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Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain with AIFS Abroad

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4.5 / 5Overall Rating
10Reviews
1964Year established

Program Overview

Study abroad in Madrid, Spain with AIFS Abroad and earn college credit while experiencing life in the heart of the Spanish capital. With semester, summer and academic year options, you can study at Universidad Nebrija or Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), with courses taught in English and Spanish.

Madrid puts Spanish culture right outside your classroom. Spend your free time exploring neighborhoods like Malasaña, visiting the Prado and Reina Sofía museums, relaxing in Retiro Park, catching a soccer match or trying your way through the city’s tapas spots. Its central location also makes it easy to experience more of Spain.

Academic options include Spanish language and Hispanic Studies, business, marketing, communications, international relations, social sciences, art, history, literature and more. Students can also access STEM fields including computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics and biomedical engineering through UC3M. Whether you’re looking for Spanish immersion or courses taught in English, there are options for a wide range of majors and language levels.

AIFS Abroad programs in Madrid include housing in a homestay or student apartment, cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, on-site support and 24/7 emergency assistance. Included experiences may take you to Granada, Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial.

Whether you want to improve your Spanish, study business or STEM, take courses toward your degree or simply experience college life in Spain, studying abroad in Madrid gives you plenty of ways to make the city your own.

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Program Highlights

Learn inside and outside of the classroom with program-led, included excursions and day trips, as well as social and cultural activities.
Guarantee round-trip flights and airport transfers with the optional AIFS Abroad Flight Package.
Earn up to 21 credits (depending on program) from an esteemed host institution like Universidad Nebrija or Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.
Dedicated support from an on-site Program Director, comprehensive insurance, and 24/7 emergency services.
Set future you up for success with access to our career readiness programming, included in your experience.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Medical / Accident Insurance
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Assistance Booking Travel
Emergency Support
Some Program Activity Costs
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Alumni / Networking Membership

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Madrid, Spain

Types & Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Accounting
  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Art History
  • Arts
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Communications
  • Computer Science & IT
  • Creative Writing
  • Culture
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Feminist, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
  • Film
  • Foreign Language
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • Human Resource Management
  • Human Rights Advocacy
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Journalism & Broadcasting
  • Languages & Linguistics
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Marketing, Advertising, & PR
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Photography
  • Physics
  • Political Science & Politics
  • Pre-Law
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Theater
  • Travel & Tourism

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round
  • Terms Available
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Academic Year
  • Throughout the Year

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • Some college credit, no degree

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Transcript
  • Deposit
  • Application Fee

Age Requirement

18+

Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about AIFS Abroad

4.5
10 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
5
4
5
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Living Situation
4.5
Cultural Immersion
4.5
Health & Safety
4.5
Program Administration
4.4
Community
4.4
Academics
4.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-10 of 10 reviews

Paola LopezUnited States · October 2026

The time of my life in Madrid

My semester abroad in Madrid with AIFS was genuinely one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I would recommend the program to anyone considering studying abroad! From the beginning, the experience was well organized, and I felt supported throughout my time in Spain. Looking back, I am so grateful I chose AIFS because my semester became so much more than just an opportunity to study in another country. AIFS also offered a great variety of activities that allowed us to experience Spanish culture firsthand. These included tapas dinners, cooking sessions, and trips to beautiful cities like Granada, Toledo, and Segovia. These experiences gave us the opportunity to explore beyond Madrid while creating lasting memories with other students. I would recommend AIFS in a heartbeat! If you are nervous about taking the leap, I encourage you to go for it. My semester in Madrid gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and personal growth that I will carry with me long after returning home. I would do it all over again without hesitation!

Photos

Miranda RangelUnited States · October 2025

Studying Abroad In Madrid, Spain Spring 2024

I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain with AIFS in Spring 2024, and it was an amazing experience. The staff were supportive from the very beginning (before applying), always responsive and quick to help. When my roommates and I had an apartment issue, it was solved right away, and our director constantly checked in on us. Even months later, when I reached out to one of my directors, she remembered me, which shows how genuine the connections with staff really are. Some of my favorite moments were the cooking class, where we made paella and tortilla de patatas, and the friendships I built; I still talk to the people I met abroad every day. This program also helped me grow personally, especially in communication and problem-solving. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a program that helps you grow, build lasting friendships, and truly immerse yourself in a new culture.

Photos

Sebastian AguilarUnited States · August 2024

It was an experience I'll never forget

My name is Sebastian Aguilar, and I am currently a student at Texas A&M International University. In the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, through the Hispanic Studies Program at Universidad de Nebrija. If you’re considering studying abroad in Madrid, I highly recommend partnering with AIFS. My experience with AIFS was exceptional—they provided comprehensive support, opened doors to valuable networking and career growth opportunities, and laid the foundation for enduring professional relationships. During my time in Madrid, I was fortunate to have the support of Lucas Zugasti, the Madrid Student Services Advisor. Lucas ensured everything ran smoothly, from apartment check-ins to organizing engaging student activities, and he offered invaluable practical advice about student life in Madrid. Additionally, Barbara Franconi, the Director for Buenos Aires & Madrid, played a pivotal role in my journey by encouraging me to apply for the AIFS ambassador program. This role has been instrumental in my professional development, allowing me to expand my network, advance my career, and build lasting connections within the AIFS community. Academically, I enrolled in an International Management course taught by Professor Omar Espana Arrieta. His expertise in international business was evident through his innovative teaching methods, which included student-led projects and professional presentations. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the business world. The class also provided valuable networking opportunities with fellow students with similar professional goals. For those contemplating studying abroad, my advice is to take the leap and start the process. While everything may not align perfectly, the key is to begin. Whether it’s applying for scholarships, seeking grants, or exploring different program options, AIFS is there to guide you every step of the way.

Yalexa MelendezUnited States · February 2024

Life changing experience

I am so happy I chose AIFS program to study abroad in Madrid for summer 2023! I would recommend this program to my friends and family who have an interest in studying abroad, even consider it doing it again myself. The entire process went smoothly for me from applying, to the flight and transportation set up as well as living arrangements. I got to stay in an amazing neighborhood and the apartment was nice and big to accommodate my rooomates and I. This experience was life changing and one I would never forget, I was lucky enough to not have any issues at all with my study abroad experience which for me made this a smooth easy journey ! Don't even give it a second thought just go for it if this is something that interests you !

Ian McPhearsonUnited States · December 2023

Great time getting to know Madrid!

I really enjoyed the AIFS summer program in Madrid at the University of Nebrija. I took an invigorating class on the Spanish culture and was able to practice my Spanish language skills in many different settings. In addition to the classes, the program provided us ample opportunities to explore the city and immerse ourselves in the day to day lives of Madrilenos.

Adan Triana-DoyalUnited States · December 2023

Best summer ever

My overall experience in Madrid in summer 2023 was life changing and changed my perspective on a lot of things. I learned a lot about myself and met some of the coolest people ever whom I am still friends with now. My experience was due to AIFS and although it had its faults like an outdated contract and some miscommunication, it was still a very good experience for me and everyone involved I feel. It really did feel like a mini community of friends but integrated in another culture, specifically spains. I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience.

Abigail DrabikDecember 2023

A life changing experience

Studying abroad was one of the best experience i’ve ever had! I was able to meet so many new people, travel easily, and experience so much. AIFS helped to make this experience this good. Everyone should study abroad and experience living in another country at some point in their life if they are able!

Raechel IrbyUnited States · December 2023

Life changing experience

Being able to live abroad and getting the full cultural experience was life changing. I never wanted to leave! My roommates in the apartment were so nice and we are all still friends and it has almost been 2 years!

Olivia BoardmanUnited States · December 2023

Best memories ever

I can honestly say my semester abroad was the peak of my life. This was with help from Lucas, the program manager, as well as meeting some really great friends. Some highlights were the aifs trip to Morocco, where we were able to meet the Barcelona and Sevilla students. The trip to Granada was amazing as well. I have recommended AIFS to everyone as I believe it is the best study abroad program that universities have to offer.

Photos

Lola Rose HartUnited States · December 2023

Madrid Has My Heart <3

I absolutely loved my experience in Madrid. I made so many life long friends and had a wonderful time immersing in a different culture and experiencing a University outside of the United States. There were a plethora of things to do and experience on a daily basis and I truly recommend studying in Madrid, Spain. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to study abroad. I definitely recommend this program! My living accommodations were amazing and the program managers were wonderful as well. There are so many opportunities for students to experience life throughout this program.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about AIFS Abroad.

What is the minimum GPA?

Minimum of 2.5 GPA

Will I need a visa?

A visa may be required for this program. Please contact your advisor or log into your portal for more information.

Where can I find DEI info about Madrid?

Even before departure, dive right into the experience with the assurance that your stay in Madrid will be different than at home. With that said, check out our Social Identity & Access page for resources and tips for navigating a new environment.

Where can I find the courses offered?

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students in this program. Have a look at the available academic options on this page. Change the session drop-down to see all courses and tracks available.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

2025 Finalist - Innovation in Community College Programming
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Study Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Study Abroad
Innovation in Diversity Finalist 2022
Innovation in Alumni Engagement 2020 Finalist
Innovation in Alumni Engagement 2020 Winner
Top Rated Program 2019 - Study Abroad
Fund for Education Abroad
IAPA - International Au Pair Association
Diversity Abroad
Forum on Education Abroad
GoAbroad Top Study Abroad Program 2018
GoAbroad Top Study Abroad Organizations 2018
Alliance for International Exchange
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

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