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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.
You enroll in a total of 6 credits for the summer.
- 3-credit Spanish language course*
- 3-credit area studies course taught in Spanish
*Highly advanced students, as determined by the Language Placement Assessment, may enroll in a second area studies course instead of the required Spanish language course.
Courses
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 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 | Summer | 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 | 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 | 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 outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond.
Alarcón & Valencia
3 days | Summer
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.
Segovia & Sierra de Madrid
1 day | Summer
Famous for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Segovia has one of the longest and best preserved Roman aqueducts in all of Europe.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
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
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Madrid staff, your fellow students, and the city of Madrid. Orientation continues throughout 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.
Upon arrival, your program begins with a two-day orientation with an introduction to Spanish culture, extracurricular activities, a tour of the city, visits to local museums, and a day trip to a historic site nearby.
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 a señora or family, sometimes with another IES Abroad student. You have breakfast and one additional meal daily with your hosts.
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 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.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Madrid, such as:
- Visit the Palacio Real and other heritage sites in Madrid
- Lessons in Spanish cooking and flamenco workshop
- Tour local museums
- Activities with Spanish students such as "Intercambios", tapas, and more!
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.
| Term | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2021 | $5,545 | $1,570 | $135 |
$7,250 |
Scholarships & Aid
Featured 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
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!
AT A GLANCE
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Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
