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Madrid, Spain

Business, Economics & Social Sciences

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:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Madrid, Spain’s capital and a major center for business, economic, and financial activity in Europe, is the perfect city in which to study Business, Economics, and Social Sciences. This beautiful and bustling city provides ample opportunities for you to contextualize what you're learning through course-related trips, internships, and local university enrollment. 

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Follow Your Academic Interests

Round out your studies with a variety of elective courses.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in a career-advancing internship.

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Study at a Prestigious University

This program offers the opportunity to take courses in English or Spanish.

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Live with Local Students or Homestays

Select from a variety of housing options.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

August 26 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
21,120

Program Dates:

Mid January - Early May

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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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?

Madrid will be your classroom. Depending on the courses you choose, you may visit international businesses, financial organizations, and even an animation studio in Madrid, as part of your coursework. Other course-related trips include architectural walking tours and visits to the city’s world-famous museums like the Prado and Sorolla that will round out your experience in Madrid.

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
  • Colegio Mayor
  • Homestay

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 Business, Economics, and Social Sciences, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. World-class professors and course options at the prestigious, AACSB-accredited Universidad Carlos III Madrid (UC3M) enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives in 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 Carlos III de Madrid

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

A relatively new institution, the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) has already established leading programs in the areas of Economics, Business Administration, and Law, while its efforts in Engineering and Research are gaining international recognition. Faculty and students come from around the world to join UC3M in its role as a truly global institution. 

Business and Economics courses are offered at the Getafe campus of UC3M, which is located approximately 45-60 minutes outside of the city center of Madrid by train. UC3M also offers a free bus service between their campuses. 

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You must take 15-19 credits per semester. All program-specific courses are taught in English except for the language courses. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week. 

  • IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits) 
  • IES Abroad English-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 or 4 credits each) 
  • IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)* 
  • Universidad Carlos III English-taught Business, Economics, and Humanities courses (optional, credits vary) 
  • 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

*With approval, students with an advanced level of Spanish can take IES Abroad area studies courses taught in Spanish (list available on the  Madrid - Language & Area Studies Program  academics page) and Spanish-taught UC3M courses. 

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 (12)

Anthropology (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
AN/SO 320 - Sports and Society in Spain Spring English 3

Partner Institution Courses

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid 

Courses are available in the following disciplines and most are taught in English. Spanish is an option for some, depending on language level. 

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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.

Learn More
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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.

Three students stand on a bridge in Cordoba

Córdoba-Almagro

2 Days Spring

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Córdoba is a living legacy of different cultures that settled here throughout its history. The most important symbol of the city is the Mosque-Cathedral: one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in Spain. 

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

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Arts

a business student walking in Milan

Business

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

students checking their phone in front of the European Council

International Relations

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

Marketing

The Louvre

Museums

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

Hospital Support

Help chronically sick children

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
15,526
Housing
$
4,950
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
20,706

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
15,826
Housing
$
5,049
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,120

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
28,470
Housing
$
10,100
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
39,060

Spring 2025

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.

Learn More
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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

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 15 - May 25

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

August 26 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late August - Late May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Mid January - Early May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2024:

If you are planning on taking UC3M courses, we recommend purchasing flexible tickets or easily changeable tickets as partner university exams could take place after the official departure date; your exams could be as late as June 4, with June 5 as the latest departure date.

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • Firm 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale 
  • No Spanish language is required 
  • Prerequisites required for certain university courses 
  • Have completed at least 3 full academic terms (semester, trimester, or quarter) of Business, Economics, or Social Sciences (anthropology, geography, history, sociology, psychology, political science) coursework at your home school by IES program start date

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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The Student Experience

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

Apply Now
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