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  • Locations: Madrid, Spain
  • Program Terms: Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Spanish Housing Options: Apartment (shared), Dormitory, Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Business Program Type: Internship Abroad, Study Abroad
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Program Description:

Sustainable Smart Cities

Madrid, Spain

Browse Program

Program Overview

Your Sustainable Smart Cites 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 through a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural 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 promoting sustainability

Discover Madrid's urban gardens

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

Hike the Guadarrama Mountains

to experience Spain's stunning landscapes while learning about local ecosystems and conservation efforts

Read About Madrid

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.

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Madrid will open doors for you to explore Spain’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, 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 and sustainable conservation efforts 
  • Explore Spain’s grassroots energy transition on a guided tour that will take you to two pioneering community-led projects in the Madrid township of Rivas 
  • Participate in a local urban garden 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.  


What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Orientation – an introduction to your new culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Field trips and cultural activities
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

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

GAIN Travel Grants - up to $2,000 toward travel costs guaranteed to all Pell-elgible students.

Gilman Go Global Grants - $2,500/semester and $1,000/summer, guaranteed to all Gilman applications.

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

Minority Serving Institutions (MIS) Grant - $2,000/semester and $500/summer, guaranteed to all students attending MSIs.

Learn more

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.

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