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Locations: Madrid, Spain
Program Terms: Fall, Spring
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: CIEE

Dates / Deadlines:

Dates / Deadlines:
Term	Year	App Deadline	Decision Date	Start Date	End Date
Spring	2027	09/15/2026	09/15/2026	01/19/2027	05/30/2027
Spring	2028	02/15/2027 **	Rolling Admission	TBA	TBA
Fall	2027	04/01/2027	04/01/2027	08/24/2027	12/24/2027
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Language of Instruction:	English, Spanish	Minimum GPA:	2.5

Program Description:

Sustainable Smart Cities

Madrid, Spain

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Sustainable Smart Cities program in Madrid lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how Spain's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Madrid while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Madrid!

Unique Experiences

Cycle through Madrid Río Park

to explore a transformed riverbank highway turned into a green urban hub

Discover Madrid's urban gardens

to see how locals cultivate organic produce, use water-efficient irrigation, and promote biodiversity

Hike the Guadarrama Mountains

while learning about Spain’s diverse ecosystems and ongoing conservation efforts

Learn More About Madrid

Your Destination

Madrid is Spain's vibrant capital celebrated for its world-class museums, innovative culture, and commitment to sustainability. As a leader in art and history, the city offers smart solutions, efficient transit, and modern design. Explore the Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and a thriving startup scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Madrid is the perfect place to study abroad.

Housing

CIEE Madrid offers diverse housing options to maximize your study abroad experience, including homestays, student residence halls, or shared apartments. Housing is typically situated in well-connected residential neighborhoods or nearby suburbs outside the city center with access to public transportation, local shops, and daily amenities, allowing students to experience everyday life in one of Europe’s largest capital cities. All housing options are located near supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, and public transport and provide the convenience of urban living.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Madrid will open doors for you to explore Spain's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of excursions and activities:

Kayak through calm waters of Pantano de San Juan while learning about Spain’s complex water management systems
Explore Spain’s grassroots energy transition on a tour that will take you to two pioneering community-led projects in the Madrid township of Rivas
Participate in a local urban garden project in one of the 21 city districts of Madrid

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Academics

CIEE Madrid: Study in the historic center of Spain’s capital near Puerta de Sol, conveniently located near shops, cafés, tapas bars, theaters, museums, copy centers, and metro stations. CIEE Madrid features five classrooms, a student lounge, an academic advising office, and a student life office.

Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M): Established in 1989 and is recognized as Spain’s most prestigious public institution of higher education. It follows a U.S. academic calendar system for U.S. visiting college students and has one of the highest percentages of full-time and tenured female faculty in Spain. CIEE students take engineering classes on the Leganés campus. Students can also take classes at the main campus, Getafe, which offers a wide variety of disciplines, from business courses to sociology, economics, media, communications, political science, and law. Depending on your housing location, your commute time from Madrid city center to both the Leganés and Getafe campuses can vary from 40-to-70 minutes by public transport because the UC3M classrooms are located outside of Madrid´s city center.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

Madrid's work scene spans sustainability, NGOs, tourism, and education. Growing coworking spaces cater to freelancers and remote workers. While Spanish dominates, some companies operate in English. The city blends traditional Spanish culture with modern business practices, balancing professionalism and a relaxed vibe.

Industry options include:

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Education and Training

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

Why CIEE

200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
$8 million in scholarships offered each year
1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
Study tours and cultural activities included
Internships and volunteering opportunities
Rigorous academics
Cultural immersion
iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.