Madrid Plaza Mayor aerial
Madrid, Spain

Semester in Madrid

Study Program

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

37 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your semester living and learning in Spain’s central capital and most populous city, Madrid! Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the Semester in Madrid program is the perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Spanish culture.  

When class is in session, you'll choose from a unique mix of flexible and diverse courses (in English or Spanish) at CIEE Madrid and one of CIEE's renowned partner institutions. In fall and spring semesters you can enroll in the Universidad Antonio Nebrija (UAN), and in fall semesters, your choice also includes the Fundación Ortega y Gassett y Gregorio Marañón (FOM). You may enroll in courses with a local flavor, like language, politics, photography, cuisine, or sustainability initiatives.  

Outside the classroom, you'll have every opportunity to participate actively in Madrid’s local community. Immerse yourself in Spanish culture with optional credit-bearing internships, volunteering opportunities, or language programs. Don't stop there; round out your study abroad adventure by participating in co-curricular and extracurricular activities and off-the-beaten-path trips organized by CIEE to appreciate Madrid's impressive cultural attractions and landmarks. 

Unique Experiences

Practice Your Spanish Skills

through local language exchange groups.

\

Visit the Prado

to explore some of the world’s finest art collections

Catch a Football Game

cheer on Madrid’s international football team

667 M

Above Sea Level

3.2 M

Population of Madrid

300 +

Days of Sunshine

Experience
  • madrid spring students abroad historic site
  • madrid lion statue flag

Your Destination

Situated in the center of Spain, Madrid is not only the political and cultural center of the country, but also an important 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 this capital city.   

With three world-class art museums, more than three million residents, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites near the city, Madrid offers exciting learning opportunities for students studying abroad. Amongst its modern flair, much of Madrid’s historic past remains beautifully preserved in its landmarks, museums, and architecture. 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Madrid.  

The Culture

Madrid student outside restaurant

Other Excursions & Activities

  • Take a day trip to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the medieval city of Alcalá de Henares or hike the trails in the Guadarrama Mountains  
  • Discover the flavors of Spain while learning the culinary history on a tapas food tour  
  • Soak up Spanish culture with museum visits, dance classes, urban art, and graffiti tours, and popular neighborhood visits to Lavapiés, Malasaña, or La Latina    
  • Savor downtime with local students while you play basketball, frisbee, hike, kayak, swim, or catch a theater, dance, or music performance    
Madrid student intern outside hospital

Projects

Internship: A for-credit internship (in English or Spanish) allows students the opportunity to gain practical real-world work experience in a local company within a variety of industry sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to their practical experience.   

Directed Independent Research: Designed for qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic; independent research topics will be approved by CIEE Madrid and the home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to Madrid or Spain. (English or Spanish.)  

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Tips and Tricks: The know before you go

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Spain Celebrations: Top 5 Holidays in Spain

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Should I Study Abroad in Spain or Italy?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

When weighing your study abroad options, it’s easy to get stuck on a few favorite destinations. We get it! After all, we offer a ton of different study abroad programs... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Semester in Madrid program allows CIEE students to take all CIEE courses in various disciplines at the CIEE center, located near the iconic Puerta de Sol, the main transportation hub of the city center. Students also have the unique opportunity to combine their CIEE coursework with classes offered at one of two local host institutions or exclusively take all of their classes at the university.

Both partner schools are located in Madrid´s historic city center and offer a full range of semester courses in English with other international students: During the fall semester, students can select a host institution track with The Fundación Ortega y Gasset y Gregorio Marañón (FOM) or during the fall and spring semester,  select a host institution track with the Universidad Antonio Nebrija (UAN).  

Motivated students also can apply to an elective internship for credit and gain hands-on professional work experience in a local organization.  

Note for students taking courses directly from Host Institution(s): Students are required to stay in Madrid until they have completed all their academic work, including their final exams. Official host institutions fall exams are in December, and official host institutions’ spring exams are in May. Early exams at the host institution are not possible. As it is impossible to confirm your exam schedule prior to your arrival, if your priority is to leave Madrid as soon as your university final exams are finished, please book an airline ticket with a low change fee or a flexible departure date.  

Language placement – Prior to departure for Madrid, all students planning to take Spanish language classes must take an online placement exam. Results determine appropriate placement in language courses. Placement in many upper-level courses depends on a high score. 

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

Students are required to take four to five courses total, for a total of 12-16 credits. These courses can be a combination of CIEE and host institution courses in English and/or Spanish. If a student enrolls at either local university, they must take a minimum of two courses there and cannot combine courses at both universities. 

Online Course Options: substitute up to two ASU online courses (after required minimum 12 credits in-person courses)

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-16 U.S. semester/18-24 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours   
  • CIEE Language Courses: 3 – 4 U.S. semester/4.5 – 6 quarter credits; 45 – 60 contact hours 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours  
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 research hours  
  • FOM courses (available Fall terms only): 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • UAN courses: Typically 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 90-96 notional hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Courses typically include lectures, discussions, critical analysis of readings, case studies, audio-visual documents, field trips, and require active participation from the students. Language courses privilege work by tasks and group collaboration. Active participation of students is required given the communicative approach of these courses. 

Class Format

Host institution classes are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday. CIEE classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday and exceptionally have at least one Friday class. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and weekly quizzes.  

Grading

In language classes, students are normally graded on weekly quizzes, exams, attendance, homework assignments, oral presentations, and class participation. Grades in the content courses are based on class participation, a mid-term exam, research papers, oral presentations, and a final exam. Each instructor determines the exact breakdown of grades. Attendance is mandatory and absences affect final grades. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Spanish 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Here is a sample of courses in English:    

Universidad Antonio Nebrija (UAN)

FALL SEMESTER and SPRING SEMESTER  

  • Consumer Behavior    
  • Online Marketing in the Digital Era    
  • International Business    
  • International Management    
  • International Trade Marketing    
  • International Communication    
  • Sports Industry and its role in European Identity    
  • Trends of the Global Economy    
  • Global Skills for International Business Environments    
  • International Finance    
  • Intercultural Communication    
  • Corporate Psychology    
  • Fundamental Aspects of Spanish Art    
  • The European Union: Culture, History, and Institutions    
  • International Relations  
  • Spanish Civilization and Culture    
  • Women's Roles in Present-Day Spain    
  • European Cinema: A Reflection on European Identity Cinema 

Fundación Ortega y Gasset y Gregorio Marañón (FOM)  

FALL SEMESTER

  • Art History  
  • Business in Spain  
  • Spanish Culture  
  • Globalization & Media    
  • Marketing  
  • Organizational Behavior  
  • Financial Management  
  • Corporate Social Responsibility  
  •  Sensation and Perception  
  •  Cross Cultural Psychology  
  • Abnormal Psychology  
  • Health Psychology  
  • Biological Psychology  
  • Neuroscience  
  • Statistics  
  • Computer Data  
  • Spanish Language and Literature  
  • World Religions  
  • Spanish Language and Conversation   

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses >

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2025 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $21,450
Program Fall 2025 16 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $21,450
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 37 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,256**

Housing = $5,700***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $21,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,260

International Airfare = $1,200††

Local Transportation = $125†††

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $160††††

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500†††††

Personal expenses = $260††††††

Total Costs = $3,555

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

Select Plus Housing Fee = $2,500

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††The youth public transportation card for under 24 years old offers a significant discount on local bus metro travel

††††Students staying a full semester in Madrid require a visa

†††††If no consulate in your home area

††††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,256**

Housing = $5,700***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $21,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,190

International Airfare = $1,200††

Local Transportation = $125†††

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $160††††

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500†††††

Personal expenses = $260††††††

Total Costs = $3,485

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††The youth public transportation card for under 24 years old offers a significant discount on local bus metro travel

††††Students staying a full semester in Madrid require a visa

†††††If no consulate in your home area

††††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,456**

Housing = $6,000***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,190

International Airfare = $1,200††

Local Transportation = $125†††

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $160††††

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500†††††

Personal expenses = $260††††††

Total Costs = $3,485

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††The youth public transportation card for under 24 years old offers a significant discount on local bus metro travel

††††Students staying a full semester in Madrid require a visa

†††††If no consulate in your home area

††††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Eero Jesurun

Center Director

Eero Jesurun, Ph.D. completed his B.S. and M.A degrees from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Eero studied at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid where he obtained a Ph.D...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info