Saint Louis University Moves Overseas
Saint Louis University was among the earliest American colleges and universities to offer its students an opportunity to study abroad when it expanded its “campus” across the Atlantic Ocean by opening a college program in Madrid, Spain, in 1969. This Saint Louis University program initially was offered in conjunction with the Jesuit University of Comillas, Spain. When the Jesuit university moved in 1972 to a new suburban location, the Saint Louis University program became independent and remained in Madrid near the University of Madrid campus. Originally, Saint Louis University’s program was designed primarily for junior year American college students who wished to improve their Spanish language skills or who were pursuing careers in international business or relations. At that time, enrollment in the Madrid program was limited to approximately 60 students.
Over time, the program was expanded to include Spanish and other European students, and the course offerings grew into a well-rounded college curricula. In addition, Spanish students at the Madrid campus came to the St. Louis campus to take courses. Today, Saint Louis University in Madrid is recognized as the premier international university in Spain. It has received official status from the Consejeria de Educacion y Cultura, Spain’s higher education authority, making it the first such American institution to be so recognized. Of the nearly 650 students enrolled at the Madrid campus, 40 percent are American, 25 percent are Spanish nationals, and the other 35 percent are from 60 countries all over the world.
