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We invite you to study abroad in Madrid with API at Universidad CEU San Pablo, the oldest private university in Spain. Select from a broad array of courses conducted in English in Communications, Humanities, and the STEM fields while living in this exciting and vibrant capital city!

Earn valuable academic credit toward your degree, enroll in classes alongside students from around the world, experience life in beautiful Madrid, and explore all that Spain has to offer!

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

On-Site Orientation

Excursions

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Resident Directors

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Tutoring

On-Site Orientation

On-Site Orientation

Housing (including meals and laundry)

Language and Culture Tools

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program

View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 G.P.A.
  • Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Open to all levels of Spanish speakers
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • Official transcript
  • Additional supplemental materials
  • Entry requirements: valid passport with student visa
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Fall Sep, 2023 - Dec, 2023 $19,900 Jun 1, 2023 No Extension Jul 1, 2023
Academic Year Sep, 2023 - Jun, 2024 $38,900 Jun 1, 2023 No Extension Jul 1, 2023
Spring Jan, 2024 - Jun, 2024 $19,900 Oct 15, 2023 No Extension Nov 14, 2023

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Madrid programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Salamanca

    Salamanca is one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Golden sandstone has lent itself to every major architectural style from Romanesque to Baroque. The Plaza Mayor is one of the most beautiful town squares in Spain.

  • Seville

    Seville, capital of the Andalucía region of southern Spain, is a unique example where history, tradition, and modernity merge in an incomparable city. The core of Islamic Seville includes the area on the East bank of the Guadalquivir where the Cathedral, the Christian Alcázar, and the medieval quarter is known as the Barrio Santa Cruz is located today. To explore the city’s narrow streets and smell the orange blossoms in Spring while mingling with people at a cafe is definitely an unforgettable experience.

  • Toledo

    Toledo, located south of Madrid, was declared ‘City of Mankind’s Heritage’ by UNESCO in 1986. It was capital of Spain from mid-6th to the mid-16th centuries, as evidenced by its impressive medieval architecture. Known as the “City of the Three Cultures,” it served as a hub for Jews, Moors and Christians and has today become a symbol of religious tolerance. Walking through Toledo is like taking a magic journey into the past.

  • Salamanca

    Salamanca is one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Golden sandstone has lent itself to every major architectural style from Romanesque to Baroque. The Plaza Mayor is one of the most beautiful town squares in Spain.

  • Seville

    Seville, capital of the Andalucía region of southern Spain, is a unique example where history, tradition, and modernity merge in an incomparable city. The core of Islamic Seville includes the area on the East bank of the Guadalquivir where the Cathedral, the Christian Alcázar, and the medieval quarter is known as the Barrio Santa Cruz is located today. To explore the city’s narrow streets and smell the orange blossoms in Spring while mingling with people at a cafe is definitely an unforgettable experience.

  • Toledo

    Toledo, located south of Madrid, was declared ‘City of Mankind’s Heritage’ by UNESCO in 1986. It was capital of Spain from mid-6th to the mid-16th centuries, as evidenced by its impressive medieval architecture. Known as the “City of the Three Cultures,” it served as a hub for Jews, Moors and Christians and has today become a symbol of religious tolerance. Walking through Toledo is like taking a magic journey into the past.

  • Valencia

    Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean region. Valencia can seem to be a city of clichés: the light, the moon, the gunpowder, the paella, the flowers, and the Fallas festivals. In reality, these terms attempt to explain what cannot really be put into words.

    Visiting Valencia, students will experience first-hand how centuries-old traditions coexist with modernity. Students will have the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic places in the city such as the City of Arts and Sciences, the Oceanographic or the Old City.

  • Lisbon

    We will visit Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, and the best showcase of Portuguese culture. Together, the group will discover the city visiting the most iconic places and neighborhoods, enjoy breath-taking views from the beautiful viewpoints and visit the 15th-century monastery, standing witness of the glorious past of this country.

  • Valencia

    Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean region. Valencia can seem to be a city of clichés: the light, the moon, the gunpowder, the paella, the flowers, and the Fallas festivals. In reality, these terms attempt to explain what cannot really be put into words.

    Visiting Valencia, students will experience first-hand how centuries-old traditions coexist with modernity. Students will have the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic places in the city such as the City of Arts and Sciences, the Oceanographic or the Old City.

  • Lisbon

    We will visit Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, and the best showcase of Portuguese culture. Together, the group will discover the city visiting the most iconic places and neighborhoods, enjoy breath-taking views from the beautiful viewpoints and visit the 15th-century monastery, standing witness of the glorious past of this country.

  • Toledo

    Toledo, located south of Madrid, was declared ‘City of Mankind’s Heritage’ by UNESCO in 1986. It was capital of Spain from mid-6th to the mid-16th centuries, as evidenced by its impressive medieval architecture. Known as the “City of the Three Cultures,” it served as a hub for Jews, Moors and Christians and has today become a symbol of religious tolerance. Walking through Toledo is like taking a magic journey into the past.

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 12 credits per semester

Students will take up to 4 classes, and may take an extra class for an additional fee. Courses are available in the Sciences (Biomedical Engineering, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, and Architecture) and in the Communication fields (Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, Audiovisual Communication and Digital Communication). All classes are in English but students may also take a Spanish Language course (offered at different levels). Courses must be taken from one area of study. It may be possible to take classes from other areas of study, but this will need to be approved by the Universidad CEU San Pablo to assure there are no schedule or space conflicts.

The courses are offered at two different campuses of the university – Moncloa (in the main university area of Madrid), and Monteprincipe (on the outskirts of the city – free buses are provided, along with metro).

Universidad CEU San Pablo is Spain’s oldest private university with more than 80 years of experience in higher education, particularly its School of Communication Sciences, created in 1926. The school proudly gives personalized attention to students and offers fully-equipped and highly-qualified facilities (like its FabLab Madrid part of the MIT FabLab Network). It has a strong reputation in the Sciences with prestigious Schools of Pharmacy, Medicine, Engineering and Architecture, this last one accredited by the NAAB.

TRANSCRIPTS

API students will receive a transcript from Universidad CEU San Pablo upon completion of their program.

  • Caroline headshot

    Caroline Mobley

    Caroline Mobley will be your Program Coordinator and will help prepare you for your API program.

    (she / her / hers)

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    María Angeles Garcia

    María Angeles will be one of your Resident Directors in Madrid and will be a resource for you while in Spain!

    (she/her/hers)

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    Quique Blanco Lopez

    Quique will be one of your Resident Directors in Madrid and will be a resource for you while you are in Spain!

    (he/him/his)

Click Here to Find Classes

COURSE OFFERINGS

Students can take courses in the Sciences (Biomedical Engineering, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, and Architecture) or in the School of Communication (Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, Audiovisual Communication and Digital Communication). All classes are in English but students also take a Spanish Language course (offered at all levels).

The School of Communication is in Moncloa, the university area of Madrid with easy access by metro or bus.

The Science campus is in Montepríncipe, 30 minutes away from the city center with state of the art facilities. The School provides free buses and there is also metro Ligero (light rail) near the university.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CANNOT TAKE COURSES AT BOTH CAMPUSES AND IT IS ADVISED FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE COURSES UNDER A SPECIFIC TRACK IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY TIME CONFLICTS.

Note: All courses are worth 3 semester credits unless otherwise marked.

Courses at Universidad CEU San Pablo

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Universidad CEU San Pablo

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Universidad CEU San Pablo

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Highlights
  • Classes taught in English and Spanish
  • NAAB accredited School of Engineering and Architecture

API students in Madrid may choose from three different housing options: a host family, in a residencia, or in an apartment.

Students who choose to live with families are typically placed in double rooms with a fellow API student and are provided with two meals per day and laundry service. Families provide an amazing opportunity to experience Spanish culture firsthand. Host families serve as a unique introduction into Spanish culture and may be made up of a married couple with children, a divorced or widowed woman with children still at home, or a family with some members living at home and others living outside the home. Students can opt for a single room for an additional fee.

Students in Madrid may also choose to live in a residencia. Residencias are smaller than American dorms and house between 15-90 students. The rooms are double-occupancy, and there are common bathrooms with showers. Three meals per day, laundry service, and cleaning are provided.

Students may also choose to live in apartments located throughout Madrid. Students generally share their apartment complex with other Spanish families, as opposed to other students. Apartments may be co-ed, and the number of students sharing the apartment varies based on the apartment size. Students may have single or double rooms depending on the number of bedrooms. Meals are not included in this option.

Single rooms are available in all three housing options for an additional fee.

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