Study Abroad in Madrid
College Study Abroad
Explore Madrid, Spain
Studying abroad in Madrid means living in the heart of Spain's dynamic political and rich cultural scene. When you study abroad in Madrid, you join a student-friendly social hub, known for its vibrant café culture and popular hangout spots in buzzing neighborhoods like La Latina, Malasaña, or the LGBTQ+ friendly Chueca center. Whether you want to spend a summer, January, or semester studying abroad in Madrid, this dazzling city offers a diverse international community, with local clubs and sports activities that allow you to build friendships beyond the classroom.
Home to three legendary art museums, more than three million residents, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites near the city, Madrid is the perfect place to learn in a supportive community, explore “hidden gems,” and grow into a global citizen. Step into Madrid’s historic past of beautifully preserved landmarks, such as the Royal Palace or Plaza Mayor. Explore local markets like El Rastro, rooftop viewpoints, and lesser-known spots for tapas or live music that show off Madrid’s charm beyond the usual tourist spots. Find yourself amongst a mix of old-school tapas bars, street food markets, like Mercado de San Miguel, international cuisine options, vegan and vegetarian-friendly places, and food festivals. Madrid’s ideal location also makes it easy to take weekend day trips to beautiful nearby destinations like Toledo, Segovia, Alcalá, or even hiking in the Sierra de Guadarrama.
CIEE's study abroad programs in Madrid are all about immersing yourself in Spanish language and culture, while also diving into topics that matter to you, like international relations, the arts, business, engineering, and more. Choose from a variety of Madrid study abroad programs that cover a wide range of courses, including international relations, business, STEM, the arts, and so much more.
Round out your experience abroad by adding a full- or part-time internship in Madrid to gain practical, real-world work experience in a local Spanish business or an international organization. Whether you’re interested in marketing, sustainability, or the arts, interning in Madrid will give you a taste of the global job market and help build your career skills in the real world.
From the city’s rich history and vibrant arts scene to its bustling urban life, you are in for an unforgettable adventure when you study abroad in Madrid!
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Madrid
Every CIEE program has frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Madrid, past excursions have included:
- The Monastery of El Escorial, the Roman architecture of the city of Segovia, or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alcalá de Henares
- Visits to Seville, Barcelona, Granada, Bilbao, the Canary Islands, or Morocco
- Cooking classes, flamenco lessons and shows, visits to the Rastro open-air market, local festivals, and celebrations in and around the city
Whether you’re looking to practice Spanish or immerse yourself in Spain’s culture and historical heritage, CIEE’s study tours and cultural excursions in Madrid offer something for everyone!
About the Center
Located in the historic center of Spain's capital near Puerta de Sol, CIEE Madrid features five classrooms, a student lounge, an academic advising office, a student life office, and complimentary WiFi. The Center is conveniently located near shops, cafés, tapas bars, theaters, museums, copy centers, and metro stations.
Beyond campus, students will discover they're within minutes of the Spanish Congress, Museo Prado, and the LGBTQ+ district of Chueca. Students are also encouraged to visit the free public libraries around Madrid!
Experience CIEE Madrid
Where Students Study
CIEE Madrid
Our Center in Madrid is part of the CIEE Open Campus Block Network. Located near the Puerta de Sol, the Institute includes classrooms, lounges, Wi-Fi, and full-time staff.
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)
Established in 1989, UC3M received the European Campus of Excellence award in 2010 and is recognized as Spain’s most prestigious institution of higher education. It follows a U.S. academic calendar and has one of the highest percentages of full-time and tenured female faculty in Spain.
Coming in 2024
Fundación Ortega y Gasset-Marañón (FOM)
FOM is a private institution that is the result of the merger, in 2010, of the José Ortega y Gasset and Gregorio Marañón foundations. Its work is aimed at promoting culture, training and research, as well as creating a space for plural and independent thought within the fields of social sciences, humanities and health sciences.
Universidad Nebrija
Nebrija University is a private university based in Madrid, Spain, named after Antonio de Nebrija, 15th c. author of the first Spanish language dictionary. It has operated since 1995, and its main campus is headquartered in Madrid's city center district of Argüelles.
Internships & Volunteering
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer in Madrid. For students looking to intern in Madrid, they can earn credits and gain international work experience at a start-up tech firm, a financial company, or other modern business.
Students looking for Madrid volunteer opportunities have the chance to help kids, teens, and disabled persons through schools, associations, and outreach programs.
New Programs Coming Soon!
- Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
Study Abroad Programs in Madrid
- Madrid, Spain
- Study Program
Spend J-term touring some of the world’s best museums.
- Big City
- Madrid, Spain
- Study Program
Study and live in Spain’s vibrant capital city of Madrid this summer!
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Madrid, Spain
- Study Program
The perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Spanish culture.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Host Institution
- Madrid, Spain
- Study Program
Designed for students looking to gain an international perspective on business.
- AACSB-Accredited
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Fast-forward your language skills
- AACSB-Accredited
- Host Institution
- Language Immersion
- Full-Time Internship
As a global intern, you’ll spend eight weeks of your summer gaining practical, real-world work experience in Madrid.
- Big City
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Challenge yourself to take your engineering studies to the next level.
- AACSB-Accredited
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Host Institution
- Madrid, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Madrid, then study in two other countries in one term.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Host Institution
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages
Spanish, English
Available Transportation
Metro, bus
Famous Local
Julio Iglesias – Spanish singer, songwriter, and former professional footballer
Climate
Short, hot, dry summers (June to September); cold, cloudy winters (November to March); mild spring and fall
Did You Know?
Madrid’s classic Spanish restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, was founded in 1725, making it the oldest restaurant in the world
Local Attraction
The Prado – a Spanish national art museum with one of the world’s finest collections of European art
Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Social Norms
Summoning a person by curling your index finger toward you is considered offensive
What to Pack
Backpack, comfortable shoes, sunscreen
Frequently Asked Questions
For students wondering, “Why should I study abroad in Madrid?” there are several key reasons, including:
1. Madrid is a culturally-diverse city, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in cultures unlike your own
2. Madrid is home to several quality educational institutions
3. Studying in Madrid offers opportunities to learn Spanish abroad
4. Madrid has many local sports teams, most notably the soccer club Real Madrid
Madrid is famous for a number of reasons, including its international football (soccer) team, variety of beaches, jamón ibérico ham, and Prado Museum, to name a few. When you study in Madrid, you can find out for yourself what makes this city so unique and exciting!
A student’s packing list will vary based on the season they’ll experience in Madrid, Spain. For hot, dry summers (June to September), we generally recommend that students pack lightweight, breathable clothing. For cold, cloudy winters (November to March) in Madrid, we recommend that students pack sweaters, boots, a windbreaker, and heavier clothing.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Your Study Abroad Packing List (10 Essential Items!)
Madrid is regarded as a very safe city in Europe, but as for any student studying abroad, we recommend that students look out for pickpocketing, keep their belongings near them, and travel in groups when possible.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Madrid.
For more detailed information on diversity in Madrid, visit our Diversity in Madrid page.
The cost of studying abroad in Madrid varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Madrid study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Madrid with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Madrid. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Madrid to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
Merit Scholarships
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
Other Scholarships
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Talk To A Student Who's Lived It...
Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about Madrid, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences.
@cieemadrid on Instagram
Study Abroad Madrid Blog
Getting out of My Comfort Zone in Madrid
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Exploring Cuenca: My Overnight Trip with CIEE
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Budgeting (and enjoying!) your study abroad experience
By: Anneliese Crayton Hi! My name is Lisee, and I am currently studying abroad in Madrid. I saw the opportunity to study in Spain as a great way to explore... keep reading