A Semester in Madrid
On this semester program, you’ll examine how global cities respond to today’s most pressing challenges : sustainability, urban development, policy, and innovation, all while living and studying in Spain’s capital. Madrid becomes your classroom as you explore what it means to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient city in a global context.
Courses are delivered through a hybrid model at the Expanish Study Center and our partner university, Universidad Nebrija, blending international perspectives with local academic expertise. Classroom learning is reinforced through site visits, guest speakers, and applied projects that connect sustainability theory to real-world urban practice.
Learning extends far beyond the Study Center. Through faculty-led activities, cultural visits, and neighborhood exploration, you’ll engage directly with Madrid’s urban landscape, gaining insight into how sustainability, culture, public policy, and daily life intersect in one of Europe’s most influential capitals.
Take select courses at Universidad Nebrija, studying alongside Spanish and international students while experiencing Spain’s higher education system firsthand. This integration offers valuable exposure to local perspectives on sustainability, governance, and urban development.
The Global Sustainable City program is designed for students interested in sustainability, urban studies, international relations, public policy, business, and social sciences. Its interdisciplinary structure allows you to connect your academic goals with real-world urban challenges.
Through collaborative projects, applied coursework, and engagement with Madrid’s institutions and organizations, you’ll strengthen cross-cultural communication skills and develop a global perspective on sustainability and city life, skills that will serve you well beyond the semester.
Your Courses Abroad
Credits & Course Structure
During your semester in Madrid, you will take 3–4 courses, earning a total of 12–15 U.S. semester credits.
Credits Breakdown:
6 U.S. credits from courses at Nebrija University (local university)
6–9 U.S. credits from Spanish language and/or content courses at Expanish
Languages of Instruction:
Nebrija courses: English
Expanish courses: Spanish language or English-taught content courses
Weekly Schedule:
Classes are held Monday through Thursday, leaving long weekends to explore Madrid and the surrounding region.
Expanish Courses
Our Expanish Madrid center combines Spanish language courses with English-taught business and elective courses, creating a flexible academic schedule tailored to your goals.
Spanish Language Courses (3 Levels Available)
Students are placed according to their level through a placement test.
Elementary Spanish
Upper Elementary Spanish
Intermediate Spanish
Anthropology & Elective Courses (Taught in English)
Students may enroll in 2–4 English-taught courses at the Expanish Madrid Center.
Available Courses Include:
The Fashion Industry in Spain: Management and Sustainability
Chronicling from Madrid: Writing for Social Media
The City of Events: Management of Operations
Art and Resistance in Contemporary Madrid
Food as an Expression of Culture in Spain
Madrid the Global City. Sustainability Design
Take Courses at University of Nebrija Courses
You have the option of enrolling in 1-2 courses at the local University of Nebrija.
If you are looking for courses in Spanish, let our team know and we will arrange a Spanish placement exam with you.
Eligibility
2.5 GPA
Current College Student
18 years old at program start
Visa Requirements:
Yes, this program requires a student visa
Studying at Our Madrid Study Center
Located in the heart of Madrid, our Expanish Study Center provides modern facilities, passionate instructors, and a strong support network. As a student, you’ll join a diverse international community, balancing academic excellence with meaningful cultural exchange.

Our Madrid Campus hosts students from around the world, giving you the opportunity to not only connect with the Spanish culture - but with the world.
Our school is in the heart of Madrid, walking distance from the best parks, museums, and restaurants
We strive to connect cultures, so we host our 3-4 weekly school events, where you'll meet new friends and cultural traditions daily.
Studying at the University of Nebrija
Study alongside Madrileños and international students!
Madrid's metro & train system make getting to campus and city center easy!
Study at a Spanish University... in English! Courses are made for easy transferring and impressive academics.
Where You'll Live in Madrid

What's Included in Your Madrid Semester Program?
Program Essentials | Cultural & Social Activities |
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Hear from our Students in Madrid
Meet Our Madrid Staff

Javier Martínez de Velasco
Center Director

Felipe Escanciano
Student Services

Silvia Torrejón
Academic Coordinator
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Amy Álvarez
Housing & Transfers Coordinator

Laura Salamanca
Activities Coordinator

Marta Artacho
Program Manager

Virginia Bustamante
Assistant Academic Coordinator

Elisa de la Torre
Content Creator
Read Our Madrid Articles
10 Good Reasons to Study in Madrid
Madrid, a city of culture, innovation, and vibrant student life, offers countless opportunities for those pursuing education abroad. From prestigious universities to an enriching lifestyle, studying in Spain's capital is an experience like no other. Here are 10 compelling reasons to choose Madrid for your academic journey.
Louisa: My Year Abroad in Madrid
Louisa Bayburtian, a student hailing from the United States, has recently concluded a year abroad in Madrid. Throughout this period, she actively participated in an internship at Expanish.
6 Incredible Ways Living in a Homestay Shapes Your Abroad Experience
When it comes to living abroad, there are dozens of different living options for students of all ages. We recommend that if students want to achieve the fully immersive experience and maximize their language learning, they should consider living in a homestay an absolute must. There are countless advantages of living in a homestay while living abroad, but if you’re still on the fence about it, consider the following ways that living with a host family can enhance your abroad experience.
































