Information for term Open Campus Block
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenEnergetic, artistic, and cosmopolitan Madrid is a magical place to advance your academics. Experience Spain’s capital your way by customizing your study abroad term on the Open Campus Block Program. Take one, two, or three six-week blocks, select your courses from a wide range of subject areas. In Madrid, you’ll be located near the Puerta de Sol and surrounded by museums, fountains, parks, shops, restaurants, and the famous Atocha train station.
Stay in Madrid the entire time or spend other blocks at our Global Institute locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, London, Yucatán, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, and Sydney.
Spring 2021 Note: Mobility will not be available. For regularly updated Covid-19 modifications and CIEE health and safety alerts, please visit our Health, Safety, and Security site.
Follow our Travels:
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Create the ultimate program
with one, two, or three six-week blocks.
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Stay in Madrid, or
add blocks in Berlin, Cape Town, London, Paris, or Rome.
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Explore the country
with an eye-opening three-day study tour.
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world-class art museums within steps of each other
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seats in Bernabéu, Real Madrid’s home stadium
81,044 -
minutes is the longest you’ll walk to find green space
15
Location & Culture
Click to Open
Your Destination
Madrid’s influence in politics, education, science, entertainment, media, fashion, and arts make it an important international metropolis, and the major hub in southern Europe. Spain’s capital city is also its largest, with a historic center dating back to the Hapsburg Empire, and world-renowned art museums. A huge variety of tapas bars, dance shows, concerts, parks, soccer matches, bustling neighborhoods, and contemporary theater and cinema make it a lively place to live and learn.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Overnight excursions and study tours will be suspended for Spring 2021 due to COVID-19. Ample activities and day trips will be offered to immerse yourself in Spain’s culture and historical heritage. Excursions can include:
- Visit numerous significant Madrid locations and neighborhoods to underscore and expand on in-class lessons.
- Volunteering. Give back and create a deeper connection to Madrid. Students have opportunities to volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, and more. If the local health and safety regulations permit, in-person volunteering will be offered.
PROJECTS
Enrich your experience with one of three optional Academic Projects.
Students interested in one of the following Academic Projects must submit additional materials as part of their application:
- Internships. Build new skills and intercultural competencies with a CIEE Internship and become an active member of the Madrid professional environment. Gain on-the-job experience at a start-up tech firm, a financial company, or other modern business. Students applying for the internship should have an Advanced Level of Spanish.
- Research. Pursue a research project of your own design incorporating independent, local field-work.
- Service-learning. Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Host families. As long as the local health and safety regulations permit, students will stay in homestays following new CIEE Health Guidelines. Hosts provided breakfast plus another meal per day. Students can purchase the rest of their meals on or nearby campus.
Shared apartments
Student housing will be in safe residential areas, close to markets, shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Depending on room size and availability, students will be placed in single or double rooms. Apartments are a short commute in public transportation of the CIEE Global Institute. Meals are not included. Students prepare meals in their apartments, or purchase affordable meals on or off campus.
Residence Halls. These modern style dormitories typically house students in single or double bedrooms and do not have kitchen access. Residence halls have direct access to supermarkets, restaurants, public transport and are near the city center. Meals are not included. -
MEALS
Host families. Hosts provided breakfast plus another meal per day. Students can purchase the rest of their meals on or nearby campus.
Apartments. Meals are not included. Students prepare meals in their apartments, or purchase affordable meals on or off campus.
Residence Halls. Residence halls have direct access to supermarkets, restaurants, public transport and are near the city center. Meals are not included.
Madrid, Spain Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE GLOBAL INSTITUTE
Steps from Puerta del Sol.
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B
Getting Around
Students walk or use public transportation.
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Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
Students enroll in one, two, or three six-week blocks, taking two courses during each block. This program gives students the flexibility to stay in Madrid the entire time or spend other blocks at our Global Institute locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, London, Monteverde, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Sydney, and Yucatán.
Students select one of six academic tracks: Business; Communications, Journalism, and New Media; Global and Community Health; International Relations and Political Science; Language, Literature, and Culture, or STEM and Society.
Classes are held at the CIEE Global Institute – Madrid which is located near Puerta del Sol. The Institute includes classrooms, a lounge, Wi-Fi, and experienced staff that support day-to-day life in Madrid. Most courses are taught in English by CIEE faculty.
Our strong relationships with Madrid’s most-respected universities and research institutions allows us to offer top-quality courses, taught by local faculty. A core group of CIEE faculty members serve as professors and help coordinate academic projects. Working with CIEE resident staff, faculty arrange guest lectures, excursions, activities, and more.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Program Requirements
Students are required to enroll in two courses each block. Students attending the program for all three blocks in a semester may select one block in which to enroll in only one course.
Program Credit
- One block: 6 U.S semester/9 quarter credits
- Two blocks: 12 U.S. semester/18 quarter credits
- Three blocks: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 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 contact hours, 100-120 research hours
- CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 90 service hours
Academic Culture
Each six-week course is a full semester in content, so the pace is accelerated and the workload is demanding. 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 participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Madrid when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends in between blocks.
Class Format
Courses taught at the CIEE Global Institute are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet either two, three, or four times per week, and attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, 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.
Language of Instruction
English and/or Spanish
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Spring 2021 Term
Students may choose to study at only one Global Institute per semester. In Blocks I, II and III, students are onsite at a CIEE location. Health and safety conditions permitting, instruction will be live in the classroom for onsite students with some classes provided via online learning. Contingency plans are in place to allow for program completion in the event of any academic disruption.
Course Notes
- Courses are listed below by block and track; course list subject to change. Courses are in English unless otherwise noted. “GI” denotes courses that are offered at multiple CIEE locations.
- Use the Course Comparison Tools to compare classes offered across all Open Campus Block programs for each block:
- Mobile students studying for three blocks who wish to complete a lab course (offered in London, Monteverde, and Yucatán) will be required to opt out of one course to remain within the program credit range.
Academic Projects
- For Spring 2021, Academic Projects will be offered onsite (either in-person or remotely) or remotely at another Open Campus location, dependent on availability and in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
- Academic Project placement will be designed based on the student’s project learning goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements in location or within the GI Network either in-person or remotely. The process is highly individualized and goal oriented. Students enrolled in an Academic Project will receive additional academic support that informs and enhances the placement experience.
- Internships and Service-Learning are only available in Spanish, therefore only students with advanced Spanish language ability are eligible.
- Students applying for an Academic Project are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.
- To qualify for participation, students must be in the location for at least one block in advance of the Academic Project to prepare for and secure placement. As a result, students participate in an Academic Project in either Block II or III.
Language Classes
- During course selection students interested in a Spanish language course, Internship, or Service-Learning Project will be instructed to take an online Spanish language assessment to determine their proficiency level, enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
- Students not enrolled in three-credit language classes may add the non-credit “Survival Spanish” course to their course load during the on-site orientation.
Fall 2021 Courses and syllabi will be available here in January 2021.
Spring 2021 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenBusiness Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
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.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in 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
- McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health Merit Scholarships
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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.
In blocks I and II, courses and formal activities end on the last Thursday of the block, and in block III, on the last Friday. Students are free to use the time between blocks as they choose, either remaining in their location or using the time for their own travel pursuits. Students changing locations must check into their new Global Institute by the first Monday of the block for local orientation, with classes starting on the first Wednesday of each block. In all cases, students are provided with continuous accommodation, and should speak with CIEE staff for more details.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Block I 2021 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 4, 2021 | Feb 13, 2021 |
$5,950
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $4,533 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $5,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $900 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $75 Books & Supplies = $100 Personal expenses = $950 Total Estimated Costs = $3,275Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** homestay includes two meals daily; no meals are included for students in the Residencia option † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Spring Blocks I, II 2021 12 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 4, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 |
$11,900
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $9,533 ** Housing = $1,900 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $11,900Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,800 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $150 Books & Supplies = $200 Personal expenses = $1,900 Total Estimated Costs = $5,300Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** students placed in homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Spring Blocks I, II, III 2021 18 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 4, 2021 | May 8, 2021 |
$17,850
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,533 ** Housing = $2,850 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $17,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $2,700 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $225 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $160 †† Personal expenses = $2,850 Total Estimated Costs = $7,485Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** students placed in homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† Students staying a full semester in Madrid require a visa |
| Spring Block II 2021 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | Feb 15, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 |
$5,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $4,533 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $5,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $900 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $75 Books & Supplies = $100 Personal expenses = $950 Total Estimated Costs = $3,275Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** students placed in homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Spring Blocks II, III 2021 12 weeks | Deadline Passed | Feb 15, 2021 | May 8, 2021 |
$11,900
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $9,533 ** Housing = $1,900 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $11,900Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,800 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $150 Books & Supplies = $200 Personal expenses = $1,900 Total Estimated Costs = $5,300Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** students placed in homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Spring Block III 2021 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | Mar 29, 2021 | May 8, 2021 |
$5,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $4,533 ** Housing = $950 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $5,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $900 International Airfare = $1,250 † Local Transportation = $75 Books & Supplies = $100 Personal expenses = $950 Total Estimated Costs = $3,275Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** students placed in homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Fall Block I 2021 6 weeks | Apr 1, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | Sep 25, 2021 | |
| Fall Blocks I, II 2021 12 weeks | Apr 1, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | Nov 6, 2021 | |
| Fall Blocks I, II, III 2021 18 weeks | Apr 1, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | Dec 18, 2021 | |
| Fall Block II 2021 6 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Sep 27, 2021 | Nov 6, 2021 | |
| Fall Blocks II, III 2021 12 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Sep 27, 2021 | Dec 18, 2021 | |
| Fall Block III 2021 6 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Nov 8, 2021 | Dec 18, 2021 |
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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Eero Jesurun
Director
Eero Jesurun, Ph.D. completed his B.S. and M.A degrees from Georgetown University´s School of Foreign Service.
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Francisco Frisuelos
Academic Director, CIEE Global Institute in Madrid
Francisco “Paco” Frisuelos has a Ph.D. degree and M.A. in Humanities from the Universidad Carlos III (Madrid).
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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 me an email if you have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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