Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) in Madrid

 

  • The IES in Madrid is located on the campus of the Universidad Compultense de Madrid, immediately immersing program participants in Spanish student life. The IES Center offers a wide range of courses in Spanish, specifically designed for American students and taught by Spanish faculty as well as the opportunity to take regular university courses with Spanish students.
  • The principal focus of courses at the IES Center is the development of students' ability to communicate in Spanish, which begins during the two weeks of intensive language study at the beginning of the program. Language learning is greatly enhanced by the opportunity to interact with Spanish students in the residence halls, classrooms, and common areas of the university. Area studies courses offered by the center include art history, archeology, cinema, economics, history, literature, political science, sociology and theatre; university course offerings are highly varied and include classes in international relations, women's studies, philosophy, history, linguistics, and sociology. Students are required to take at least one regular university course, for credit or as an audit.
  • Various internship options are available with such organizations as environmental groups, art museums, UNICEF, and the National Library. Students interested in pursuing volunteer work are provided with opportunities to work with children and adolescents, human rights and women's groups or the elderly.
  • In addition to guided visits around Madrid, students may participate in optional field trips to places of interest throughout Spain, such as Cordoba, Seville, and Cadiz. An optional field trip to Morocco is arranged during the spring break. Each semester selected students studying the European Union may participate in the Model European Union, which has been held in both Freiburg and London. Spring semester students studying drama may participate in the International Drama Festival scheduled at one of the other IES Centers in Europe, such as Paris.
  • Housing is provided in homestays or one of the university dormitories.
  • Eligibility: Spanish 285. It is strongly recommended however that all students have 300-level Spanish whether going in the spring or fall.  Priority is given to students who have studied Spanish during the semester preceding the program. Course in European history or culture recommended.  

 

International Education of Students (IES) | 800-995-2300 | Fax: 312-944-1448 | Susan Hansen: shansen@iesabroad.org