madrid traffic circle building flags

Study Abroad in Madrid

College Study Abroad

Click to scroll down and read more

study abroad madrid

Explore Madrid, Spain

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. Despite its present-day status, much of Madrid’s historic past remains beautifully preserved in its landmarks, museums, and architecture.

  • madrid spain red pin map
  • windmill students abroad madrid
  • madrid spring students abroad historic site

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 

 
ciee office madrid entryway

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.

dance class abroad madrid spain

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.

madrid financial district skyline at dusk

New Program Coming Soon

Summer Global Internship (summer 2025)

Study Abroad Programs in Madrid

Madrid skyline at night
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Study Program

Designed for students looking to gain an international perspective on business.

Program Interests
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • Big City
  • Mountains to Hike
Madrid Calle Gran Via Street skyline
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Study Program

Spend J-term touring some of the world’s best museums.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Mountains to Hike
Madrid Plaza Mayor aerial
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Study Program

The perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Spanish culture.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
Madrid old city street view
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Study Program

Study and live in Spain’s vibrant capital city of Madrid this summer!

Madrid calle gran via stree sunrise
  • Madrid, Spain
AACSB Accredited
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Challenge yourself to take your engineering studies to the next level.

Program Interests
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
Madrid
  • Madrid, Spain
AACSB Accredited
  • Study Program
  • Part-Time Internship

Fast-forward your language skills

Program Interests
  • AACSB-Accredited
  • Host Institution
  • Language Immersion
  • Mountains to Hike
madrid fountains at night
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Study Program
  • Multi-Location Offering
  • Part-Time Internship

Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Madrid, then study in two other countries in one term.

Program Interests
  • Big City
  • Host Institution
  • Mountains to Hike
Pocket Guide to Madrid

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.

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.

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

traffic circle madrid spain aerial view sunny day

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:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
dance class madrid spain study abroad

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. 

View Our Scholarships & Grants

Talk To A Student Who's Lived It...

Ask an Ambassador

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

 

Madrid Study Abroad Experience

  • "They are always there to help with whatever a student may need and are very good with communicating important information. CIEE also plans many trips and activities for students to do to immerse themselves in the culture and also connect with other study abroad students. I met some of my very close friends now through CIEE and I wouldn't change my study abroad program even if I could."

    Amber H., Arizona State University