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Global Business Consulting
Madrid, Spain
About the Program
The Global Business Consulting program offers you the opportunity to strengthen essential career readiness competencies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, through hands-on, project-based learning. Working in a small consulting team, you will collaborate with peers and get guidance from your instructor throughout the process to design solutions for a real-world business challenge that a local host organization in your destination is facing. This practical experience will not only prepare you to stand out in the global job market, but also equip you with the skills to succeed in a variety of professional environments well beyond your program.
Learn more about past consulting projects here.
Requirements
Overview
Madrid
2/3/27 - 5/21/27
$20,195
12 - 15
Deadlines
11/1/26
12/1/26
Requirements
Eligibility
1 year as a registered college student by the time of application
All Levels
Some courses may have prerequisites.
2.5
Where You'll Study
CEA CAPA Madrid Center
The CEA CAPA Madrid Center, located in a historic building in the bustling Puerta del Sol neighborhood, offers an immersive experience in one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals. Surrounded by ...
Counseling Services
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
CEA CAPA Madrid Center
The CEA CAPA Madrid Center, located in a historic building in the bustling Puerta del Sol neighborhood, offers an immersive experience in one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals. Surrounded by iconic landmarks like Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and Gran Vía, the Center provides you with a convenient base to explore Madrid’s rich history and dynamic culture. With Retiro Park and renowned museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofía nearby, the city’s artistic and green spaces are always within reach.
The Center’s central location ensures quick access to Madrid’s extensive public transport network, connecting you to every corner of the city and beyond. From the nearby Sol metro station to major train hubs like Atocha, travel becomes seamless, whether within Madrid or across Spain and Europe. The Madrid Center faculty curate excursions beyond Madrid to other historical cities like Toledo or Segovia, both known for their medieval architecture.
Designed to foster learning and growth, the Madrid Center combines modern classrooms with comprehensive student services. Internships and cultural excursions provide complementary options to help you build career-ready skills while gaining firsthand experience in a global setting.
With a focus on academic excellence and personal support, the Madrid Center creates a vibrant community. It’s a space where education, exploration, and cultural exchange come together in the heart of Spain’s capital.
Transcript Information
Courses at the CEA CAPA Madrid Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
Accreditation
Courses taught at the CEA CAPA Madrid Center have been designed in conjunction with, and approved by, the University of New Haven (UNH). In addition, faculty appointments have been approved by UNH. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Madrid Center, you will receive credit for your work from UNH. Located in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is a student-focused, comprehensive university that’s fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The agreement between CEA CAPA and UNH follows the highest standards of good practice in education abroad and satisfies the rigorous requirements of the University's institutional accreditor, making credits earned at the CEA CAPA Madrid Center easily transferable to US-accredited institutions. To learn more about UNH's service as a School of Record for CEA CAPA, please contact Academics@ceacapa.com.
Grading
Professors at the CEA CAPA Madrid Center carefully evaluate student's work and progress throughout their academic session. When calculating final grades, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance.
The following grading scale is in use for CEA CAPA center-delivered syllabi:
| DESCRIPTOR | ALPHA | NUMERIC | GPA | REQUIREMENT/EXPECTATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding (High Distinction) |
A | 93+ | 4.0 | Maximum grade: In addition to description for grade "A-", the participant shows detailed understanding of materials about which he or she can show independent analytical ability. This means the ability to question an issue from different perspectives and evaluate responses in an objective manner. |
| Excellent (Distinction) |
A- | 90 - 92.99 | 3.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook/class hand-outs/class notes, and the work shows a high level of independent thought, presents informed and insightful discussion, and demonstrates a well-developed capacity for evaluation. |
| Very good (High Credit) |
B+ | 87 - 89.99 | 3.3 | Shows evidence of a capacity to generalize from the taught content, or the material in literature, or from class lectures in an informed manner. Also, the work demonstrates a capacity to integrate personal reflection into the discussion and an appreciation of a range of different perspectives. |
| Good (Credit) |
B | 83 - 86.99 | 3.0 | The work is well-organized and contains coherent or logical argumentation and presentation. |
| Good (Credit) |
B- | 80 - 82.99 | 2.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook and/or notes, and there is evidence of additional reading. |
| Average (Good Pass) |
C+ | 77 - 79.99 | 2.3 | The work demonstrates a capacity to integrate research into the discussion and a critical appreciation of a range of theoretical perspectives. Also, the work demonstrates a clear understanding of the question and its theoretical implications and demonstrates evidence of additional reading. |
| Adequate (Pass) |
C | 73 - 76.99 | 2.0 | Shows clear understanding and some insight into the material in the textbook and notes, but not beyond. A deficiency in understanding the material may be compensated by evidence of independent thought and effort related to the subject matter. |
| Below Average (Borderline Pass) |
C- | 70 - 72.99 | 1.7 | Shows some understanding of the material in the textbook and notes. A deficiency in any of the above may be compensated by evidence of independent thought related to the subject matter. |
| Inadequate (Borderline Fail) |
D+ | 67 - 69.99 | 1.3 | Fails to show a clear understanding or much insight into the material in the textbook and notes. |
| Poor (Fail) |
D | 60 - 66.99 | 1.0 | Besides the above for D+, participant has not shown interest or engagement in the class work or study. |
| Poor (Fail) |
F | <60 | 0 | Shows little or no understanding of any of the material. |
Classroom and Information
- Classes are taught by faculty selected by CEA CAPA and approved by UNH.
- Periodic homework assignments and final examinations will be administered.
- Class attendance is mandatory and monitored by each professor. You may access your grades and attendance on their CEA CAPA Student Portal.
- Class size is limited to 30, allowing for personalized attention.
Amenities
Counseling Services
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Language Exchange with Local Students
Dining Facilities
12-15
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
The required Business Consulting course is comprised of both an academic course and a locally based business consulting project that will require you to meet with clients and conduct group work outside of class. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about your assigned company through in-person or virtual meetings and by visiting their facilities/operations, conducting market research, creating relationships, ideating proposals and solutions, all of which will culminate in a consulting proposal.
In addition to your 3-credit business consulting course and project, you'll enroll in up to 4 CEA CAPA courses at the CEA CAPA Madrid center or combine CEA CAPA courses with courses at our partner institution - Universidad Nebrija. If you choose the early start semester in the fall, you'll enroll in an additional language course at UN. This provides you with the opportunity to gain professional experience while also making progress toward your degree requirements and engaging in classes that afford a richer cultural experience. Starting
CEA CAPA and UAN courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. UAN courses may meet in the morning or afternoon, Monday-Friday. CEA CAPA elective courses meet twice per week, Monday-Thursday; however required active learning components may be scheduled on Fridays. Please keep this in mind, as you will be expected to prioritize your courses over any personal travel on Fridays. You may earn 12-15 credits. If you choose the Early Start option in the fall semester you may earn 15-18 credits in the fall semester.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take a language placement exam to determine your language level. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Spain. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Consulting | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid Museums: Introduction to Spanish Museology, Society and Culture * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Visualization | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Economics of Soccer * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Communication | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Mass Media & the Fashion Industry * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Social Media: Digital Identity & the Virtual Community * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Storytelling as a Skill | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food & Culture in Spain * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Food & Culture in Spain * | 300 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Madrid: Past & Present * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Sport & Culture in Contemporary Spain * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Street Art & Graffiti in Spain: Independent Interventions in Public Space * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screening Spain: Contemporary Society through Film * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Finance | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid: Past & Present * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Psychology & Behavior * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Marketing * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Sport Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI, Neurotechnology & Ethical Entrepreneurship | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Rights in a Global Context | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Psychology & Behavior * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Psychology of Gender | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media: Digital Identity & the Virtual Community * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Sustainable Development in Madrid * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Spanish I | 100 | Sp | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Development in Madrid * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Global Housing Standards
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
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Global Housing Standards
Your housing abroad is more than a place to sleep, it's a place to feel at home.
Health & Safety
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
Cleaning Services
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Wi-Fi
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Students Per Bedroom
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Commute Time
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Temperature Control
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
Kitchen Access
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Laundry
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
Study Space
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Storage Space
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Linens
Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Global Housing Standards apply to CEA CAPA-sourced housing only, beginning Summer 2026.
Housing provided by partner universities may differ slightly.
Apartment Shared Room
Embrace authentic Spanish local life from an apartment located in Madrid with easy access to public transportation, shopping, and leisure areas. You'll share your bedroom with a fellow student, and share the apartment and kitchen with 3 to 15 other students, creating an instant community and a lively home base. This option is ideal for independent students who want the flexibility and responsibility of apartment living.
This housing option is included in the program price.
Additional Options
To elevate your study abroad experience, apartments located within a 25 minute commute from Plaza del Sol are available for a supplemental fee. Supplemental fees may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Apartment Private Room
Embrace authentic Spanish local life from an apartment located in Madrid with easy access to public transportation, shopping, and leisure areas. You'll enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room, and will share the apartment and kitchen with 3 to 15 other students, creating an instant community and a lively home base. This option is ideal for independent students who want the flexibility and responsibility of apartment living.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Additional Options
To elevate your study abroad experience, apartments located within a 25 minute commute from Plaza del Sol are available for a supplemental fee.
Homestay
Immerse yourself in Madrid by living in a welcoming homestay with convenient access to public transportation. You'll share your bedroom with one student and may share the homestay with up to two other students. Homestay includes breakfast and dinner (Monday - Sunday), as well as bedroom cleaning and laundry service once a week. This option is ideal for students eager to fully delve into Spanish culture, experiencing local customs, language, traditions, and cuisine.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Additional Options
To elevate your study abroad experience, private homestay rooms are available for a supplemental fee.
Residencia Shared Room
Discover a rich student community in a well-located residence with convenient access to public transportation. This option allows you to live alongside local and international students, providing a unique opportunity for global connection. You will share your room, bathroom, and kitchenette with a fellow CEA CAPA student, while the building offers common areas and outdoor spaces for socializing. A full-board meal plan (Monday–Sunday) is included, and staff are available 24/7. This residence is ideal for students looking to immerse themselves in a Spanish university environment with the support of a fully managed facility.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Residencia Private Room
Experience an upscale lifestyle in a premier residence designed for community and comfort. This option offers a modern, air-conditioned room with access to high-end amenities, including a rooftop pool, gym, and cinema lounge. When you aren’t out exploring Madrid’s historic plazas, you can socialize in the onsite café or cook in the shared kitchen. Perfectly located for easy public transportation access, this residence provides 24/7 security and professional management. It is the ideal choice for students seeking a vibrant, high-end home base with the support of a managed facility.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Madrid. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Airport Welcome
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Student Clubs & Organizations
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Career & Re-entry Workshop
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
February 03
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students will move in to their assigned housing. |
|
February 04 - 05
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA CAPA Orientation sessions will be held. |
|
February 08
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at CEA CAPA Study Center on this day. |
|
May 20
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at CEA CAPA Study Center. |
|
May 21
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.