Madrid
Madrid, Spain

Sustainable Smart Cities

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

20 weeks

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Madrid lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how Spain's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Madrid while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses through a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Madrid!

Explore our sustainable smart cities courses

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

Experience
  • madrid students abroad ciee
  • Madrid

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. 

spanish language class abroad madrid spain

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. 
madrid student volunteering

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

From CIEE

Birney Sherard’s Madrid Food Blog

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Studying Abroad in Madrid: One of the Best Experiences

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Horseback Riding in Madrid

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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
Academics

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. 

GPA

2.5, 3.0 for UC3M 

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

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

All Madrid Sustainable Smart Cities students enroll in 4-5 courses for a total of 12-17 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of sustainability is required. Students select from:  

  • CIEE courses  
  • Up to 2 courses at UC3M 
  • Up to one  ASU online courses (max 6 total credits), only after a required minimum of 12 in-person credits) 

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-17  U.S. semester credits/18-25.5 24 quarter credits.    

Course Credit

  • CIEE 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; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours)  
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours)  
  • CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 seminar hours (15 seminar hours, 90 service hours)  
  • UC3M Courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours  
  • UC3M International School English-track courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours 
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours   ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact 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

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.   

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses. 

Charles III University of Madrid (UC3M): Unlike a U.S. college or university, where students typically have a greater amount of flexibility and freedom in course electives and degree progress, engineering courses at UC3M are highly focused and academically challenging. Students complete a lot of daily reading and homework assignments in the direct enrollment courses at UC3M. Attendance at lectures is required. Class schedules are varied and, depending on your class group sections, are offered anywhere from Monday to Friday. Classes range in size from 25 to 80 students, and classrooms are modern and comfortable. Coursework and exams are to be completed as assigned, on schedule. UC3M courses run from early September until mid to late December in fall, and from late January to late May in spring. 

Early departure is not allowed in fall and spring. CIEE students take their UC3M final exams in December during the fall semester and in late May and early June during the spring semester.  

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online. Most ASU online courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set log-in times, but make sure to verify this before the add/drop deadline in case you want to make a change. 

Class Format

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with 20 to 25 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.  

Charles III University of Madrid (UC3M): UC3M classes are taken in English or Spanish, depending on the student's language level – regular university classes are open to Spanish and other international students. Engineering School courses are taught in English and follow a lecture format for the first four to six weeks, and then switch to lab work or smaller group sessions. It’s common for a UC3M course coordinator to instruct with a co-teacher who alternates teaching lectures with performing lab research. Most STEM courses favor depth in a specific area of study at an accelerated speed of learning and incorporate online coursework. UC3M students typically favor working in peer study groups and sharing class notes to keep up with the learning pace of classes.  

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.  

At UC3M, students are graded on class participation, class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and/or oral presentations. Professors give numeric grades based on a 10-point scale. CIEE reports final grades for host institution courses using recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, following a predetermined grade conversion scale. The Spanish university system, including the UC3M, does not apply a grade curve system as in some U.S. higher education systems; UC3M students typically study consistently throughout the semester to pass a course successfully with the all-important final exam.    

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

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

  • 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

 

Program Options
Program Options
  • 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.

Internships

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. 

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

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

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

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.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

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

A student intern sitting at a microscope in a lab

Health Science

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

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

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

Marketing interns pose at a Loki premiere event

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

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.

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 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.

See Scholarships

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

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...

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 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 internship 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 CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

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!

Request Info