Madrid, Spain

Summer

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

6 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

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

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

This program offers intermediate and advanced Spanish language courses and area studies courses taught in Spanish. Classes integrate the best of Madrid’s historic and cultural opportunities, allowing you to improve your Spanish skills while also discovering Spain’s rich artistic, theatrical, and film heritage.

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Improve Your Spanish Language Skills

Join activities with Spanish students.

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Travel Throughout Spain

Our field trips take you outside the city to see Spain.

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Join Cultural Events & Activities

Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Madrid.

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Follow Your Academic Interests

Take a course from a variety of disciplines.

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

May 16 - June 28

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
7,765

Program Advisor

Liat Wasserman headshot

Liat Wasserman

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

About the Destination

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

Why Madrid?

Imagine yourself studying abroad in Spain’s capital and largest city—Madrid. Warm summer evenings attract throngs of Madrileños to the streets of the city, where they sip coffee on terrazas and watch a parade of fashionable Spaniards—now is your chance to experience it, too. Madrid is a leading cultural center in Europe and home to many world-famous museums including the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Learn More About Madrid

Get to Know Your New City

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Visit La Tabacalera

Catch a free concert or art show.

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Take a Walk in the Park

Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon walking down la Gran Via and la Calle.

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Enjoy Fresh Foods

Stop by the farmers' market the first Saturday of every month.

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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

A student and their host mother gathering at the dinner table in a Madrid Homestay.
  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

Apartment

We offer single room apartments which resemble student residence halls with private bathrooms that are located in residential areas near the IES Abroad Madrid Center. Apartments are furnished, including a fully equipped shared kitchen as well as a personal minifridge. Utilities and Wi-Fi access are included. Gym facilities are available. Meals are not included in this option and are ideal for students who wish to prepare their own meals. There are two apartment options. Larger apartment options are available and carry an additional fee.

NOTE: This option is best for students with dietary restrictions like vegetarians and vegans.

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 learning and area studies courses through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. 

Courses

You enroll in a total of 6 credits for the summer. 

  • 3-credit Spanish language course* 
  • 3-credit area studies course taught in Spanish

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. 

*Highly advanced students, as determined by the Language Placement Assessment, may enroll in a second area studies course instead of the required Spanish language course.  

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 (5)

Art History (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
AH 221 - Art in the Prado Summer Spanish 3
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.

Learn More
passport stamps and stickers inside of passport books

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. 

Segovia Cathedral

Segovia

1 Day Summer

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

a student looking out over Salamanca from the Old Cathedral

Salamanca

1 Day Summer

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Salamanca is the most important university city in Spain and is known for its contributions to Spanish language education.

Students hiking in Pico de Penalara

Sierra de Madrid

1 Day Summer

Trade the hustle and bustle of the city for a breath of fresh air in the surrounding mountains, valleys and quaint villages surrounding Madrid.

View from the El Escorial villa

El Escorial

1 Day Summer

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.

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.

Summer 2024

Tuition
$
5,946
Housing
$
1,684
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
7,765

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.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

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

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

May 16 - June 28

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • Transcript(s) for 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
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Graduate students and continuing education students encouraged to apply 
  • 2 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
  • Have taken a Spanish course in the past year. 

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.

Contact an Ambassador
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