Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain

Spain’s Capital of Culture, Energy, and Elegance

There’s no city quite like Madrid—a bold blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication that pulses with life around every corner. As the dynamic capital of Spain, Madrid is a city where grand boulevards meet medieval alleyways, and historic palaces stand alongside sleek skyscrapers. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of the city center, admiring centuries-old architecture, or catching the buzz of the city’s nightlife, you’ll experience a place that constantly surprises and inspires.

 

Madrid is the heartbeat of Spain’s culture—home to its fashion, politics, cuisine, film, music, and art scenes. This is where centuries-old flamenco meets cutting-edge design, where every street is alive with the sounds of Castellano (Castilian Spanish), and where locals—madrileños—proudly share their city’s deep history and infectious passion for life.

 

Art lovers will be in heaven here. In the heart of the city lies the Triangle of Art, where three of the world’s finest museums—the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza—showcase masterpieces from Goya and Velázquez to Picasso and Dalí. And just steps away, the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Palace offer stunning backdrops for your daily strolls.

 

But Madrid isn’t just about the past—it’s a city that lives in the moment. Sip café con leche at a sunny sidewalk café, browse bustling markets like El Rastro, or lose track of time dancing until dawn in a city known for nightlife that truly never sleeps. Watching Real Madrid play at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium is more than a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon.

 

Madrid is also the perfect home base for exploring Spain and beyond. High-speed trains or short flights connect you to cities like Sevilla, Barcelona, Valencia, and Granada, and the city’s international airport—just a Metro ride away—opens the door to all of Europe.

 

With its unbeatable combination of history, modernity, and energy, Madrid invites you to not just study abroad—but to live boldly, speak confidently, and discover a city that will inspire you long after you’ve gone.

 

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Mercado de San Miguel Madrid
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Academics & Eligibility

Universidad Nebrija

Universidad Nebrija is a private university founded in 1995. ASA students will take classes primarily at the city center campus, called the Madrid-Princesa Campus. Universidad Nebrija also has 2 other campuses: the Berzosa Campus in Northern Madrid and the Dehesa Campus near Moncloa. All campuses are easily accessible by Madrid’s metro system.

 

Universidad Nebrija offers 2 different programs: the Hispanic Studies Program or the International Studies Program. The Hispanic Studies Program is a good fit for students who want to significantly improve their Spanish language skills in just one semester, as well as Spanish majors and Spanish minors.

 

The International Studies Program allows students to take courses taught in English or Spanish in Business, Engineering, Management, History, International Relations, Spanish Language, Spanish Culture, and more. Classes in English are open to students of any Spanish level!

 

Semester Hispanic Studies Course & Credit Information

  • This program is a good fit for students who want to significantly improve their Spanish language skills in just one semester, as well as Spanish majors and Spanish minors.
  • Language Requirement: Open to all Spanish levels. Classes available in English & Spanish.
  • Students will take a Spanish placement test online before arrival, and the results will determine your level and which classes in Spanish you can take. Spanish levels are from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: A1 (Beginner), A2 (Elementary), B1 (Intermediate), B2.1 (High Intermediate), B2.2 (Advanced), C1 (Superior), and C2 (Native/Heritage Speakers). You can approximate your Spanish level using the following:
    • Beginner level students are those who have not taken Spanish before.
    • Elementary/Intermediate level students have completed 1-2 semesters or 2-3 quarters of college level Spanish.
    • High Intermediate level students have completed 3-4 semesters or 4-5 quarters of college level Spanish.Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (24-30 ECTS) ECTS = European Credit Transfer System. 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. semester credit. Students will take 4-5 courses. Classes are taken with American and international students.
    • Advanced level students have completed at least 4 semesters or 6 quarters of college level Spanish.
  • Alternatively, you can combine Hispanic Studies courses with classes in English from the Spanish Plus Program.
  • Final Transcript: Issued by Universidad Nebrija

Semester International Studies Course & Credit Information

  • Language Requirement: Open to all Spanish levels. Classes available in English & Spanish.
  • Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (24-30 ECTS) ECTS = European Credit Transfer System. 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. semester credit. Students will take 4-5 courses. Classes are taken with American and international students.

  • Choose from a variety of electives taught in English in Business, Management, and Liberal Arts and optional Spanish language and culture courses taught in Spanish.

  • This is a flexible program; you can take all your classes in English from the list below, or you can combine classes in English from the list below with Spanish Language or other classes from the Hispanic Studies Program.  

  • You MUST have 3 alternate courses approved by your home institution, in addition to your top choices. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. Universidad Nebrija will not process your registration if you do not give 3 alternates plus your top choices. Ex: If you plan to take 4 courses, you must have 7 different courses approved. If you plan to take 5 courses, you must have 8 different courses approved.

  • Final Transcript: Issued by Universidad Nebrija

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum GPA 2.5 (Students with a GPA between 2.30-2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
  • At least 17 years of age

  • Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.

  • Must have graduated from high school

  • Official transcript from the most recent institution attended.

  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.

  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 1 year after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

Course Finder

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

 

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program’s arrival and departure date.

<p style="font-weight: bold;">Cost of Attendance &amp; Budget Sheet</p>

 

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Your home away from home.

Spanish Homestay

Students live in Spanish homestays. Daily breakfast and dinner are included, as well as 1 load of laundry per week. Rooms are single or double occupancy. We cannot guarantee you a single room. Bathrooms are shared. Homestays usually host 1-3 students at a time. ASA housing includes Internet and is located in safe neighborhoods, within a reasonable distance from school.
Yes, if there are no major differences in your and your friend's dietary needs and allergies, we can usually accommodate same-gender roommate requests. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!
Yes, you may have a roommate, as rooms can be either double or single occupancy. We cannot guarantee you a single room.
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a description of your homestay and the location, and if there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.
No, but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn Spanish, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. Also, don’t forget that they've hosted international students before, so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Please consider bringing a small gift for your host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
Most homestays are located within a 45-minute commute from your university, by subway or train. This is a normal commute in a city the size of Madrid. Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions are included with your program fee. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to Sevilla, Toledo, and Segovia. 

 

Sevilla

Sevilla

Overnight

We’ll see all of the most important sites in the Andalusian city of Sevilla: the Giralda Tower, the Royal Palaces, the Cathedral, and more. The Old Quarter, where we’ll stay, is full of quaint plazas and shops, and just a short walk away you can explore the Triana neighborhood, home to tapas bars, restaurants, and music venues.
Toledo

Toledo

Day Trip

Located about an hour outside of Madrid, this medieval hilltop city has one of the most important cultural heritages in Spain, as well as a fascinating history of co-existence of Muslims, Jews, and Christians from the 8th to the 15th century. You won’t want to miss the world-famous collection of El Greco paintings and the gorgeous cathedral.
Segovia

Segovia

Day Trip

The history of Segovia dates back to the Celts – even before the Romans, who took power of the city in about 75 BC. Segovia has some of the most unforgettable sites in Spain, such as the Roman aqueducts built in 81 AD that, amazingly, still carried water into the city until the mid 19th century. The stunning Alcázar of Segovia, a castle and fortress, sits on a hill overlooking the city and was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle!

Experiences

Unique cultural and educational experiences included in your program.

Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!

 
Cycle Madrid

Cycle Madrid

The Anillo Verde Ciclista (Green Cyclists Ring) is a bikeway that surrounds the city of Madrid. About 40 miles long, it takes about 4.5 and hours to complete and is a new and different way to see Madrid
Root for Real Madrid

Root for Real Madrid

Go to a Real Madrid game, or maybe even better (and definitely cheaper!) go to your local cafe or bar and watch the game while mingling with madrileños. Soccer (fútbol) is a fun and easy way to connect with locals
Enjoy Churros con Chocolate

Enjoy Churros con Chocolate

Chocolatería San Ginés is Madrid’s most famous place (since 1894!) to get churros and hot chocolate. Popular among both locals and tourists, this is a MUST visit and is open 24 hours - perfect for a late night snack
Hike Spain

Hike Spain

Hike in the mountains north of Madrid - Guadarrama, Cercedilla, or Rascafría. There are tons of hiking routes there
Try Jamón Ibérico

Try Jamón Ibérico

Spain is famous for cured ham! The best is called jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) which comes from a specific breed of pig, and if you can find it labeled de bellota that means the pigs were acorn-fed, resulting in a ham that practically melts on your tongue
Explore Madrid's Parks

Explore Madrid's Parks

Visit the Parque del Capricho. Located in Alameda de Osuna near the airport, it’s one of the most beautiful parks in Madrid, but almost no one knows about it (especially the Civil War bunker
Segovia

Segovia

The city of Segovia is an easy day trip from Madrid - famous for its Roman aqueduct, cathedral, and castle, which served as one of the templates for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle
Visit Hipódromo de la Zarzuela

Visit Hipódromo de la Zarzuela

Watch a horse race at Madrid’s most emblematic and traditional horse racing stadium, Hipódromo de la Zarzuela
Experience Spanish Culture

Experience Spanish Culture

Madrid’s old slaughterhouse, built in the early 1900’s, has been transformed into a 21st century cultural center. You’ll find all manner of cultural events and artistic exhibitions - visual art, performance art, music, cinema, and more in both indoor and outdoor spaces
Círculo de Bellas Artes

Círculo de Bellas Artes

Check out one of Madrid’s rooftop venues for the best views of the city, especially at sunset. A great one is the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
Mercado de San Miguel

Mercado de San Miguel

Stop in for tapas at the historic Mercado de San Miguel. This market started over 100 years ago; today it offers a bounty of 21st century Spanish gastronomy, including fresh foods, tapas, takeaway, and gourmet groceries and products of all kinds. Also great for people watching.

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A World of Care" Student Support Suite

  • Room & Board in a Spanish homestay with daily breakfast and dinner and 1 load of laundry per week included

  • Tuition for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

  • Academic Credits: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • Official Transcript: Final transcript is issued by your host institution. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

  • Metro Pass: Subway & bus pass for your entire stay

  • Excursions: 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions, locations to be decided

  • Internet Access: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • Airport Pick-Up: Group ground transportation is provided from Madrid (MAD) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • Site Director: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • Visa Advising: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to "Student Visa Information" to find out if a visa is required for your program.

    • ASA may be able to get your Student Visa FOR YOU if you live or study in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, or Vermont. Minimum number of sign-ups required. The additional fee for this service is $150. Full details will be sent to eligible students after they are accepted to the ASA program. If you do not live or study in these specific states, you will need to apply for your visa on your own – ASA will send you detailed, helpful information about how to apply for your visa after you are accepted.

  • Pre-Departure Handbook & On-Site Orientation

  • Subscription to Safeture Safety-Enhancing Mobile App

  • Subscription to Mindhamok: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about Mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs

  • $150 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs)
  • $350 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs)

Not Included

  • Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location

  • Books, materials, lab fees

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Daily lunch

  • Meals on excursions

  • Student visa, if required

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Program Calendar

Important dates and deadlines for this program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

  1. TBA

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Madrid (MAD) airport in early Sept (TBA), before 2pm
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    Universidad Nebrija Orientation

  4. TBA

    Excursions

  5. TBA

    Classes Begin

  6. TBA

    Holiday, no classes

  7. TBA

    Final exams

  8. Late Dec (TBA)

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. February 2, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Madrid (MAD) airport on Monday, February 2, before 2 pm
  2. February 3, 2026

    ASA Orientation

  3. February 5, 2026

    Universidad Nebrija Orientation

  4. TBA

    Excursions - locations

  5. February 5

    Classes Begin

  6. March 29 - April 5

    Holiday, no classes

  7. May 22

    Final exams

  8. May 23

    Housing move-out; students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Please check out Diversity Abroad’s Spain Travel Guide. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

 

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

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