Study in Madrid
Fall 2024 Semester - Early Start Madrid

About the Program

Spain’s capital and largest city has a modern vibe that’s evident in its world-class culinary culture, never-ending nightlife, and thriving art scene. Additionally, its status as a global leader in politics, education, media, fashion, and culture draws students from around the world. Studying in Madrid will help you to gain a global perspective, develop intercultural communication skills, and adapt to new environments—all qualities that are highly valued by employers in today's interconnected world. Course options in Madrid include business, engineering, liberal arts, social sciences, and Spanish language and culture, and you’ll have the opportunity to take courses alongside other international and local students at our partner institution, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija (UAN).

Program Structure

Enroll in 1-2 CEA CAPA courses and 2-3 UAN elective or language courses. Early Start students enroll in an additional language course.

In fall semester, all courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. In spring semester, language and elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits; spring Early Start language courses meet for 90 contact hours/6 credits. You may earn 12-15 credits (up to 225 contact hours). If you choose the Early Start option you may earn 15-18 credits (up to 270 contact hours) in the fall semester, or 18-21 credits (up to 315 contact hours) in the spring semester.
 
Courses may meet in the morning or afternoon, Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.

Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and take a language placement exam to determine your language level. You'll be enrolled into courses based on their availability.

It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. 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.

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.

Seville & Cádiz

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Your time in Seville begins at La Maestranza, an infamous bullfighting ring, followed by a visit to Reales Alcazares, a 14th century Moorish fortress. Tour La Giralda—one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals and (allegedly) the final resting place of Christopher Columbus—before enjoying a fabulous lunch in a restaurant set in a former Arab bathhouse. Let yourself be amazed by the incredible buildings that line Seville’s narrow streets and small plazas. Spend free time relaxing at the popular Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de España, complete with fountains and rowboat-filled canals. You’ll also have time to take a pleasant stroll along the banks of the Gualdalquivir River.

In coastal Cádiz, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, you’ll relax at Playa Victoria, considered by many to be Spain’s best urban beach. Spend the day enjoying the sand and sun, watching the surfers, and exploring Cádiz’s picturesque historic center.

Toledo

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For 200 years, Toledo was the capital of medieval Spain; today it’s the capital of Castilla la Mancha, the land of Don Quixote. Known as the "City of the Three Cultures," Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived together peacefully; their legacy is a city filled with diverse, impressive architecture. Enjoy a captivating train tour to Toledo’s most beautiful locations, narrated with tales from local legend and history. Art lovers will appreciate Toledo as the home of El Greco, the world-famous Renaissance artist whose most important pieces can be appreciated in the city, including his masterpiece, The Burial of Count of Orgaz, displayed in the small church of Santo Tomé. Toledo is particularly well known for its quality sword makers; many films, like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, feature swords made in Toledo. While students are welcome to handle and photograph the swords, you’ll need to start saving early if you want to purchase one of your own, as price tags range up to $600. As many people consider Toledo the most beautiful city in Spain, get ready to have a remarkable experience on this excursion.

Segovia

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The first thing that’ll catch your eye in Segovia is the massive 1,900-year-old Roman aqueduct that delivered water to this charming town until just a few years ago. You’ll also tour the Alcázar, an 11th century castle that’s rumored to be Disney's inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. The local cuisine is an experience in and of itself, particularly the cochinillo (a.k.a. roasted suckling pig). You’ll also have the chance to visit La Granja, an incredible royal palace and grounds just 10 km from Segovia.

Madrid Inside Out

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These morning trips allow you to explore other cities in the Community of Madrid, with visits to sites such as: Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares, and El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen.