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Madrid Summer
$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 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.
While in Madrid, you enroll in one Spanish language course and one area studies course for a total of 6 credits. All courses are conducted in Spanish. Course disciplines include:
- Art History
- Film Studies
- History
- Literature
- Spanish Language
Highly advanced students, as determined by the language assessment taken on-site in Madrid, may enroll in a second area study course instead of the required Spanish language course. Our goal is to make sure your academic needs are met.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. A final list of course offerings will be made available to you in your MyIESabroad account.
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 221 - Art in the Prado | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 324 - Spanish Society, Political Culture and Film | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 303 - Madrid The City | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 376 - Contemporary Spanish Theater | Spring, Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| LT 388 - Cultural Myths and Spanish Literature | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| LT 480 - García Lorca and His Time | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP 201 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad III | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| SP 303 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad III | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| SP 351 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring, Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| SP 353 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad III | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| SP 401 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring, Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| SP 403 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad III | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
Field Trips & Events
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. Here are a few possible destinations.
Rascafría
1 Day | Summer
Hike Spain’s central mountain range, known for its vistas and outdoor sports.
Segovia
1 Day | Summer 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.
Valencia
3 Days | Summer
Visit Spain’s third largest city, rich with delicious cuisine, excellent weather, and countless cultural outlets, such as one of Europe’s newest cultural and scientific complexes, Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (the City of Arts & Sciences).
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
IES Abroad Madrid organizes course-related excursions that complement what you’re learning in the classroom, and contribute to your general knowledge of Spanish culture and society.
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 to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
The program begins with a 2 day orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Madrid staff, your fellow students, and the city of Madrid. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, extra curricular activities, and health and safety are covered during this time. Your Spanish language placement is also administered during orientation.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the program with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
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. You have breakfast and one additional meal daily with your hosts. In many cases, two IES Abroad students are placed with a señora or family.
Homestays with Kitchen Privileges - If you prefer to purchase your own food and prepare your own meals, you may wish to consider this housing option. If you choose this option, you receive a meal credit. A very limited number of these placements are available.
Apartments - Share an apartment located in a residential area near the IES Abroad Madrid Center. Apartments are fully furnished, including a fully-equipped kitchen. Utilities and regular cleaning are included, as well as the support of a Spanish apartment guide. Space is limited and meals are not included.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Madrid through our cultural activities, such as:
- Guest lectures
- Lessons in Spanish cooking and dance
- Sports activities such as soccer games
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
Fees coming soon.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Summer Need-Based Financial Aid
Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.
Criteria reviewed to determine award:
- Level of financial need as determined from infromation provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
- IES Abroad program location.
- IES Abroad membership status of home campus
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 Staff
IES Abroad 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 and 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.
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!
Summer 2020 & Fall 2020 Refund Policy
A core philosophy of our health & safety procedures is that we plan for the what ifs so that you don't have to. That includes the development of our refund policy for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020, which allows you to still plan to study abroad or intern, knowing that if for some reason you cannot participate, your money will be fully refunded.
Don't put your dreams on hold just because the world is unknown.
AT A GLANCE
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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.
