Gap Year
Gap Year Program
Live an experience that will change your life. Discover who you are!
This program, born from a collaboration between the Carlos III International School of the Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) and CIS University, is aimed at students who have just completed an academic stage (high school or Bachelor's degree) and need some time before deciding whether to continue their studies or enter the labor market.
- Duration: 1 semester (4 months).
- Certified content: 28 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).
- Languages: Spanish and English.
Academic Information
A gap year serves for personal development, improvement of soft skills such as leadership and resilience, acquisition of work experience, learning new languages, exploration of interests, travel, and knowledge of new cultures, academic preparation, and development of employability skills. This time allows individuals to reflect on their goals, gain maturity, and make more informed decisions about their academic or professional future.
Program
| Gap Year Program Courses | Coordinator | Area | Type | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experiential Spanish | CIS University | Area 1. Spain. Language, Society, and Culture | Experiential |   |
| Cultural City Walking Tours | CIS University and Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 1. Spain. Language, Society, and Culture | Experiential | |
| Way of Saint James | CIS University | Area 1. Spain. Language, Society, and Culture | Experiential | |
| UNESCO World Heritage Cities | CIS University | Area 1. Spain. Language, Society, and Culture | Experiential | |
| Coaching: Autonomy and Self-Motivation | Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 2. Power Skills | Academic | |
| Inclusive Leadership: Mediation and Conflict Management | Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 2. Power Skills | Academic | |
| Critical Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence | CIS University | Area 2. Power Skills | Academic | |
| Mindfulness and Resilience | Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 3. Good Habits | Academic | |
| Sports | Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 3. Good Habits | Experiential | |
| Healthy Nutrition and Mediterranean Diet | Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 3. Good Habits | Academic | |
| Volunteering | CIS University | Area 4. Social Impact | Experiential | |
| Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | CIS University and Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 4. Social Impact | Academic | |
| Environmental Issues | CIS University and Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 4. Social Impact | Academic | |
| Human Rights in Society | CIS University and Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Area 4. Social Impact | Academic | |
| Personalized Follow-Up | CIS University and Carlos III University of Madrid (C3IS-UC3M) | Transversal to All Areas | Mentoring | |
The Gap Year Program from Carlos III International School (C3IS), in collaboration with CIS University, offers a unique experience that combines cultural immersion in Spain with the development of essential skills, good habits, and a strong commitment to social impact.
Area 1. Spain. Language, Society, and Culture
This first area of the Gap Year Program is designed for students to immerse themselves in the cultural and historical richness of the country. Experiential Spanish offers practical immersion in the Spanish language, allowing students to enhance their linguistic competence through everyday and authentic experiences. Cultural Walks around the City invite students to explore local history and culture through guided tours of key urban landmarks. Camino de Santiago provides the opportunity to experience the famous pilgrimage, a transformative journey that combines adventure and spirituality. Additionally, World Heritage Cities enable students to visit and discover cities recognized for their historical and cultural value, enriching their understanding of Spanish heritage and its global importance.
Area 2. Power Skills
In the Power Skills block of the Gap Year Program, key courses are offered for personal and professional development. Coaching: Autonomy and Self-Motivation focuses on developing personal and self-help skills, promoting students' ability to be autonomous and maintain high motivation in their daily activities. Inclusive Leadership: Mediation and Conflict Management teaches advanced techniques for leading teams and resolving conflicts inclusively, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, fostering a collaborative and respectful environment. Finally, Critical Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence promotes analytical and critical thinking in a technological context, helping students navigate and better understand the impact of artificial intelligence on society and their personal and professional lives.
Area 3. Good Habits
In the Good Habits area of the Gap Year Program, students learn to cultivate a balanced and healthy life. Mindfulness and Resilience focuses on practices for mental well-being and the ability to recover from adversity, teaching techniques to manage stress and improve mindfulness. Sports promotes regular physical activity as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, offering various sports activities to keep the body active and fit. Finally, Healthy Nutrition and Mediterranean Diet provides education on healthy eating habits, highlighting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and how to integrate it into daily life to improve overall health and well-being.
Area 4. Social Impact
In the Social Impact area of the Gap Year Program, students actively engage in initiatives that promote community well-being and social justice. Volunteering offers the opportunity to participate in various volunteering activities, allowing students to positively contribute to society and develop a sense of social responsibility. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion focuses on raising awareness and promoting equality, teaching students to value and foster diversity in all areas of life. Environmental Issues aims to increase awareness and action regarding environmental issues, educating students on the importance of sustainability and caring for the planet. Finally, Human Rights in Society is dedicated to the study and promotion of human rights, providing a deep understanding of the fundamental principles that ensure dignity and respect for all individuals.
Individual Follow-Up and Mentoring Program
Personalized support and ongoing follow-up for each student throughout the entire program. This follow-up includes regular mentoring with specialized mentors who help students maximize their potential, address questions, and develop a personal growth and learning plan tailored to their interests and needs.
Calendar
The schedule for the 2024/2025 period is not yet confirmed.
Application and Admission
This program is aimed at students who have completed their secondary education and are interested in learning about Spanish culture and acquiring skills, knowledge, and abilities through a training program that combines experiential and academic activities.
- Completion of secondary education
- At least a B1 level of English or Spanish
Required Documentation
- Passport.
- Secondary education diploma.
- Academic transcript.
- Language certificate.
Application
Application deadline to be determined.
Admission
- Applications are reviewed as they are received.
- Once we have a complete application, admission decisions are usually made within approximately one month.
- Admission is subject to a small deposit as a reservation fee. This amount will be deducted from the total program fee at the time of enrollment.
Once you have passed the admission process, you will need to formalize your enrollment. More information is available in the section below ↓
Enrollment
The enrollment period for the Gap Year Program is not yet open.
