Madrid
Madrid, Spain

Engineering, Technology + Sciences

Study Program

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Engineering, Technology + Sciences program in Madrid lasts a full semester and offers you an integrated global learning experience that connects your coursework with real-world applications. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, that focus on science, technology, engineering, or math. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to engineering, technology, and science. Live and learn in Madrid!

Unique Experiences

Meet Asimov

a humanoid robot at the Robotics Lab in Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, where future engineers test real-world AI

Step into energy innovation

at Acciona's green hydrogen plant just outside the city, where renewable tech powers tomorrow

Decode the universe

inside the Museo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, where you’ll explore everything from quantum physics to space tech

Experience
  • open campus madrid spain students outside building tour

Your Destination

Madrid is Spain’s innovative, forward-thinking capital, renowned for its leadership in engineering, technology, and research. The city is a hub for innovation, smart infrastructure, and cutting-edge research, with pioneering projects in various fields and a strong commitment to science and technology. With its vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums, historic landmarks, and thriving business districts, Madrid is the perfect place to study engineering, technology, and science abroad.

madrid-intern-in-office

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture and commitment to engineering, technology, and science.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities. 
madrid study abroad students

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Madrid will open doors for you to explore Spain's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.  

Samples of past excursions and activities: 

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the medieval city of Alcalá de Henares or hike the trails in the Guadarrama Mountains
  • Soak up Spanish culture with museum visits, dance classes, urban art and graffiti tours
  • Savor down-time with Spanish students while you play basketball, frisbee, kayak, swim, or catch a theater, dance, or music performance

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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

Affordable Trips from Madrid

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Katherine Wojna This past semester I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, and with a passion for travelling, I found it challenging to travel cheaply. So, in this blog, I... keep reading

From CIEE

Affordable Trips from Madrid

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Katherine Wojna This past semester I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, and with a passion for travelling, I found it challenging to travel cheaply. So, in this blog, I... keep reading

From CIEE

Fluent in Life: Lessons from Studying Abroad in Spain

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Gabby Watts Growing up, my mom would always tell me stories about her year studying abroad in London. She raved about the experience and how much it taught her... 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.

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) was 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 US 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 by 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

3.0

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes

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 ETS students must enroll in a minimum of 4 courses, to include at least 3 UC3M courses and at least one course in the area of science, technology, or engineering.

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

Program Credit

Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 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
  • 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 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45 – 60 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

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. 

Arizona State University: 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.

Class Format

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. Students’ grades in CIEE courses are based on attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm 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, which are converted to U.S. letter grades. 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 are only available in Spanish to eligible students.

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

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

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

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

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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

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
  • McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health Merit Scholarships
  • 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 Fall 2025 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $21,450
Program Academic year 2025-2026 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date TBD* Fees & Housing $42,300
Program Spring 2026 18 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $21,950
Program Fall 2026 16 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.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $15,256 **
Housing $5,700 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $0
Total Fees $21,450

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 $1,600
Select Plus Housing Fee $2,400

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.

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

*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 for under 24 year olds has a significant discount for 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 $30,856 **
Housing $10,950 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $0
Total Fees $42,300

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 $1,600
Select Plus Housing Fee $2,400

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.

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

*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 for under 24 year olds has a significant discount for 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 $16,206 **
Housing $5,250 ***
Insurance $194
Visa Fees $0
Total Fees $21,950

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.

Meals not included in program fee $1,214
International Airfare $1,000 ††
Local Transportation $125 †††
Books & Supplies $50
Visa Fees $163 ††††
Potential travel to consulate for visa $510 †††††
Personal expenses $220 ††††††
Total Costs $3,282

*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. $265 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip flight based on U.S. East Coast departure ranges from $700-1200 dependent on carrier

†††Issuance of personalized transportation card and monthly youth passes

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

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

††††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense (low-cost SIM card with a 30GB-50GB data plan) + 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.

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...

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