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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 316 - 20th Century Spanish Painters: Picasso, Dali, and Miro | 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 |
All courses are taught in Spanish and credits vary. Courses are available at the following facultades (departments):
When planning, take into account that IES Abroad students are not permitted to take:
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.
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. Wherever you are, the Center is your study abroad hub.
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.
The impressive Guggenheim Museum has become the icon of Bilbao; tradition and modernity go hand in hand in this incredible region.
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.
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.
Students may assist businesses or NGOs with accounting, auditing, or other administrative works.
Internship includes social media management, video & photo editing, or fundraising campaigns for NGOs.
Students may intern as a teaching assistant or help with yearly planning and scheduling.
Students can help support museum activities, attend to visitors, or help with documentation and research.
Students can participate in research groups for universities or public organizations.
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.
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