Psychology & Research in Madrid (UofM Students)

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Course Enrollment Instructions

Fall or Spring Semester

• Semester students are required to maintain a minimum of 13 credits per semester.
• Total registration must equal 12–18 credits (approximately four or five classes). (Fall 2023 must equal 13–18 credits).
• Students can combine Psychology and Non-Psychology courses.
• List classes in order of preference so that the on-site staff is better able to accommodate your choices.
• List two to three alternate classes in case your first choices are not offered.
• If you plan to take the research course, you must also complete the corresponding research application form.
• If you would like to take the optional 1-credit Global Identity course, list that on your form.

Summer Session

• Total registration must equal 6–10 credits, which is 2–3 courses
• Students can combine Psychology and Non-Psychology courses.
• List at least one alternative course.

May Session

• Total registration should equal 5 credits
• Two course are offered during May session. Write in the name of the course: MADR 1022 Alternate Second Semester Spanish or MADR 1003 Intermediate Spanish I

Course Planning Links

• Academic Planning Form (pdf)

Course Enrollment Instructions

Fall or Spring Semester

• Semester students are required to maintain a minimum of 13 credits per semester.
• Total registration must equal 13 to 18 credits (approximately four or five classes). (Fall 2023 must equal 13 to 18 credits).
• Students can combine Psychology and Non-Psychology courses.
• List classes in order of preference so that the on-site staff is better able to accommodate your choices.
• List two to three alternate classes in case your first choices are not offered. 
• If you plan to take the research course, you must also complete the corresponding research application form.
• If you would like to take the optional 1-credit Global Identity course, list that on your form.

Summer Session

• Total registration must equal 6-10 credits, which is 2-3 courses
• Students can combine Psychology and Non-Psychology courses.
• List at least one alternative course.

May Session

• Total registration should equal 5 credits
• Two course are offered during May session. Write in the name of the course: MADR 1022 Alternate Second Semester Spanish or MADR 1003 Intermediate Spanish I

Course Planning Links

• Academic Planning Form (pdf)

Research Laboratory in Psychology

Spanish and English-speaking research placements are available. In addition to spending time at your research site, you will enroll in the accompanying Research Laboratory in Psychology course. You will have the opportunity to be involved in psychological research taking place in a laboratory, institute, medical facility or community setting. Under the direction of a research investigator, you will participate in various stages of the research process.

Possible research placements are:

• Neurogenesis in the Adult Animal (PDF)—Cajal Institute, CSIC
• Telencephalic Development: Cerebral Cortex and Olfactory System (PDF)—Cajal Institute, CSIC
• The Olfactory System and Its Development (PDF)—Cajal Institute, CSIC
• Developmental Neurobiology (PDF)—Cajal Institute, CSIC
• Cortical Circuits Laboratory (PDF)—Cajal Institute; Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
• Biomechanics and Assistive Technologies Group (PDF)—National Hospital for Paraplegics (HNP), Toledo
• Neuroregenerative Chemistry Group (PDF)—National Hospital for Paraplegics (HNP), Toledo
• Sensorimotor Research Group (PDF)—National Hospital for Paraplegics (HNP), Toledo
• Functional Exploration & Neuromodulation of the CNS (PDF)—National Hospital for Paraplegics (HNP), Toledo
• Freedom and Flow Company (PDF)
• Salud, Mente, Cuerpo (SMC) (PDF)—Psychology Center, Madrid
• Psychology, Non-Profit work with prevention of child abuse (PDF) - ASPASI (intermediate to high level of Spanish required)
• Psychology, Non-Profit work with marginalized social groups (PDF) - San Martin de Porres (intermediate to high level of Spanish required)
• Psychology (PDF) - Princesa81 (intermediate to high livel of Spanish required)
• Addiction Therapy (PDF)—Foundation Institute Spiral (high level of Spanish required)
• Psychology, Non-Profit work with refugees (PDF) - ACCEM (high level of Spanish required)

See further descriptions of the placements in the Research Laboratory in Psychology syllabus (PDF).

Cohort-Based Group Research (available Summer only)

• Students will have the opportunity to participate in original research projects that will be presented onsite by well-established local researchers. Students will be mentored and guided through the process in which they will get familiar with different phases of the scientific method: how to perform hypothesis-driven research; how to search and review scientific literature; how to collect data from health information records or basic experiments; how to analyze and interpret data using quantitative and/or qualitative statistical tests, and how to enhance critical thinking, scientific writing and communication skills.
• Weekly sessions will combine short theoretical introductions and objectives definition with flipped learning techniques, group activities and the key steps in developing final project presentations. In addition, students will have the opportunity to visit research institutions and laboratories where the original research is performed and data collected.
• Possible topics that projects will address include: use of new technologies in clinical and basic research, translational research, cross-cultural research.

Program Dates

Orientation Dates & Locations

Application Open Date: August 1, 2023
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

Application Open Date: August 1, 2023
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: October 1, 2023

Application Open Date: Dec 1, 2022
Application Deadline: April 20, 2023

Fees

Billing & Payments

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Bridging Loan

Cancellation Policy

• Apartment 1
• Homestay 1

• Apartment 1
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• Apartment 1
• Dormitory 1
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Prepare

Apply

Complete

Application Review Process

Passport

You must obtain a passport to enter Spain. Your passport must be valid for at least seven months after your return to the US. US citizens spending fewer than 90 days in Europe will only need a passport. A Spanish tourist visa, which is valid for 90 days, is automatically issued to all US citizens who enter Spain. If you have not already obtained your passport, see Passports for more information.

Visa

US citizens studying on the Learning Abroad Center Spain programs for a semester or year, or US citizens staying in Spain for more than 90 days, must obtain a student visa. US citizens participating in the Study & Intern in Toledo, Study & Intern in Madrid, or Psychology & Research in Madrid May or Summer sessions do not need a visa. Non-US citizens should check with the Spanish embassy to determine any special regulations pertaining entry into Spain at any time.

Remember to read all information that you receive regarding student visas carefully. Requirements could change at any time and can vary from consulate to consulate.

University of Minnesota Visa Service

The Spanish consulate in Chicago has graciously granted the University of Minnesota the ability to both drop off Spanish student visa applications and pick up the completed student visas on behalf of students studying abroad in Madrid and Toledo who also live within the Consulate of Spain in Chicago jurisdiction: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

This is an optional service, and is only available to students on the Toledo and Madrid programs. Each student MUST inform the Learning Abroad Center of their plans for obtaining the student visa whether they chose to use this service or not.

Using the Visa Service

• If you use the visa service, a $150 fee will be assessed to your University of Minnesota account. This fee will not be listed separately on your student account. It will be added to the overall program fee.
• The deadline to use this service comes on or quickly after the program application deadline. To use the service, students must attend an in-person or virtual appointment with the Spanish visa adviser to drop off or mail visa application materials before the deadline.
• Only complete visa applications will be accepted. If you fail to include one or more of the necessary pieces to receive your visa when you present your visa application to the Learning Abroad Center, you will have to return at a later time with your complete visa application.
• If you live outside of the state of Minnesota, completed visas will be returned to the student via Fed Ex once picked up from the Chicago Spanish Consulate by the UofM.

Not Using the Visa Service

• If you choose to apply on your own and live within the Chicago consulate's jurisdiction, you will need to make at least one in person appearance at the Spanish Consulate. For example, if you have someone drop of your materials on your behalf, then YOU must pick up your passport in person. If you drop off your materials and want your passport returned by mail, you must bring in a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope. The Consulate only accepts Express Mail from the US Postal Service with appropriate postage. No other carrier service is accepted. We highly recommend you utilize the Learning Abroad Center visa service.
• If you are not within the Chicago consulate's jurisdiction, check with the consulate within your jurisdiction, as requirements and procedures may differ.

Visa Application Requirements

To date, the following items are required to apply for a student visa through the Chicago consulate.

• Two copies of signed and completed National application—the Step-by-Step Instructions below will assist you in completing the visa application
• Original, signed passport
• Money Order for $160 payable to the Consulate of Spain. This can be purchased at a Post Office or bank. You must pay with a debit card or cash. More information can be found at USPS—Money Orders.
• Two photocopies of the information and photo page of your passport
• Two photocopies of your student ID card
• Two passport-style photos, white background, 2x2" glued to the upper right hand corner of the National application and copy
• Letter of acceptance—this serves as proof of admission, medical insurance, & financial means (Provided by the Learning Abroad Center to all students, regardless if you are using our visa service or not)
• Acknowledgement Letter - (Provided by the Learning Abroad Center to all students)
• If you are using the Learning Abroad Center visa service, you will also need a notarized letter granting the University of Minnesota permission to pick up and drop off your visa materials (use template provided). Do NOT sign the letter before meeting with the notary public.

Academic Year students (students going for more than one semester) must also provide the following:

• Medical Statement: A doctor’s recent statement, on doctor's or medical center's letterhead, indicating that the student has been examined and found to be free of communicable diseases and in good physical and mental health to travel and study abroad (make your appointment early.)
• Background Check
  • The Spanish Consulate allows students to obtain State background checks, which are generally easier to obtain. Students from Minnesota can obtain their background check from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. In addition to this background check, students will have to obtain an Apostille from the Secretary of State's office to verify its authenticity.
  • Students can obtain an FBI background check, though it is not recommended because it may take between 3 to 8 weeks to receive.

Step-by-Step Instructions to complete the Application for a National Visa

1. Last name.
2. If you have changed your last name (through marriage, for example), former last name.
3. First and middle names.
4. Date of birth (day-month-year).
5. Place of birth (city, state).
6. Country where you were born.
7. Your nationality.(If you were born in the US, put US). If you have not always been a US citizen indicate your nationality at birth.
8. Gender (the Spanish Consulate only recognizes two genders at this time)
9. Marital status.
10. This section is not applicable. Leave blank.
11. This section is not applicable. Leave blank.
12. Type of travel document. Check 'Ordinary Passport'.
13. Passport number.
14. Date your passport was issued (day-month-year). This date is listed in your passport.
15. Date that your passport expires as listed in your passport (day-month-year). This date must be at least one year from the date the visa application will be submitted to the consulate.
16. Enter US Department of State or the passport agency that issued your passport (NOT where you applied).
17. Write your permanent address, email address, and phone number.
18. Check 'No'. Check 'Yes' if you are not from the US but reside in the US.
19. STUDENT.
20. Main purpose of the journey: Check 'Studies'.
21. Provide your intended date of arrival in Spain (day-month-year). You may estimate your arrival date if you have not purchased a flight at the time of application for the visa.
22. Check 'More Than Two'.
23. Fundacion Ortega-Marañón, Calle Fortuny, 53, 28010 Madrid, SPAIN
24. Complete only if you have previously received a Spanish student visa.
25. Complete only if you have previously received a Spanish student visa.
26. This section is not applicable. Leave blank.
27. This section is not applicable. Leave blank.
28. Data of the educational establishment or research centre in case of applying for a student or research visa
    1. Name of the educational establishment or research centre ~ Fundación Ortega-Marañón
    2. Postal address of educational establishment or research centre~ Fundación Ortega-Marañón, Calle Fortuny, 53, 28010 Madrid, SPAIN
    3. Telephone number of educational establishment or research centre~ 011.34.917.578.781
    4. Email of educational establishment or research centre~ [email protected]
    5. Intended starting date for studies or research~ provide the start date of the Madrid program (day-month-year)
    6. Intended finishing date for studies or research~ provide the end date of the Madrid program (day-month-year)
    7. The remainder of this section is not applicable to you.
29. Current address and today's date (day-month-year).
30. Your signature.

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