CIEE College Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain

CIEE College Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain

Location
  • Spain
    • Madrid
Term
Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Architecture Art History Communications Computer Science Cultural Studies Economics Education Engineering Entrepreneurship Environmental Studies European Studies Gender Studies Health Sciences History International Business Journalism Marketing Public Policy Public Relations Religious Studies Social Sciences Sociology Statistics Sustainable Development Tourism +15
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE! Our high-quality programs include tuition, housing, on-site airport pick-up, field trips and cultural activities, 24/7 on-site professional staff, and automatic iNext insurance. There are no hidden charges or surprises when you arrive, and scholarships opportunities are available!
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance
Jan 29, 2026
May 11, 2026
7 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Seated in the center of Spain, the capital city is not only the political and cultural center of the country, but an important player in global economics. Despite its present-day status, much of Madrid’s historic past remains beautifully preserved in its landmarks, museums, and architecture.

A huge variety of tapas bars, dance shows, concerts, outdoor parks, soccer matches, ethnic neighborhoods, and contemporary theater and cinema make it a lively place to live and learn.

Courses are available in English and Spanish.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Students praise the program’s supportive staff, flexible classes, and immersive cultural experiences, especially homestays and local excursions.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Soak up Spanish culture with museum visits, dance classes, urban art and graffiti tours, and neighborhood visits in Lavapiés, Malasaña or La Latina.
  • Explore beyond Madrid with day trips to Toledo, the Monastery of El Escorial, or the UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Toledo and Alcalá de Henares.
  • Visits to Seville, Barcelona, Granada, Bilbao, the Canary Islands, or Morocco
  • Depending on their program of study, language ability, and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer.
  • Do Madrid on your own terms by customizing your experience through the Open Campus program. Take one, two, or three six-week blocks, select your academic track from six options, then choose your courses from a wide range of subject areas.

Popular Programs

CIEE Madrid Summer Programs

Develop your Spanish language skills this summer, explore historical 20th century events that shaped modern Spain, and discuss how art is used as a creative tool for political activism.

CIEE Madrid Semester Programs

Come to Madrid and take your advanced Spanish language skills to the next level in one of the world’s most energetic, artistic, and cosmopolitan cities.

CIEE Madrid January Programs

CIEE’s January in Madrid program invites students of all majors to explore world-famous artists and their art featured in the city’s many museums.

Madrid Landmark

With CIEE's Open Campus Block Programs, you can design your very own study abroad program to include up to three different locations for 6, 12 or 18 weeks.

Stay in one city the entire time or spend other blocks at our other Open Campus Block locations in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Monteverde, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore, or Sydney.

Program Reviews

4.83 Rating
based on 48 reviews
  • 5 rating 83.33%
  • 4 rating 16.67%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.85
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.9
  • Housing 4.6
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 48 reviews
Tanish
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Madrid - Amazing Experience

CIEE Madrid created an unforgettable study abroad experience. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Spain. The program offered substantial help with finding a place to live, organizing events, and creating a great environment to immerse students in Madrid culture. The classes weren't overwhelming, but still provided the intellectual stimulation that I look for personally. The professors, staff, and organization as a whole created an unforgettable experience.

12 people found this review helpful.
Arleth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Why Should You Study Abroad

Studying abroad has been one of the most impactful experiences of my academic and personal life. Living in a new country pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t expect, from navigating daily life in a different language to adapting to new cultural norms. At first, even simple things like ordering food or using public transportation felt challenging, but over time those small wins built my confidence and independence.

Academically, studying abroad gave me a fresh perspective on my courses. Being immersed in a different environment made what I was learning feel more real and relevant, especially when I could connect class topics to what I was seeing and experiencing around me. It also exposed me to different teaching styles and ways of thinking, which helped me become more open-minded and adaptable as a student.

Beyond the classroom, the experience helped me grow personally. I met people from all over the world, formed meaningful friendships, and learned how to communicate across cultural differences. I also developed a greater appreciation for diversity and a deeper understanding of global perspectives.

Overall, studying abroad challenged me, taught me resilience, and helped me grow into a more independent and culturally aware person. It’s an experience I would highly recommend to anyone, as it not only enhances your education but also changes the way you see the world.

16 people found this review helpful.
Paige
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE Review

I absolutely loved my experience with CIEE study abroad program! From the start everyone was super attentive to your questions through emails. There’s also a ton of ways to save and make money by referring a friend, getting the app, and becoming an ambassador! The professor I had for my class was amazing and really was passionate about what he was teaching. I also loved how classes were only Monday Tuesday Thursday which allowed for travel on the weekends! You got to experience your country while also traveling experiencing other cities and countries.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I saw/ did was traveling to Morocco Marrakesh, which is something I would’ve never done on my own or have thought to spend money to travel there for a vacation. I got to experience their culture. What just happened
Pros
  • Making friends
  • Amazing professor
  • Easy Travel
Cons
  • Wasn’t living in city center
  • Staying out late all the time
  • Clean wakes you up in the morning
60 people found this review helpful.
Daniel
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Major Learning Experience

Overall, I had a fantastic time with CIEE abroad in Spain! Their resources are amazing and the on-site staff are just as wonderful. The only thing I didn't like that I had wish I had known sooner was the difficulty of the classes at UC3M. Other than the International School courses, the classes were very difficult. I struggled to pass classes seen as easy at my home university. However other than that, I had no other big complaints about the program and my experience. Definitely recommend to anyone considering!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Take easy classes so you can as much time as possible enjoying the wonderful counrty and continent!
Pros
  • Great support
  • Great Housing
  • Very fun
Cons
  • Hard Classes
  • Unwelcoming local students
89 people found this review helpful.
Michelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good Experience in Madrid CIEE

I had a good overall experience in the CIEE open campus program in the Madrid location. I knew I wanted to study abroad in Madrid, Spain for a long time, and being in the CIEE program makes me glad I decided to pick it. The location of the Aduana and Annex buildings are great, making it easy to explore the city after classes. I also really liked all the staff here as they were welcoming and made the experience positive, answering all questions and doubts I ever had. I really liked my classes, especially how the program is laid out: I like how it's separated in 3 blocks with 2 breaks and 2 classes at a time.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Cochinillo en restaurante botín
Pros
  • good support by staff
  • good communication from CIEE
  • very good locaiton
Cons
  • Not enough info for housing
  • communication repetitive
  • improvement in class content
93 people found this review helpful.
Keaton
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic study abroad experience in Madrid

CIEE was a great program to travel with, the staff was super helpful and available. Madrid itself was super safe, affordable and had so much to do. Madrids transportation is also super affordable and easy to navigate. Many people speak English or at least enough to get around in restaurants and stores. The classes weren’t rigorous and the program was pretty flexible allowing for travel time in between blocks and only class 3 days a week made it possible to explore the city and travel to other countries. Overall a great experience!!!! I will never forget it

What was your funniest moment?
This was when I was on a weekend trip in Switzerland and my friend’s toboggan slid off the mountain.
Pros
  • Affordable city
  • Super easy transportation
  • So much to do!!!
Cons
  • Flights can be expensive out of Madrid
  • Class length was a little long
87 people found this review helpful.
Max
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Semester of My Life

Studying abroad in Madrid for a semester was one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I landed in Madrid, I was immersed in a vibrant culture that was very welcoming. The city itself is a stunning blend of historical charm and modern energy, with something new to discover around every corner. I enjoyed exploring Madrid's magnificent architecture and lively tapas bars.

Academically, the experience exceeded all expectations. Learning in an international environment broadened my perspective, and I gained a deeper understanding of global business, culture, and communication. My professors were passionate and engaging.

But what made the semester truly unforgettable were the people and the experiences beyond the classroom. I formed lasting friendships with fellow students from around the United States, and together we explored not just Madrid, but the diverse regions of Spain and beyond. Being able to travel to other parts of Spain and Europe on the weekends is truly a privilege that I don't take for granted. CIEE offers students the flexibility to take on these experiences independently.

Living in Madrid taught me independence, resilience, and the value of embracing new perspectives. I will return home with improved Spanish skills, a larger network of friends, and memories that I will carry with me forever. If you’re even considering studying abroad in Madrid with CIEE—do it. It will change your life in the best possible way.

91 people found this review helpful.
Elana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad

Highly recommend! This program made my study abroad semester amazing! The program pushed me outside my comfort zone. They do a great job of providing you the space to travel and make the semester your own while still ensuring you have all the resources you need to succeed. Specifically, during the first week, the program hosts onboarding events. These really help you slowly integrate into life in Madrid. It also helps you meet people before school starts, which is really helpful in making you feel supported.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would do it earlier in my college career!
Pros
  • Allows you travel
  • Challenging classes
Cons
  • Hard to meet people outside the program
112 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers