
Sustainable Smart Cities
Unique Experiences
Cycle through Madrid Río Park
to explore a transformed riverbank highway turned into a green urban hub promoting sustainability
Discover Madrid's urban gardens
to see how locals cultivate organic produce, use water-efficient irrigation, and promote biodiversity in the city
Hike the Guadarrama Mountains
to experience Spain's stunning landscapes while learning about local ecosystems and conservation efforts
Your Destination
Madrid is a sustainable smart city known for its innovative green initiatives, energy-efficient public transport, and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The city blends cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly design, and smart infrastructure to enhance urban living. Students can explore iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving cultural scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Madrid offers an inspiring and forward-thinking study abroad experience.
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.

Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Madrid will open doors for you to explore Spain’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Kayak through calm waters of Pantano de San Juan while learning about Spain’s complex water management systems and sustainable conservation efforts
- Explore Spain’s grassroots energy transition on a guided tour that will take you to two pioneering community-led projects in the Madrid township of Rivas
- Participate in a local urban garden in one of the 21 city districts of Madrid
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Birney Sherard’s Madrid Food Blog
By: Birney Sherard As a reformed picky eater, while studying abroad in Madrid through CIEE this past semester, I have committed myself to expanding and advancing my palate. Below, I... keep reading
Studying Abroad in Madrid: One of the Best Experiences
By: Oliver Morgens CIEE Madrid has been one of the best experiences I have had so far. I have met so many wonderful people both through the program and locals... keep reading
Horseback Riding in Madrid
By: Shafa Abbas Madrid offers an abundance of amazing experiences—iconic activities like visiting the Museo del Prado or strolling through El Retiro Park. But for me, the most unforgettable thing... keep reading
Housing & Fees
Housing
CIEE Madrid offers diverse housing options to maximize your study abroad experience, including homestays, student residence halls, or shared apartments in several city districts. All housing options are located near supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, and public transport and provide the convenience of urban living in one of Europe´s largest cosmopolitan city settings.
Student housing in Madrid typically looks different than what you may be used to in the U.S. Unlike most college campuses, CIEE does not own or manage student housing in Madrid. We work within local housing networks to carefully identify housing partners, vendors, and homestay hosts that can offer students a safe and culturally active living experience. All Madrid housing sizes, layouts, room designs, and amenities will vary and will have their own distinct features. Living in Madrid may mean downsizing for the duration of your stay as student housing space and location are at a premium (for example, living space, kitchen, washing machines or bedroom size may be smaller than what you're used to at home). Due to high demand for housing, most Spanish students live at home with their families, as affordable rental options in the city center are extremely limited. The majority of CIEE student housing is located in well-connected residential neighborhoods outside the historic city center, offering convenient access to Madrid’s metro, bus, and commuter train networks. Whether you live with a host family, student dorm or in a shared apartment, you should expect to commute like a local.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room in a homestay within 30 to 45 minutes from Puerta de Sol train station; or double room in a student dorm or a shared apartment, distances to Puerta de Sol train station may vary from 40 to 70 minutes.
- Homestays: Homestays offer socially active hosts and a cultural resource who allow for a lot of student independence, no curfew, kitchen access for food storage, a living room, Wi-Fi, weekly laundry, and a bathroom shared with the host. Hosts provide two meals a day during the week.
- Shared Apartments: Shared apartments are modest in size, featuring fewer amenities with basic furniture, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access, maintenance repair services, bed linens and towels, and a kitchen. Meals are not included in the dorms or apartments.
- Student Dorm: Student dorms are modern, offer Wi-Fi access, and typically have an individual or shared kitchen.
Select Housing: Includes a single room within 50 to 55 minutes or double room within 30 to 40 minutes from Puerta de Sol train station. Select housing requires an additional fee.
- Shared Apartments: Shared apartments are modest in size, featuring a few amenities with basic furniture, a laundry machine, Wi-Fi access, maintenance repair services, bed linens and towels, and a kitchen. Meals are not included in the dorms or apartments.
- Student Dorm: Student dorms and residence halls are modern, offer Wi-Fi access, and typically house students in single bedrooms with an individual or shared kitchen. Select housing requires an additional fee. Please note that you may be placed in housing where you will share common spaces in your accommodations with other CIEE students who opted for a different housing category.
Select Plus Housing: Limited available option that includes single room within 30-40 minutes on public transport to/from Puerta de Sol train station. Select Plus Housing requires an additional fee.
- Shared Apartment: Shared apartments are modest in size, featuring a few amenities with basic furniture, a laundry machine, Wi-Fi access, maintenance repair services, bed linens and towels, and a kitchen. Meals are not included in the dorms or apartments.
- Student Dorm: Student dorms are modern, offer Wi-Fi access, and typically have an individual or shared kitchen. Please note that you may be placed in housing where you will share common spaces in your accommodations with other CIEE students who opted for a different housing category.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestays: Students have breakfast and dinner with their host families, and they are responsible for lunch. Students do not typically have access to use the kitchen at the host family home.
- Residence Halls/Shared Apartments: Meals are not included. Residence halls and apartments have direct access to supermarkets, restaurants, public transport, and independent dining halls. Students can purchase dining hall meal plans on their own if offered by the residence hall management.
Academics
CIEE Madrid: Study in the historic center of Spain’s capital near Puerta de Sol, conveniently located near shops, cafés, tapas bars, theaters, museums, copy centers, and metro stations. CIEE Madrid features five classrooms, a student lounge, an academic advising office, and a student life office.
Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M): Established in 1989 and is recognized as Spain’s most prestigious public institution of higher education. It follows a U.S. academic calendar system for U.S. visiting college students and has one of the highest percentages of full-time and tenured female faculty in Spain. CIEE students take engineering classes on the Leganés campus. Students can also take classes at the main campus, Getafe, which offers a wide variety of disciplines, from business courses to sociology, economics, media, communications, political science, and law. Depending on your housing location, your commute time from Madrid city center to both the Leganés and Getafe campuses can vary from 40 to 70 minutes in public transport because the UC3M classrooms are located outside of Madrid´s city center.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
- Spanish-taught courses are available to heritage or advanced-level speakers only. Interested students are subject to a proficiency assessment.
- Internships and Service-Learning are only available in Spanish to eligible students.
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
CIEE Courses (in-person) | Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Material Science and Engineering Introduction to Engineering Management Electronics Engineering Fundamental Wind Energy Solar Energy | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRID COURSES
Please visit the university website for more information.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS (Leganés campus)
Offered in English
- Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Mathematics and Computing
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Data Science and Engineering
- Electrical Power Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering
- Industrial Technologies Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mobile and Space Communications Engineering
- Sound and Image Engineering
- Telecommunications Technology Engineering
- Telematics Engineering
NON-ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS (Getafe campus)
Offered in English and Spanish.
- Business Administration
- Cultural Studies
- Economics
- Employment and Labor Relations
- Film, Television, and Media
- Finance and Accounting
- History and Politics
- Humanities
- International Studies
- Journalism
- Law
- Management and Technology
- Management of Information and Digital Contents
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Statistics and Business
- Tourism
UC3M International School COURSES (Getafe Campus)
UC3M International School courses are available to U.S. university students and are offered by UC3M International School. Courses are taken with other American / international students and focus on Spanish language and culture. Unlike traditional UC3M courses, UC3M International School courses do not involve coursework with Spaniards.
The following lists are samplings of courses that may be available. Not all courses are offered each semester. The final list of courses will be available upon arrival in Madrid.
UC3M INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ENGLISH TRACK COURSES
Offered in English. More information can be found on the university’s UC3M International School website.
- Gender Perspectives in Contemporary European and Spanish Literature
- Latin American in a Post- Colonial Perspective, and its Relationship with Spain
- Spain and the European Union: Political and Economic Issues
- Spain in Progress: Spanish Society Today
- Spanish Art Masters in Madrid Museums
- Cultural Studies: Spanish Culture/s from 1940 to the present
- Spanish Language: Basic Level I
- Spanish Language: Basic Level II
- The Sociology of Migrations: The Context of Spain and the European Union
UC3M INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SPANISH TRACK COURSES
Offered in Spanish. More information can be found on the UC3M International School website.
- Cine Español
- Economía Española y Europea
- El Terrorismo y Sus Víctimas: Un Desafío Global Desde 11-S
- Español en el entorno académicoEspañol Coloquial
- Español para Hispanounidenses
- Estudios Culturales
- Historia de España
- Historia del Arte Español
- Historia del Presente: España de Hoy
- Instituciones Españolas y Europeas
- La España Literaria de Cervantes (Siglos XVI – XVII)
- Literatura Española (siglos XIX y XX)
- Literatura Hispanoamericana (siglo XX)
- Religión y Sociedad en España
- Teoría y Práctica del Cuento en Español
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 BROWSE FAQs for more INFO


- Building Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
- Business and Sustainability
- Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
- Sustainable Tourism
- Global Environmental Policy
- The Anthropology of Sports in Spain
- Culture and Cuisine in Spain
- Contemporary History and Culture of Spain
- Spanish Cinema (in English)
- Spanish Civil War in Memory and History (in English)
- Spanish Masters in Madrid Museums
- Photojournalism
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- Organizational Behavior
- International Marketing
- Operating Systems
- Strategic Management
- Spanish Language - Advanced I
- Spanish Language - Beginning I
- Spanish Language - Beginning II
- Spanish Language - Intermediate I
- Internship Seminar (in English)
- Internship Seminar (in Spanish)
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research (in English)
- Directed Independent Research (in Spanish)
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Madrid's work scene spans sustainability, NGOs, tourism, and education. Growing coworking spaces cater to freelancers and remote workers. While Spanish dominates, some companies operate in English. The city blends traditional Spanish culture with modern business practices, balancing professionalism and a relaxed vibe.

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.

Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.

Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 2026 20 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
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...
Adela Ruiz
Senior Internship Coordinator
Adela holds a degree in English Studies from the University of Seville and a Masters Degree in Translation from ISTRAD. After being a participant in our Summer Work and Travel...
Get Started
1
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!