Madrid Plaza Mayor aerial
Madrid, Spain

Semester in Madrid

Study Program

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Semester in Madrid program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn in Madrid!

Unique Experiences

Practice Your Spanish Skills

with local language exchange groups

\

Visit the Prado

and explore one of the world’s most renowned art collections

Catch a Football Game

where you can cheer on Madrid’s legendary international football team

Experience
  • madrid lion statue flag

Your Destination

Madrid is Spain’s cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of Spanish culture, iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Madrid is the perfect place to study abroad.

madrid-student-group-plaza-de-los-toros

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 activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities. 
Madrid student outside restaurant

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:

  • Discover the flavors of Spain while learning the culinary history on a tapas food tour
  • Savor downtime with local students while you play basketball, kayak, swim, or catch a theater, dance, or music performance 
  • Take a day trip to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the medieval city of Alcalá de Henares

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

Study Abroad - Madrid + Travel General Tips

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Ella Clemens Travel within Spain as much as you can! Some of my best trips were throughout the country exploring the food, traditions, and people. Start an abroad journal... 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

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

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.

Fundación Ortega y Gasset y Gregorio Marañón (FOM)

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 classes on the Getafe campus, which is the main UC3M campus, located 25-40 minutes outside of downtown Madrid via efficient and modern public transit. Depending on your housing location, your commute time to campus can vary from 40-to-70 minutes by public transportation because 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

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

Students are required to take four to five courses total, for a total of 12-16 credits. These courses can be a combination of CIEE and host institution courses in English and/or Spanish. If a student enrolls at either local university, they must take a minimum of two courses there and cannot combine courses at both universities. 

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

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-16 U.S. semester/18-24 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
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 research hours
  • FOM courses (available Fall terms only): 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
  • UAN courses: Typically 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 90-96 notional 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

Courses typically include lectures, discussions, critical analysis of readings, case studies, audio-visual documents, field trips, and require active participation from the students. Language courses privilege work by tasks and group collaboration. Active participation of students is required given the communicative approach of these courses. 

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

Host institution classes are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday. CIEE classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday and exceptionally have at least one Friday class. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and weekly quizzes.  

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

In language classes, students are normally graded on weekly quizzes, exams, attendance, homework assignments, oral presentations, and class participation. Grades in the content courses are based on class participation, a mid-term exam, research papers, oral presentations, and a final exam. Each instructor determines the exact breakdown of grades. Attendance is mandatory and absences affect final grades. 

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

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

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

History, Philosophy, Religion

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

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Here is a sample of courses in English:    

Universidad Antonio Nebrija (UAN)

FALL SEMESTER and SPRING SEMESTER  

  • Consumer Behavior    
  • Online Marketing in the Digital Era    
  • International Business    
  • International Management    
  • International Trade Marketing    
  • International Communication    
  • Sports Industry and its role in European Identity    
  • Trends of the Global Economy    
  • Global Skills for International Business Environments    
  • International Finance    
  • Intercultural Communication    
  • Corporate Psychology    
  • Fundamental Aspects of Spanish Art    
  • The European Union: Culture, History, and Institutions    
  • International Relations  
  • Spanish Civilization and Culture    
  • Women's Roles in Present-Day Spain    
  • European Cinema: A Reflection on European Identity Cinema 

Fundación Ortega y Gasset y Gregorio Marañón (FOM)  

FALL SEMESTER

  • Art History  
  • Business in Spain  
  • Spanish Culture  
  • Globalization & Media    
  • Marketing  
  • Organizational Behavior  
  • Financial Management  
  • Corporate Social Responsibility  
  •  Sensation and Perception  
  •  Cross Cultural Psychology  
  • Abnormal Psychology  
  • Health Psychology  
  • Biological Psychology  
  • Neuroscience  
  • Statistics  
  • Computer Data  
  • Spanish Language and Literature  
  • World Religions  
  • Spanish Language and Conversation   

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 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
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI 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*
Program Spring 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
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 card for under 24 years old offers a significant discount on 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.

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.

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