About the City

Study abroad in Madrid and experience the work of Picasso, Miro, Goya, el Greco, and Dali in the galleries of the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen. Spend a lazy afternoon people-watching at Casa de Campo or El Retiro. Undertake an in-depth exploration of the city's famous tapas bars. Join Real Madrid fans at an electrifying futbol match. Spain’s capital and largest city has a sophisticated vibe that’s evident in its world-class culinary culture, never-ending nightlife, and thriving art scene. Study abroad in Madrid and immerse into student life at the CEA CAPA Madrid Center or one of our partners, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija or Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, where you’ll choose from a range of courses and engage with local culture like a true Madrileño.

Student Testimonials

"The CEA CAPA staff was incredible at making my time abroad exceptional. They planned awesome excursions and activities and were always there to help! I greatly enjoyed my classes as well. Furthermore, my accommodations were wonderful, with AC and hea..."

Amalia Nichols

University of California-Berkeley

GoAbroad

Spring 2023, Spain

"My CEA CAPA experience in Madrid was amazing! The large city offers endless activities, like watching a square transform from a Latin Festival to a Dance Floor and a Christmas Market. CEA CAPA's constant support was invaluable, especially when I need..."

Courtney Harvey

University of Massachusetts

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, Spain

"My experience studying abroad in Madrid with CEA CAPA exceeded my expectations and is something I cherish and look back on even now, so I think that'll be the case forever. Living and learning so far away from my normal life seemed so scary and unrea..."

Claire O'Neill

University of South Carolina Columbia

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, Spain

"A striking impression of CEA CAPA is the staff who facilitate study abroad dreams. Throughout each step in the process, I'm grateful for their understanding of my questions, concerns, and curiosity about the opportunity to go abroad. Throughout my te..."

Caleb Mosty

Texas A & M University

GoAbroad

Summer 2023, Spain

"Studying abroad in Madrid was unforgettable. This experience surpassed my expectations with its vibrant culture and rich history. The city's atmosphere included energetic streets filled with people enjoying tapas in charming cafes, street performance..."

Lauren Lecours

University of Massachusetts

GoOverseas

Fall 2023, Spain

Programs in Madrid (12)

Show All Madrid Programs

What Students are Saying about Spain

Seville vs. Madrid - Which Spanish City Should You Study Abroad?
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Seville vs. Madrid - Which Spanish City Should You Study Abroad?

CEA CAPA Alum Lily Gould compares Seville and Madrid after studying abroad in each Spanish City for two semesters. Read more.

4 Must-See Barcelona Spots While Studying Abroad
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4 Must-See Barcelona Spots While Studying Abroad

CEA CAPA Alum Michaela Smith writes about her favorite spots to visit during her time studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Read more.

Porto, Portugal - A Colorful and Culturally Rich City
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Porto, Portugal - A Colorful and Culturally Rich City

CEA CAPA alum Kalea McClain documents her weekend adventures in Porto, Portugal, while studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain.

View more blog posts

Where You'll Study

CEA CAPA Madrid Center

The CEA CAPA Madrid Center was founded to make study abroad in Madrid more accessible to students from United States. The Center is located in a historical building in the heart of the city, just yards from the Puerta del Sol metro stop, and features three classrooms, administrative areas, and multi-purpose student space. The center’s location allows students to be well-connected and within walking distance of Madrid's main landmarks and attractions.

The CEA CAPA Madrid Center’s intentional course list offers a focus on business and communication — ideal for complementing internship placements —as well as courses that are designed to increase your understanding of the diverse history, politics, and culture of Spain. Through the courses, you’ll be exposed to elements of the city such as monuments, museums, businesses, local food markets, and government agencies.

Faculty teaching at the CEA CAPA Madrid Center uses the city as an extended classroom, allowing you to not only acquire discipline-specific knowledge, but also create intellectual links between your courses and the city. Courses will help you grow familiar with your new surroundings and gain insight into how Spain fits into a globalized context.

Learn More

Counseling Services
Counseling Services
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Academic Advising
CEA CAPA Madrid Center
Counseling Services
Counseling Services
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
CEA CAPA Academic Resources
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Academic Advising
Our Partner Institutions

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.

Where You'll Stay

*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.

Alumni Ambassadors

Lauren LeCours

Lauren LeCours

University of Massachusetts
Alex Matrajt Frid (He/Him)

Alex Matrajt Frid (He/Him)

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Benjamin Schaffer

Benjamin Schaffer

University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Kayla Dillie (She/Her)

Kayla Dillie (She/Her)

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Caleb Mosty

Caleb Mosty

Texas A&M University
Megan Gottfried (She/Her)

Megan Gottfried (She/Her)

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Claire O'Neill

Claire O'Neill

University of South Carolina Columbia
Sophia Schlak

Sophia Schlak

Texas A & M University
Mateo Uribe

Mateo Uribe

University of Miami
Sara Cabral-Manterola

Sara Cabral-Manterola

DePaul University
Miguel Martinez

Miguel Martinez

University of South Carolina Columbia
Sarah Bonano

Sarah Bonano

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $1,000 when you apply with code* by January 1, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Studying abroad in Spain is a life changing event for many students. When you study abroad or intern abroad in Madrid, you experience learning outside the traditional classroom setting, gain international experience, and expand your sense of cultural awareness. You will experience new culture, food, and meet people from all over the world making lifelong friends and expanding your network. Plus, you get to travel to places you've only read about.
Madrid is more expensive than other Spanish cities, but it doesn’t cost as much when you compare it to other major study abroad destinations like London.
Madrid is very safe, but in this vibrant city, visitors are easy targets for petty crimes like pickpocketing. Try to remember this as you are mesmerized by the bustling metropolis.

CEA CAPA offers many housing options while you’re studying abroad in Madrid. Standard CEA CAPA housing is included in your overall program price. You may also have the option of arranging your own independent housing, but this is not recommended. For more information on housing, connect with your site specialist.

Madrid study abroad programs offer several housing options for students depending on their preferences. Most of CEA CAPA Madrid’s housing options are in the city center, 20 to 50 minutes away from the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

Madrid housing options include:

  • Apartments
  • Homestays
  • Independent Living
  • Residencias
Madrid is Spain’s capital and largest city and has a sophisticated vibe that’s evident in every direction you travel. It’s centrally located, making it easy for students to travel to other Spanish and European destinations – Rome, London, and Paris are less than three hours away! Madrid is the epicenter of culture, finance, and politics. It’s a dream destination for studying abroad because the city is a carefully crafted combination of old and new with modern high-rise apartments, impressive partner institutions, and renowned royal palaces and museums.

Madrid Onsite Staff

Silvia Martínez

Silvia Martínez

Program Director, Madrid