Madrid, Spain

Language & Area Studies

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Colegio Mayor, Homestay

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level Spanish; enrollment in a Spanish course within the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Designed to help you strengthen your Spanish language skills, this program also caters to a wide range of academic interests and majors. In addition to a required Spanish course, you have the option to take IES Abroad-taught courses and local university courses at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), one of the country’s most distinguished universities and where our Center is located.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Enroll in an optional internship placement and seminar.

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Earn a Spanish-Language Certificate

Take a preparation course for the DELE examination.

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Immerse Yourself in Spanish Culture

Make Spanish friends during our weekly cultural events.

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Madrid Will Be Your Classroom

You'll be captivated by Madrid’s vibrancy.

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

Late August - Early December

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Advisor Photo for Group Advisor Programs

Cyane Thomas, Kayti Everette & Liat Wasserman

Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

an aerial view of Arco de la Victoria in Madrid at night

Why Madrid?

The IES Abroad Madrid approach is unlike any other educational experience. Our academically immersive Language & Area Studies Program takes you around the heart of Spain to live and learn in this sophisticated, capital city—not as a tourist but as a local student.

Learn More About Madrid

Get to Know Your New City

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Visit the Matadero

Cultural center with plays, movies, and exhibitions.

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Take a Walk in the Park

Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon walking through Retiro park.

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Enjoy El Rastro

Shop at this iconic flea market that takes place every Sunday.

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Explore Must-See Museums

You don’t want to miss some of the top art museums in the world!

The Student Experience

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Housing

  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

Apartment

We offer single room student apartments which resemble upscale student residence halls with private bathrooms that are located near the city center of Madrid. Student apartments are furnished, including a fully equipped shared kitchen. Utilities and Wi-Fi access are included. Gym facilities may be available. Meals are not included in this option and are ideal for students who wish to prepare their own meals. This option is ideal for students who are looking for a more independent experience.

The student apartment has a base option with no additional fee and a premium option that carries an additional fee for a placement in a larger room. 

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

We offer unique courses that explore Spanish language and area studies through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. 

Enrolling in courses at a local university is a great way to meet Spanish students and improve your language skills. You are strongly encouraged to enroll in at least one local course. Course offerings vary each semester. 

Partner Institution

The Torch Bearers, a statue of a man on a horse, reaching down to help another man up.
  • Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) is the largest university in Spain and one of the best public universities in the country. Registering for courses at UCM enables you to enjoy full privileges of the school’s activities and facilities. 

IES Abroad Madrid is located on the UCM campus close to the center of Madrid. Commuting from IES Abroad Madrid to UCM is 5-10 minutes by walking.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester. All courses are taught in Spanish. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week. 

  • IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits) 
  • IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Universidad Complutense de Madrid courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

Language Certificate Preparation Course 

As an added benefit at no additional cost, IES Abroad Madrid offers preparation courses for Spanish language students for the Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) examination that leads to a certificate. The DELE is the most prestigious award for Spanish language skills and will enhance your résumé. This certificate, covering general Spanish abilities, is offered by the Instituto Cervantes. The exam consists of oral expression, writing, reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (14)

Art History (3)

Course name Term Language Credits
AH 316 - 20th Century Spanish Painters Fall, Spring Spanish 3
AH 315 - El Greco, Velázquez and Goya in the Prado Museum Fall, Spring Spanish 3
AH 312 - History of Spanish Architecture Fall, Spring Spanish 3

Partner Institution Courses

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

All courses are taught in Spanish and credits vary.  Courses are available at the following  facultades (departments): 

  • Anthropology 
  • Biological Sciences 
  • Business 
  • Chemistry 
  • Communication  
  • Economics 
  • Education 
  • Fine Arts 
  • Geography 
  • Geological Sciences 
  • Health Sciences 
  • History 
  • Law 
  • Mathematics 
  • Modern Languages 
  • Philosophy 
  • Physical Sciences 
  • Political Sciences 
  • Psychology 
  • Sociology 

When planning, take into account that IES Abroad students are not permitted to take: 

  • First-year courses 
  • Medical courses 
  • Dentistry courses 

Please note that you may only enroll in a foreign language course if you have previous study experience in that language. 

Before searching for Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) courses, review the  specific conditions of facultades  on the UCM website to see if they have requirements or restrictions for visiting students.  

When choosing your courses, bear in mind that some classes offered by UCM are academic year courses, starting in October and ending in June. Semester students cannot take these academic year courses. Primer Cuatrimestre (first semester) courses are only offered in the fall. Segundo Cuatrimestre (second semester) courses are only offered in the spring. 

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PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Madrid, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

A student sits with a statue of the fictional hero from Don Quixote in Spain.

Alcalá de Henares

1 Day Fall

The birthplace of the illustrious Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares is home to one of the most prestigious universities in Spain. 

A student walking in front of one of the Fuentes de las Nereidas, a collection of fountains and sculptures dedicated to the beauty and kindness of the sea.

Aranjuez

1 Day Spring

This city, close to Madrid, was the Spanish kings' chosen location for their spring palace, due to the good weather and vast, stunning gardens. Aranjuez was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.

Four students outside the walls of Avila

Ávila

1 Day Spring

Ávila has the most emblematic and spectacular city walls in Spain. Built during the Medieval ages, they surround the old town that is full of monasteries, palaces and churches.

View from the El Escorial villa

El Escorial

1 Day Fall

Visit this royal site that was once the residence of the King of Spain, as well as a monastery for the Roman Catholic Church. The palace is also the burial site for nearly every king and queen since the 16th century.

Segovia Field Trip - David H.

Segovia

1 Day Fall & Spring

Segovia is known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and for having one of the longest and best preserved Roman aqueducts in all of Europe.

Two students view Toledo city from afar

Toledo

1 Day Fall & Spring

Known as the “city of three cultures”—Christian, Muslim, and Jewish—Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy that makes the city an open-air museum.

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in Madrid, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Madrid is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

Placement Examples

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

Administration Department (Companies and NGOs)

Students may assist businesses or NGOs with accounting, auditing, or other administrative works.

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

Communications Department (Companies & NGOs)

Internship includes social media management, video & photo editing, or fundraising campaigns for NGOs.

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

Students may intern as a teaching assistant or help with yearly planning and scheduling.

The Louvre

Museums

Students can help support museum activities, attend to visitors, or help with documentation and research.

a business student walking in Milan

Research

Students can participate in research groups for universities or public organizations.

tourists visiting an art museum in Rome

Volunteering and Social Assistance

Students may help provide care for disadvantaged groups, children, or persons with special needs.

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Madrid, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.

Past volunteer opportunities in Madrid include: 

Food Collection

Collect food for the underprivileged

Environmental Advocacy

Help protect the environment with river cleanups.

Elderly Care

Work with the elderly

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
15,504
Housing
$
5,049
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
20,798

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
27,890
Housing
$
10,100
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
38,480

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
15,977
Housing
$
5,200
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,422

2025 Fall

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.  

The IES Abroad Madrid Center is located on the Universidad Complutense de Madrid campus. Nearby, you'll find Madrid staples like the bustling area of Sol, and the starting point of major Spanish highways called Kilometre Zero. Wherever you are, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Madrid
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Madrid. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Madrid before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Spanish culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

August 29 - December 06

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late August - Late May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 14 - May 09

Application Deadline:

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

Late August - Early December

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent 
  • Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date 
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins - some local university courses may not be available to sophomores

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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