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Madrid - Language & Area Studies
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
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 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.
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.
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits)
- IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid courses (optional, 3 credits each)
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.
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.
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.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 312 - History of Spanish Architecture | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| AH 315 - El Greco, Velázquez and Goya in the Prado Museum | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| AH 316 - 20th Century Spanish Painters | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/LT 361 - Spanish Civil War in Literature and Performing Arts (since 1975) | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 303 - Modern Spanish Economic Development | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| EC 396 - Spain and the European Union | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| IR/EC 340 - Spain and the International Economic Organization | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 320 - Contemporary Spanish Film | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| WS/FS 326 - Almodóvar and His Contemporaries: The Image of Women in Spanish Film | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/GE 341 - Demographic Challenges in a Globalized World: Spain in the International Context | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 332 - Contemporary Spanish History: Republic to Present | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| HS 358 - History of Madrid | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| HS 372 - Women in Spanish History | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/EC 340 - Spain and the International Economic Organization | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/IR 350 - International Security and Geopolitics: A Spanish & European Perspective | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/LT 361 - Spanish Civil War in Literature and Performing Arts (since 1975) | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| LT 376 - Contemporary Spanish Theater | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| LT 388 - Cultural Myths and Spanish Literature | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| LT 444 - Cervantes and His Time | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| LT 480 - García Lorca and His Time | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| WS/LT 331 - Contemporary Spanish and Latin American Women Writers | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO 365 - Legal and Political Structure of Modern Spain | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| PO 366 - European Political Movements and Ideologies | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| PO/IR 350 - International Security and Geopolitics: A Spanish & European Perspective | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/GE 341 - Demographic Challenges in a Globalized World: Spain in the International Context | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP 303 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 351 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 353 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad III | Fall, Spring, Summer | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 380 - Advanced Language Usage for Business | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| SP 401 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 402 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad II | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 403 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 410 - Spanish Language in Context: Spanish for Heritage Speakers | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 482 - Creative Writing Workshop | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SP 486 - Spanish for Health Sciences | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| TH 301 - Theater and Performance Workshop | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| WS/FS 326 - Almodóvar and His Contemporaries: The Image of Women in Spanish Film | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| WS/LT 331 - Contemporary Spanish and Latin American Women Writers | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
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)
www.ucm.es
Located next to the IES Abroad Madrid Center, 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. All courses are taught in Spanish and credits vary. Please note, some departments have unique admission requirements you must meet. Courses are available at the following faculties:
- Anthropology
- Biological Sciences
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Computer Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Fine Arts
- Geography
- Geological Sciences
- Health Sciences
- History
- Law
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Physical Sciences
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
When planning, take into account that IES Abroad students are not permitted to take:
- First-year courses
- Medical courses
- Dentistry courses
When choosing your courses, bear in mind that some classes offered by the local university are academic year courses, starting in October and ending in June. Semester students cannot take these academic year courses. You will receive 3 credits for each course taken at the Complutense. Academic year students who take annual classes will receive 6 credits.
Please note that some faculties have specific requirements for visiting students: https://www.ucm.es/condiciones-especificas-de-facultades
NOTE: Partner university courses are not guaranteed to be offered in the coming semesters as IES has no control over the courses offered by partner institutions.
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.
Personalized Job Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal placement that satisfies your interests and goals. We’ve placed student with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don’t currently offer placements in your field of interest, we will look for one that’s right for you.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always looking for new internship opportunities for our students.
- Arts
- Business
- Education
- International Relations
- Marketing
- Museums
- Political Science
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Madrid, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. All of these one- to three-day trips are included in your program cost. Here are a few possible destinations.
Bilbao & San Sebastián
3 Days | Fall
The impressive Guggenheim Museum has become the icon of Bilbao; tradition and modernity go hand in hand in this incredible region.
Extremadura: La Ruta de Carlos V
3 Days | Spring
Travel the last route of the Emperor Charles V on his last journey to his retreat in Yuste Monastery, Extremadura. You will be amazed by the natural beauty of this region.
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. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its monuments, historic churches, convents, and university buildings.
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.
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.
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
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.
Toledo
1 Day | Fall & Spring
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.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
Course-related trips are academic excursions associated with courses. They are organized to complement IES Abroad courses and contribute to a general knowledge of Spanish culture and society. Participation is based on course registration.
Past course-related trips are listed below:
- Local theater performances and concerts
- Architectural walking tours
- Visits with art historians to Madrid’s most famous museums—the Prado, Reina Sofía, Sorolla, Cerralbo, Museo de América, and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
- Tours of Spain's National Congress
- Behind-the-scenes visits to local television stations
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Madrid is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
The program begins with an orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Madrid staff, your fellow students, and the city of Madrid.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
During orientation, IES Abroad organizes guided visits around Madrid with Spanish university students, as well as a welcome lunch. There are also a range of cultural events, such as intercambios, cooking classes, a flamenco workshop, and sports available for you to participate in.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Madrid, it will feel like home.
Homestays – Live in Spanish homes with señoras or families and eat breakfast and one additional meal per day (either lunch or dinner) with your hosts when the program is in session. In many cases, more than one IES Abroad student is placed in the same homestay.
Homestays with Kitchen Privileges – If you are interested in a homestay but prefer to purchase your food and prepare your meals, you may wish to consider this option. With this option, you receive a meal credit. A very limited number of these placements are available.
Apartments – Share apartments located in residential areas near the IES Abroad Madrid Center. Apartments are furnished, including a fully equipped kitchen. Utilities and WiFi access are included. Space is limited, and meals are not included.
Colegios Mayores – Colegios Mayores are dorms located on the UCM campus and throughout the city. You will have a single room with a shared bath. This housing option includes up to 21 meals per week in student cafeterias.
Colegios Mayores are ideal for outgoing students with a high level of Spanish language who want to integrate into local, more traditional student culture, participate in Colegio activities, and are willing to abide by the rules of the Colegio. This housing option is limited and requires an additional fee.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Madrid, such as:
- Visit the Palacio Real
- Lessons in Spanish cooking and dance
- Tour local museums
Volunteer Abroad
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 onsite staff know at the beginning of your term. Past volunteer opportunities in Madrid include:
- Teaching at a primary school
- Collecting food for the underprivileged
- Helping chronically sick children
- Working with the elderly
Get to Know Your New City
Visit La Tabacalera
Catch a free concert or art show at La Tabacalera, an old tobacco factory turned funky cultural center.
Take a Walk in the Park
Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon walking down la Gran Via and la Calle, then picnic and people watch in Parque del Retiro.
See La Plaza Mayor
Witness the breathtaking architecture and history found in la Plaza Mayor—Madrid’s central square. A must-have photo!
Enjoy Fresh Foods
Stop by the farmers' market in Casa de Campo the first Saturday of every month to taste the best local products.
Explore Must-See Museums
Include Museo del Prado, Museo Thyseen-Bornemisza, and Centro de Arte Reina Sofía on your to-do list while in Madrid. You don’t want to miss some of the top art museums in the world!
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
William E. & Mary M. Dwyer Need-Based Spanish Scholarship
These scholarships are intended for students interested in studying in a Spanish-speaking country.
Kathleen Kervin Diamond Endowed Scholarship
Kathleen Diamond is a consultant, entrepreneur, and business leader in the language services industry. In 1979, she founded Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE®), a full-service language company based in Washington, D.C. She is recognized as an early pioneer in Telephone Interpreting, launching LLE-LINK in the early 1990s. Over the next 20 years, under her leadership, the company grew into a dynamic, multimillion dollar corporation, serving a wide range of clients, in both the private and public sectors, across the United States, and worldwide. In 2009, Ms.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Madrid, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Madrid Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Madrid experience.
The IES Abroad Madrid Center is located in the heart of Universidad Complutense’s main campus, inside the Colegio Mayor Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe residence hall. It’s in easy walking distance of two museums—the Museo de América and the Museo del Traje.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study in the student lounge
- Have lunch in the cafeteria
- Relax with the friends in the garden
- Burn some steam off in the small gym
Other features include WiFi, printer access, and a library.
Our Staff
Elvira Munoz, Ph.D.
Center Director
Dr. Elvira Muñoz has been the IES Abroad Madrid Center Director since 2005. She served a two-year appointment as Associate Director for the Education Abroad program at the University of California Madrid. Her association with the University of California began at UCLA, where she was a Lecturer and Associate Undergraduate Vice Chair of the Mathematics Department, 2000–2002, and visiting Assistant Professor, 1995–2000. Dr. Muñoz received two Distinguished Teaching awards during her career at UCLA. She also has taught mathematics at State University of New York at Stony Brook, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and Universidad Complutense de Madrid. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Mathematics from Université Paris XI, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Universidad de Salamanca. Her considerable experience abroad also includes work and study in Germany, Sweden, and Brazil.
IES Abroad Madrid Staff
María José Cacho
Assistant Administration and Student Services
Marta Camacho
Academic Advisor
Yolanda Charlán
Student Affairs Coordinator
Angel López
Student Affairs Coordinator
Gemma Muñoz Garcia
Senior Academic and Internship Coordinator
Yolanda Real
Assistant Director of Administration
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 what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" 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.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI 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
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Latest from Madrid
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
