Study Abroad in Madrid
College Study Abroad
Explore Madrid, Spain
Study abroad in Madrid and you'll be situated in Spain's political and cultural center that's a vital player in global economics. When you study abroad in Madrid, you can expect to see centuries of history, a lively sports scene, and a large variety of tapas bars throughout the city. Whether you want to spend a summer, January, or semester abroad in Madrid, this dazzling city offers something that any student can enjoy!
With three world-class art museums, more than three million residents, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites near the city, this vibrant capital of Spain offers exciting learning opportunities for students studying abroad. Despite its present-day status, much of Madrid’s historic past remains beautifully preserved in its landmarks, museums, and architecture. Boasting with iconic landmarks including the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and the Prado Museum, Madrid is not just a place to study abroad -- it's a city to explore.
Find yourself amongst a mix of traditional tapas bars, trendy shopping streets, and vibrant neighborhoods. A favorite city among students worldwide, Madrid has a cultural calendar brimming with festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, and more! Catch a Real Madrid football match. Meet local artisans at one of the city's many markets. Wander through charming streets like La Latina and Malasaña. Practice your Spanish with your local host family.
Our study abroad programs in Madrid are designed to offer you Spanish language immersion, all while expanding upon your academic interests and goals. Choose from a variety of Madrid programs that cover a wide range of topics, including international relations, language and culture, business, the arts, and so much more.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Madrid, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Whether you're drawn to Madrid's history, arts scene, or bustling urban life, studying abroad in this enchanting city will provide any student with an unforgettable experience.
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
- Intern + Study Abroad – Coming Summer 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
My Unforgettable Semester Abroad in Madrid
By: Mariah Kirylo Madrid has been a transformative experience for me, letting me get a sense of the Spanish life/testament to history and allowing academic growth as well developing forever... keep reading
Tips and Tricks: The know before you go
By: Kayla Keats Hello everybody! My name is Kayla, and I studied abroad in Madrid during the fall of 2023. Going abroad was one of the best choices I made... keep reading
Spain Celebrations: Top 5 Holidays in Spain
Let’s talk about Spain, where the sun shines brightly, the tapas are endless, the culture is electric, and the celebrations in Spain are plentiful. Whether you’re snacking on late-night churros... keep reading