Students on exchange pay in-state tuition directly to USC and do not pay tuition to UFV. All housing, food, and personal expenses are paid by the student in Madrid. To get an idea of​ ​life on site, you will find the typical cost of living in Madrid on the numbeo website. 

The majority of courses offered are taught in Spanish, but courses taught in English are available for Business and International Relations. Please note that programs cannot be mixed, and students must register for courses belonging to their specific area of study per UFV's course registration policy. To find the course offerings at UFV, navigate to Academic Offer. 

To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table. 

While the exchange program does not provide for organized excursions, there are many student organizations that students can get involved with and which may include travel in their activities. Being the capital of Spain, Madrid is home to many cultural sites, events, and amenities that take place throughout the year, allowing students to become more immersed in Spanish culture. 

Students who are interested in language acquisition can sign up for an intensive Spanish language program prior to the start of the semester.

Per university policy, all USC students will be charged for  emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance of for their time abroad. Students will be enrolled in this insurance by the education abroad office prior to their departure. This charge will appear on the USC bill for the semester(s) in which they are abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details. 

UFV does not have a housing office, therefore students must arrange all housing on their own. However, the International Relations Office has useful information that could help you to locate housing. The most economical option is to rent a flat shared with other students (estinmated between 500 and 800 euros excluding utilities - water, electricity, etc.). The options are diverse: single rooms with or without ensuite bathroom, full-floor rental, families, student residences, etc. UFV reccomends students to contact Citylife Madrid that will help you in everything related to your stay, even before arriving in Madrid (accommodation, bank account, transportation, mobile hiring, Internet, etc.)

The official school year and mandatory orientation begin in early September, with the Fall semester concluding in mid-December or mid-January, depending on the courses of the student. The Spring semester starts mid-January and concludes early June, 

A mandatory orientation for all international students will take place each semester before classes begin at UFV.

Students who attend UFV for a semester or academic year are required to obtain a Spanish visa at the consulate within their home juristdiction. In many cases, students must appear in person at the Spanish consulate or embassy. The Spanish consulate in Miami, FL is the closest consulate for South Carolina residents and USC students. Planning ahead is vital as each consulate and embassy operate on their own timelines and require specific documents. Please contact the Education Abroad Office for information on the Spanish visa process.