Study Abroad | Madrid

Give your Spanish skills a head start and earn extra credits on the Early Start option. Students taking this option will arrive in Madrid before the semester begins and take an intensive Spanish language course focusing on grammar, conversation and culture. All levels of Spanish are available. The optional Early Start Program gives you a good opportunity to improve your Spanish before the semester begins. The course also gives you the opportunity to make a gradual adjustment to academic life and living in Spain. 

The Early Start Program runs for 2 weeks in the fall for 3 credits and for 4 weeks in the spring for 6 credits. Housing in a homestay or apartment is included. 

This program is designed for students who wish to focus their studies in Spanish language and culture taking courses taught in Spanish in language, grammar, literature, art, history, political science and Spanish society. No previous knowledge of Spanish is required. All courses are taught in Spanish. Courses are available at all levels from Beginner through Advanced. Students can take up to 5 courses and each course is 45 hours, equivalent to a recommended 3 U.S. credits. 

This program is designed for students who wish to combine learning Spanish with specific degree courses from different areas, taught in English. Areas of academic study include business and marketing; art and architecture; culture and history; international relations and European studies; literature and gender studies. 

No previous knowledge of Spanish is required. Courses are available at all levels from Beginner through Advanced. Students can take up to 5 courses and each course is 45 hours, equivalent to a recommended 3 U.S. credits. At least one of the 5 courses must be taught in Spanish and chosen from the Hispanic Studies Program. 

Students with an Advanced level of Spanish and who have completed at least five semesters of college-level Spanish can take regular degree courses alongside Spanish students. Eligible students can select courses from the following areas: social sciences; communication sciences; Polytechnic School; arts and letters. Students choose courses from one area of study. Some courses are taught in English. This program is available in the fall only. Integrated and Early Start Program start dates coincide therefore Integrated students cannot take the Early Start Program. 

Students with a minimum B2 level of Spanish (High Intermediate) and junior or senior standing can participate in this program which combines Spanish language study with an internship. B1 level Spanish (Intermediate) will be considered on a case-by-case basis for students wishing to take their internship in the science or hospitality field. The Internship carries 3 credits and students combine this with courses from either the Hispanic Studies program or the Spanish Plus Program (you cannot combine courses from both programs) Students take 3 courses while doing their internship for a minimum total of 12 credits. Students may take an additional 3-credit course if the timetable permits. Students wishing to extend their internship beyond the length of their AIFS program can do so by arrangement with Nebrija University. Students would need to arrange their own housing. A résumé and letter of interest (cover letter) both written in Spanish must be submitted to the AIFS Program Advisor for consideration together with an outline of three areas of interest. 

Internships have been offered in the following areas in previous years: accounting, architecture, art gallery/museums, arts, music, performing arts, arts restoration, biology, environment (animal protection), chemical and bio-sectors, education in NGO and schools, engineering, hotels and restaurants, hotel-tourism, human resources, law, marketing, media and journalism, psychology (only in occupational support activities, not psychological) public relations, social work, special education, sports, theater and travel agencies. All interns take part in an intercultural competence seminar. 

This program is designed for students who wish to focus their studies in Spanish language and culture taking courses taught in Spanish in language, grammar, literature, art, history, political science and Spanish society. No previous knowledge of Spanish is required. All courses are taught in Spanish. Courses are available at all levels from Beginner through Advanced. Students can take up to 5 courses and each course is 45 hours, equivalent to a recommended 3 U.S. credits. 

This program is designed for students who wish to combine learning Spanish with specific degree courses from different areas, taught in English. Areas of academic study include business and marketing; art and architecture; culture and history; international relations and European studies; literature and gender studies. 

No previous knowledge of Spanish is required. Courses are available at all levels from Beginner through Advanced. Students can take up to 5 courses and each course is 45 hours, equivalent to a recommended 3 U.S. credits. At least one of the 5 courses must be taught in Spanish and chosen from the Hispanic Studies Program. 

Students with a minimum B2 level of Spanish (High Intermediate) and junior or senior standing can participate in this program which combines Spanish language study with an internship. B1 level Spanish (Intermediate) will be considered on a case-by-case basis for students wishing to take their internship in the science or hospitality field. The Internship carries 3 credits and students combine this with courses from either the Hispanic Studies program or the Spanish Plus Program (you cannot combine courses from both programs) Students take 3 courses while doing their internship for a minimum total of 12 credits. Students may take an additional 3-credit course if the timetable permits. Students wishing to extend their internship beyond the length of their AIFS program can do so by arrangement with Nebrija University. Students would need to arrange their own housing. A résumé and letter of interest (cover letter) both written in Spanish must be submitted to the AIFS Program Advisor for consideration together with an outline of three areas of interest. 

Internships have been offered in the following areas in previous years: accounting, architecture, art gallery/museums, arts, music, performing arts, arts restoration, biology, environment (animal protection), chemical and bio-sectors, education in NGO and schools, engineering, hotels and restaurants, hotel-tourism, human resources, law, marketing, media and journalism, psychology (only in occupational support activities, not psychological) public relations, social work, special education, sports, theater and travel agencies. All interns take part in an intercultural competence seminar.