Justice in Practice: Criminología, Lengua y Cultura en Madrid

Madrid, Spain

Winter 2027: January 4 - 22*

*dates subject to change

Two people on a balcony overlooking a grand Madrid street with ornate domed buildings and statues.
Rooftop view in Madrid

Program Description

Spain is an excellent location for a study-abroad program in criminology and criminal justice because it offers students exposure to a mixed civil law legal system and a strong emphasis on human rights, rehabilitation, and social reintegration since the transition from dictatorship to democracy in 1975. Studying in Spain allow students to apply criminological theory in context and compare justice systems, policing models, and correctional approaches while exploring contemporary issues such as transnational crime, terrorism, migration, and cybercrime within a European Union context. Spain’s regional diversity and its role in international criminal justice cooperation enrich sociological and
comparative learning. It’s safe, affordable, and student-friendly environment makes it an ideal setting for immersive academic study in Spanish, reinforcing students’ bilingual skills and knowledge of academic criminal justice Spanish.

Spanish-speaking students are encouraged to apply.

Information Sessions

Information sessions are TBA.

Image
Panoramic view of Madrid
Madrid, Spain

Undergraduate Courses

SOC 203: Criminology (in Spanish) (3 credits)
Prof. Rosemary Barberet

The course introduces the fundamentals of the field of criminology, including major theoretical frameworks and core concepts. It addresses the challenges associated with the definition and measurement of crime, provides an overview of explanations of criminal behavior, and discusses various approaches to responding to crime. The course prepares students for subsequent coursework in theory, methods, and specialized electives in criminology and its subfields.

SPA 250: Spanish for Criminal Justice (3 credits)
Prof. Cristina Lozano Argüelles

An intermediate course in Spanish to enhance students’ ability to communicate within a criminal justice setting by employing the five language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness). Through the analysis of texts and other artifacts, stu-dents also develop critical thinking skills regarding current topics of criminal justice, including issues of gender, race, class, and ethnicity, among others.

Students are required to take both classes as part of this study-abroad program for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites

  1. 2.5 GPA
  2. ENG 101; SPA 112 or SPA 202 or placement exam
  3. Ability to complete coursework in Spanish

Application

You can access and start your application here.

Application Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026

Please note: An application fee of $50.00 is due at the time of application. It can be paid by debit or credit card. Money orders, personal checks and cash are also accepted. Applications will not be accepted if incomplete.

Program Cost

Estimated Program Fee: $4,800**

**Subject to change. Includes double-occupancy dorm accommodations (3 meals M-F, 2 meals weekends), international health insurance, excursions and transportation on-site associated with program, and airport pickup and drop off. The program cost does NOT include: tuition, airfare, meals outside of housing, personal trips and expenses, etc.

Winter 2027 Budget

In-State Students

Program Cost: $4,800**

Tuition: $1,830 (6 credits, in-state)

Airfare: $1,000(estimate)

Meals: $500(estimate)

Personal Expenses: $300(estimate)


Total: $8,430 (estimate)


Out-of-State Students

Program Cost: $4,800**

Tuition: $3,720 (6 credits, out-of-state)

Airfare: $1,000(estimate)

Meals: $500(estimate)

Personal Expenses: $300(estimate)


Total: $10,320 (estimate)


John Jay College Tuition and Fees
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students should make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office, at their home College, to discuss the applicability of their financial aid to this program. 

More information on scholarships and funding can be found on our Study Abroad Funding page.

JJC students can contact Michael Scaduto for more information regarding the JJSAS, and general scholarship opportunities, at 212-237-8872 or email at mscaduto@jjay.cuny.edu.

Image
Dark blue Spanish National Police cars parked along a city street
 Policia Nacional

Program Notes

  • Housing: Students will stay in double-occupancy dorm accommodations with most meals included.
  • Fluctuating exchange rates and other fees may lead to program cost changes.
  • Program cost is based on a minimum number of participants for the program.
  • Students should discuss applicability of financial aid with the Financial Aid office.
  • All CUNY students must meet with their study abroad advisor to be sure the proper e-Permit registration process is followed.
  • All non-CUNY students are encouraged to apply early, to be sure there is ample time to apply and register for classes at John Jay College. Please contact OISP for more information regarding the application process. Please note: Tuition rate per credit is different for non-CUNY students. More tuition information can be found here.
  • Refund Policy: Payment of the program deposit indicates the student understands and agrees to the Office of International Studies & Program’s payment and refund policies.  Students who withdraw from a John Jay College program after confirming participation, but before the program begins, will lose the non-refundable deposit and any unrecoverable costs: students will be refunded 50 percent of program fees 30 days prior to the program start date, and 25 percent of program fees 14 days prior to the program start date. After the start of the program, no refunds will be provided, and the student is responsible for all program fees. If the program fee is not paid in full, there will be a hold placed on the student's CUNYfirst account.
  • For faculty-led programs, tuition refunds will be granted following the College’s policies.  For more information, click here.
  • College-based funders retain the right to recoup funds from the student account if the student does not follow rules of the CUNY Travel Waiver & Release Form, uses the funds for other purposes, or withdraws from the program. Students must understand that they are responsible for full payment of the amount owed to the department.
  • The Office of International Studies and Programs (OISP) has the right to modify or cancel the program, including  changes to the program dates, costs, scheduled visits, program itinerary, etc., as dictated by economic and/or political situations, etc.
  • Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare, and for their itinerary. Due to possible changes in program dates/itinerary information, students are not to purchase airfare until prompted by OISP.
  • Students are encouraged to apply early, due to limited space.
  • Information is tentative, and subject to change*, **program cost(s), syllabi, *dates, etc.

For More Information

Academic Inquires:

Prof. Rosemary Barberet, Department of Sociology/ICJ (Academic Inquiries)
rbarberet@jjay.cuny.edu

Prof. Cristina Lozano Argüelles, Department of Spanish (Academic Inquiries)
clozanoarguelles@jjay.cuny.edu

Study Abroad Inquiries:

Ken Yanes, Dep Director
212-484-1339, kyanes@jjay.cuny.edu

Daniel Braslavsky, Coordinator
212-887-6105, dbraslavsky@jjay.cuny.edu

studyabroad@jjay.cuny.edu
212-484-1390 

Office Location & Mailing Address:
Office of International Studies & Programs
John Jay College, CUNY
524 West 59th Street
Haaren Hall 410
New York, NY 10019 USA