Granada, Spain

Study in Granada

Study Abroad

Program Options:

Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship

•

Length:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

2 semesters of college-level Spanish (Intermediate Program) or 4 semesters of college-level Spanish (Advanced Program); both programs require enrollment in a Spanish course within the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

In Granada you can dive into the Spanish language at an intermediate or advanced level through coursework, housing opportunities, and cultural events that surround you with the language. Area Studies courses at the IES Abroad Center round out your studies and are taught by local faculty in a variety of disciplines—from Art History to Political Science. This holistic academic experience introduces you to Spain’s Moorish heritage, Jewish past, and its continuing links to North Africa.

Immerse Yourself in Spanish

Select students will be placed in an Advanced Spanish Immersion focus.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an optional (and free!) internship placement and seminar.

Study at a Local University

Take courses at one of Spain’s top-ranked and largest universities.

Travel Throughout Spain and Morocco

Our field trips take you to the Western Mediterranean.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 18

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Estimated Cost:

16,552

Program Dates:

Late January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Sep 19, 2024

Program Advisor

Kayti Everette

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m 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

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

2 semesters of college-level Spanish (Intermediate Program) or 4 semesters of college-level Spanish (Advanced Program); both programs require enrollment in a Spanish course within the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Destination

Granada hilltops and skies before sunset

Why Granada?

Imagine being fully immersed in Spanish culture as you study abroad on a program designed to take learning out of the classroom and into everyday life.

Now picture it in a city many travelers insist is the must-see in all of Spain, with one of the clearest windows into the country’s unique, multicultural history, and a youthful, vibrant city life where roughly a third of residents are university students.

This is what it’s like to study abroad on our Study in Granada Program.

Learn More About Granada

Get to Know Your New City

Take in a 360° View

Get a bird’s eye view of the city and surrounding area.

Gain a New Perspective

Get involved with the small community through volunteer work.

Trek Sierra Nevada

Granada sits at the foothills of this iconic mountain range.

Practice Your Language Skills

Befriend a local student through your intercambio language partner.

The Student Experience

A photo of the Alhambra illuminated with white lights

Carmen Miller

Carmen Miller, Feb 7, 2024

Adjusting and Exploring: First Weeks in Granada

I’ve been in Granada for about two weeks now! Here are some of my observations about adjusting to and exploring a new city and culture.

Cultural Immersion Language Orientation

Picture of a dark blue suitcase with a polka-dot luggage tag, seen from the top

On Packing for Granada

Saying Goodbye

View All Blogs

Housing

A student and their host mother sit in a brightly lit, orange room enjoying churros.

Homestay
Residence Hall

Homestay

With locations throughout Granada, homestays offer you the opportunity to live like a local with a Spanish host family. Students in homestays receive two home-cooked meals per day (14 meals/week). Homestays offer single or double rooms, and private or shared bathrooms. In most cases, more than one IES Abroad student may be placed in the same home.

Residence Hall

Several co-ed Residence Halls located in the heart of the city offer you the chance to live with fellow Spanish university students. Each has a different meal plan (ranging from 17 to 21 meals per week). Rooms are single-occupancy. Some have private bathrooms, and some are shared. These placements offer a cafe-style dining hall for meals.

Academics

Partner Institution

An overview of the University from the Psychology building. There is lush vegetation across campus.

Universidad de Granada

Universidad de Granada

The Universidad de Granada (UGR), Spain’s third-largest university, is consistently ranked among the top schools in the country. It was founded by Charles V in the early 16th century and evolved from the Quaranic Madrasah, founded in 1349. It is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution, offering diverse opportunities that attract the highest number of European exchange students of any European university. The new Campus de la Salud, created by the Andalusian government and UGR, brings together the private sector and university faculties for health care research. The University sponsors many programs, sports clubs, and cultural activities, such as concerts and film series.

The UGR has seven campuses; the Central Campus, The Health Campus and the Campuses of Cartuja, Fuentenueva, and Aynadamar in Granada, plus two additional campuses in the North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla. All local Granada campuses are 10-15 minutes walking from the IES Abroad Granada Center, except the Cartuja Campus which is 15 minutes by bus.

Visit Website

Courses

Create your own academic experience according to the program in which you enroll by selecting from the following program components. You take 15–19 credits per semester.

Intermediate Program (2 semesters of college-level Spanish)

IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 6 credits)
IES Abroad English-taught area studies courses (required, 3 credits each)
IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies course (optional - pending language placement results, 3 credits)
Universidad de Granada English-taught courses (optional, 3 credits each, maximum 2 courses)

Advanced Program (4 semesters of college-level Spanish)

IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits)
IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (required, 3 credits each)
Universidad de Granada Spanish-taught courses (optional, 3 credits each, maximum 2 courses)
Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)

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.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (24)

Anthropology (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
HL/AN 357 - Health, Culture and Global Society	Fall	Spanish	3

Art History (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AH 331 - Islamic Art and Architecture of Spain and its Impact	Fall, Spring	English	3
AH 335 - Islamic Art and Architecture of Spain and its Impact	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
AH/CU 336 The Heritage of Al Andalus	Fall, Spring	English	3

Biological Sciences (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
BL/ES 329 - Management and Sustainability of Mediterranean Ecosystems	Fall, Spring	English	3

Communications (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CM/IF 275 - Management of Digital Identities and Technologies	Fall, Spring	English	3

Cultural Studies (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
US/CU 399 Granada, City of Arts and Urban Culture	Spring	Spanish	3
AH/CU 336 The Heritage of Al Andalus	Fall, Spring	English	3
CU/FO 351 - Food as an Expression of Culture	Fall, Spring	English	3

Economics (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
EC 332 - Spain and the European Union	Spring	Spanish	3
IR/EC 356 - Spain and the International Economic Institutions	Fall	Spanish	3

Environmental Studies (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
BL/ES 329 - Management and Sustainability of Mediterranean Ecosystems	Fall, Spring	English	3
ES/SO 360 Designing the Sustainable City	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Film Studies (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
FS 348 - History of Spanish Cinema	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
WS/FS 321 - Images of Women in Mediterranean Film	Fall	English	3

Fine Arts (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
FA 218 - Watercolor Workshop: Landscape in Granada	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Health Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
HL/AN 357 - Health, Culture and Global Society	Fall	Spanish	3

History (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
RL/HS 344 - Islamic Civilization in Spain Until 1492	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
RL/HS 372 - Memory and Identity of Sephardic Jews	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

International Relations (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
PO/IR 384 - Democracy, Populism and Public Opinion in the European Union	Spring	English	3
IR/EC 356 - Spain and the International Economic Institutions	Fall	Spanish	3
IR 330 - The Arab World and the West	Fall, Spring	English	3

Internship Seminar (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IN 395 - Internship Seminar	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Literature (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
LT 360 - Contemporary Spanish Theatre	Spring	Spanish	3
LT 359 - Lorca and the Andalusian Literary Tradition	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Music (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
MS 361 - Flamenco: History and Dance	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Political Science (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
SO/PO 385 - Democracy, Gender and Multiculturalism	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
PO/IR 384 - Democracy, Populism and Public Opinion in the European Union	Spring	English	3
PO 331 - Mediterranean Policy of Spain and the European Union	Fall	Spanish	3

Psychology (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
PS 360 - Cross Cultural Psychology	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Religious Studies (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
RL/HS 344 - Islamic Civilization in Spain Until 1492	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
RL/HS 372 - Memory and Identity of Sephardic Jews	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Sociology (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
SO/PO 385 - Democracy, Gender and Multiculturalism	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
ES/SO 360 Designing the Sustainable City	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Spanish (7)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
SP 401 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 403 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad III	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 303 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent III	Fall, Spring	Spanish	6
SP 351 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 352 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad II	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 353 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad III	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 301 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Emergent I	Spring	Spanish	6

Urban Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
US/CU 399 Granada, City of Arts and Urban Culture	Spring	Spanish	3

Women's Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
WS/FS 321 - Images of Women in Mediterranean Film	Fall	English	3

Information Systems (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CM/IF 275 - Management of Digital Identities and Technologies	Fall, Spring	English	3

Food Science (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CU/FO 351 - Food as an Expression of Culture	Fall, Spring	English	3

Partner Institution Courses

Universidad de Granada

All IES Abroad Granada students are registered as students of UGR. The Center staff provides extensive advising and support to all students.

If placed in the Intermediate Program, you are eligible to take at least one course in English. Course offering vary from semester to semester and are limited.

If placed in the Advanced Program, you may be eligible to take at least one course in Spanish. Course offerings vary from semester to semester, and are available, among others, in the following disciplines:

Anthropology
Arabic Language
Art History
Biology
Business
Computer Science
Economics
Education
Environmental Studies
Geography
Health Sciences
History
Language
Literature
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology

To get an idea of what courses may be available, search courses by grado (degree) on the University's Grados site.

Visit Website

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Granada, 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 walking in the Sahara Desert with a hat and backpack on

5 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Morocco

Cross the Strait of Gibraltar into Morocco. Travel to Tangier, Asilah, Rabat, the Rif Mountains, and Chefchaouen. While in Morocco, you will experience authentic Moroccan culture by staying with local families and interacting with local university students and professors.

The Plaza de Espana photographed at night. A building with a tower and multiple spires sits in the background, with streetlights lighting up the square.

Seville

2 Days Fall & Spring

Explore this magnificent city, and visit the Cathedral, the Reales Alcazares, and the medieval quarter.

Cabo de Gata

2 Days Fall & Spring

Hike through this scenic national park, characterized by its volcanic rock formations and beaches.

Three students stand on a bridge in Cordoba

Córdoba

1 Day Fall & Spring

Visit the great Mosque of Córdoba, the House of Sepharad, and other local sites.

A student stands underneath a large tan arch in Setenil, Spain. The background includes trees and houses.

Ronda & Setenil

1 Day Fall & Spring

Take in the rich history and architecture of Ronda and Setenil—two extraordinarily beautiful towns known as paradises for photographers and painters.

Part-Time Internships

Placement Examples

Applied Economics

Cultural Management

Health Sciences

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Granada, 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 Granada include:

English Tutor

Teach English to young students

Food Distribution

Provide lunch for the elderly without family, organize food drives at local supermarkets, or volunteer at a soup kitchen

Support the Community

Take part in environmentally focused opportunities, such as reforestation or participate in refugee work, such as preparing aid or care boxes

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition

12,494

Housing

3,503

Insurance

230

Total

16,227

Spring 2024

Granada - Study in Granada Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$12,494
Housing & Meals	$3,503
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
• Residence Hall (17 meals provided per week)
Health Insurance	$230
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$16,227

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
ACCeSS Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad before arrival onsite)	$150
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)	$160
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$800-1,400
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$25
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$1,000
Residence Hall	$600
Average cost of housing and meals during Semana Santa	$400-850
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$60
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$0-465
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$1,600
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

January 23 - May 18

Application Deadline:

Sep 21, 2023

Estimated Cost:

16,227

Fall 2024

Tuition

12,734

Housing

3,573

Insurance

245

Total

16,552

Fall 2024

Granada - Study in Granada Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$12,734
Housing & Meals	$3,573
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
• Residence Hall (17 meals provided per week)
Health Insurance	$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$16,552

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)	$160
Optional ACCeSS fee (if applicable, paid to IES Abroad before arrival)	$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,100-1,600
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$25
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$950
Residence Hall	$550
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$60
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$430
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$1,600
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 18

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Estimated Cost:

16,552

Academic Year 2024

Tuition

22,910

Housing

7,145

Insurance

490

Total

30,545

Spring 2025

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

IES Abroad Granada Staff

Javier Martínez de Velasco

IES Abroad Granada Center Director

Read Full Bio

Elvira Rosales Escabias

Senior Academic Coordinator

Eva Martín García

Office Manager & Internship Program Coordinator

Alba Medialdea Guerrero

Student Affairs Director & Internship Coordinator

Patricia Molina Molina

Student Life Associate & Customized Programs Specialist

Julia Hernández Moreno

Internship Coordinator

Victoria Todd

Student Life Assistant

Orientation

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

CISI International Health Insurance

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

24/7 Emergency Support

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

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

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

Location-Specific Information

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

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

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

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 23 - May 18

Application Deadline:

Sep 21, 2023

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 18

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early September - Late May

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Sep 19, 2024

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)
2 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent for the Intermediate Program
4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent for the Advanced Program
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 students of sophomore standing

Application Requirements

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Foreign Language Assessment — Fill out and sign the top portion of the PDF form and give the assessment form to a college-level language professor who has taught you in the target language.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.

Apply Now

Passport & Visa Requirements

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

Spain requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer. 

Learn more about applying for a student visa for Spain and whether or not you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS.

Individual appointments at Spanish consulates are very limited! If you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity for our visa specialists to review your visa application materials and submit them to the Spanish consulate on your behalf.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.