As the leading center of industry and technology research in Spain, Madrid is an ideal city to study Engineering, Math, and Science and their applications in the professional world. Specialized course options range from Aerospace Engineering to Mechanical Engineering, from Pharmaceutical Science to Food Sciences, with courses in Biology and Chemistry, too.
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!
Madrid will be your classroom. Take trips to research centers as part of your studies. Enjoy an architectural walking tour to see Madrid’s many beautiful buildings, churches, and monuments. Visit the city’s famous museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía to inspire your coursework.
Nervous about navigating academic challenges while abroad? Do not worry—I have included tips to help you stay on top of your studies while still enjoying your...
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.
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 Engineering, Math, and Science, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. World-class professors and course options at the prestigious Universidad Carlos III Madrid (UC3M) enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, you will also have options to pursue coursework at Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, further enriching your partner university offerings.
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.
With a reputation for academic and research excellence throughout Spain and Europe, the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is also known as a leader in innovation and internationalization.
Engineering courses are offered at the Leganés campus of UC3M, which is approximately 45-60 minutes outside of the city center of Madrid by train. Please note that UC3M has enacted a two-course minimum.
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.
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.
**Per our Academic Policy Guidelines, “At host country institutions where the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is in effect, IES Abroad translates two ECTS credits as one IES Abroad credit
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.
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 249 - Spanish Art and Architecture | Fall, Spring | English | 4 |
| AH/RL 350 - The Iberian Peninsula: Cultures and Religions Through the Arts | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
In the past, courses have been available in the following disciplines and are taught in English or Spanish (if available):
Only first, second, and third year courses available in:
UC3M updates the course list every semester. Please visit their website to see which courses are offered.
Courses are available in the following disciplines and mostly are taught in English
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
Located in the historic Palacio López-Dóriga, a named historic palace with a rich architectural legacy, the Center places you in the heart of Madrid, just steps from some of the city's most iconic neighborhoods—Chueca, Barrio de Salamanca, and Chamberí. Conveniently located close to IES Abroad housing, it's the perfect launch pad for your academic and cultural experiences in Madrid.
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 two options: one option carries no additional fee while the other option carries an additional fee for a placement in a larger room.
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.
Visit Spain's third-largest city, Valencia, rich with delicious cuisine, excellent weather, and countless cultural outlets, including the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (the City of Arts & Sciences), one of Europe's most unique cultural and scientific complexes. Includes a stop in the beautiful town of Alarcon for a delicious breakfast at its 8th-century Moorish Castle.
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.
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.
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.
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 is known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and for having one of the longest and best preserved Roman aqueducts in all of Europe.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Focuses on computer science, audiovisual engineering, energy engineering, or mechanical engineering.
Participate in research groups for universities or public organizations and learn about Biomedical Engineer
Students may help provide care for disadvantaged groups, children, or persons with special needs.
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:
Collect food for the underprivileged
Help protect the environment with river cleanups.
Work with the elderly
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.
With 75 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 your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
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.
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.
Recap of my weekend in a new city while being completely on my own and the joys of solo travel!
With my study abroad coming to an end soon, I wanted to reflect on my experience in Amsterdam. Was it worth it?
A glimpse into my day interning at a Cape Town nonprofit—where small actions, like showing up, make a big impact.
