Information for term Open Campus Block
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenThis program has been modified for Fall 2020. Please review the program modifications for important information on specific changes.
Energetic, 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.
Follow our Travels:
-
Create the ultimate program
with one, two, or three six-week blocks.
-
Stay in Madrid, or
add blocks in Berlin, Cape Town, London, Paris, or Rome.
-
Explore the country
with an eye-opening three-day study tour.
-
world-class art museums within steps of each other
3 -
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
- Embark on a two-night/three-day study tour to a different region of Spain or neighboring country, like one of these:
- Bilbao. Discover the region’s distinctive political identity through food, architecture, art, and sport.
- Tenerife. Explore the largest Canary Island, and learn about the impact of immigration and how mass tourism affects sustainability.
- Lisbon. Learn about a peripheral EU economy with visits to local company exporters.
- Granada. Explore this Andalusian city´s role in the Arab world, history, and today's tourism.
- Stay with Spanish hosts for a weekend.
- Soak up Spanish culture with museum visits, cooking lessons, urban art tours, film festivals, and neighborhood visits.
- Connect with other students through sports and active outings.
- Boost your Spanish skills via language exchange.
- Get to know the city better by helping at a youth center, school, or other organization.
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
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
Click to Open-
HOUSING
Shared apartments
Students can live with other CIEE students in apartments that have single or double rooms and shared bathrooms. Utilities, cleaning, laundry facilities, and internet access are included.Commuting
Shared apartments are located in central Madrid. All students will be living within a 30 minute or less commute via public transportation to the CIEE Global Institute. -
MEALS
Apartments: Meals are not included. Students prepare meals in their shared kitchen apartments or purchase affordable meals in their neighborhood at supermarkets, cafeterias, etc.
Madrid, Spain Where You'll Study
-
A
CIEE GLOBAL INSTITUTE
Steps from Puerta del Sol.
-
B
Getting Around
Students walk or use public transportation.
-
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
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
- Internships and Service-Learning are only available in Spanish, therefore only students with advanced Spanish language ability are eligible.
- Each Academic Project (Internship, Service-Learning, Directed Independent Research) placement will be designed based on the student’s project learning goals, qualifications, resume, and availability of placements. 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.
- 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.
Spring 2021 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenBusiness Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society 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
STEM and Society Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society Track
Fall 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenArt and Architecture Track
Spring 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenBusiness Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
Global and Community Health Track
International Relations and Political Science Track
Language, Literature, and Culture Track
STEM and Society 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
STEM and Society Track
Business Track
Communications, Journalism, and New Media Track
International Relations and Political Science 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
- Open Campus Grant
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Block I 2020 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 17, 2020 | Sep 26, 2020 |
$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 = $4,050 ** Housing = $1,433 *** 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 |
| Fall Blocks I, II 2020 12 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 17, 2020 | Nov 7, 2020 |
$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 = $8,567 ** Housing = $2,866 *** 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 |
| Fall Blocks I, II, III 2020 18 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 17, 2020 | Dec 19, 2020 |
$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 = $13,084 ** Housing = $4,299 *** 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 |
| Fall Block II 2020 6 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 28, 2020 | Nov 7, 2020 |
$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 = $4,050 ** Housing = $1,433 *** 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 Blocks II, III 2020 12 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 28, 2020 | Dec 19, 2020 |
$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 = $8,567 ** Housing = $2,866 *** 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 |
| OC Academic Year 2020-2021 38 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 17, 2020 | May 8, 2021 | |
| Fall Block III 2020 6 weeks | Jul 15, 2020 | Nov 9, 2020 | Dec 19, 2020 |
$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 = $4,050 ** Housing = $1,433 *** 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 Block I 2021 6 weeks | Oct 1, 2020 | Jan 4, 2021 | Feb 13, 2021 | |
| Spring Blocks I, II 2021 12 weeks | Oct 1, 2020 | Jan 4, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 | |
| Spring Blocks I, II, III 2021 18 weeks | Oct 1, 2020 | Jan 4, 2021 | May 8, 2021 | |
| Spring Block II 2021 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021 | Mar 27, 2021 | |
| Spring Blocks II, III 2021 12 weeks | Nov 1, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021 | May 8, 2021 | |
| Spring Block III 2021 6 weeks | Nov 1, 2020 | Mar 29, 2021 | May 8, 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
-
Eero Jesurun
Director
Eero Jesurun, Ph.D. completed his B.S. and M.A degrees from Georgetown University´s School of Foreign Service.
-
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.
You might also like
-
Advanced Liberal Arts
Barcelona, Spain
A variety of outings and trips beyond the city make your understanding of this diverse region complete – and unforgettable.
-
Advanced Liberal Arts
Seville, Spain
Nearly always in the sun, Seville is a warm, welcoming place to absorb Spain’s unique culture and challenge yourself reach for meet new goals.
-
Business + Culture
Barcelona, Spain
Gear up to join the global economy with international experience from one of the Europe’s major hubs – Barcelona.
-
Business + Society
Seville, Spain
-
Communications, New Media + Journalism English
Seville, Spain
-
Communications, New Media + Journalism Spanish
Seville, Spain
