, physics, mathematics, and computer science.
• Students with intermediate Spanish and above (SPAN 2000, 2070, 2090, or 2095) will find options, including "English-friendly" classes in marketing, biology, mathematics, chemistry, or physics in addition to the above.
  • "English-friendly" classes are taught in Spanish with advising, syllabi, materials, and assessment in English. They are helpful for those students who can understand Spanish lectures, but don't feel confident enough to speak or take exams in Spanish, and prefer to review materials in English.

Students in the College of Engineering and CALS students majoring in BEE or ENVE should apply for the Universidad de Cantabria - Engineering Exchange program.

What is Unique about this Opportunity?

• Students with sufficient language proficiency may also take engineering and science courses from the general course catalog in Spanish
• Study at one of the top universities in the Top 10 list of the main Spanish rankings in education and research
• Combine practice and theory with various opportunities, including optional summer experiential programs, access to new technologies, and guidance and tutorial activities

What is Unique about Santander and UC?

Host Institution: Universidad de Cantabria: A comprehensive research university located in Santander, the capital city of the province of Cantabria on the beautiful northern coast of Spain.

Academic Calendar:
Fall Semester: University classes late September through Late January (with Spanish immersion class in August- mid-September)
Spring Semester: Mid-February through June (with Spanish immersion class in January-early February)
Immersion Program: Students take a Spanish language immersion course at Cantabria in August or January prior to the start of the semester.  Mandatory for students with little to no Spanish. Recommended for all students except native speakers. If students intend to participate in this program, they should notify the Office of Global Learning to ensure any costs associated with this program are included in the budget of estimated costs.

Housing: During the immersion, host families house students. During the academic year, students live off campus and rent an apartment in Santander. The Office of International Relations at Cantabria can help make arrangements and roommate pairings.

Things to consider before applying

• Review the information on the Education Abroad Office’s Get Started page for important considerations on academics and finances, and a guide to next steps
• Find answers on the Education Abroad website for Cornell study abroad policy, health, and safety updates
• Connect with past participants to learn more about the on-site experience.
• Still have questions?  Visit the Get Advice page and learn how to connect with an Education Abroad Advisor
• Want to keep up to date with Cornellians Abroad? Follow Education Abroad on social media, @Global_Cornell

How do I apply?

Applying to study on an exchange program is a two-step process. The Cornell approval process must be complete before your program advisor in the Office of Global Learning can submit your nomination to the exchange partner.  Exchanges may have limited spaces, so early applications are encouraged.

1. For Cornell approval and nomination, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by your college and the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this page, or earlier, if filled.
2. Once nominated by Cornell, complete an external application specifically for exchange students.  Schools typically admit the students nominated by exchange partners, but you must complete this process for them to review your application and offer you a place.