The Madrid Internship Program, offered in the spring term, allows students with advanced Spanish to enhance their language skills through direct enrollment at a Spanish university while interning in one of Europe’s most vibrant commercial centers.
Students take a required course in an advanced-level seminar on contemporary Spain at the Instituto Internacional and directly enroll at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid for two elective courses, chosen from a variety of topics.
All students have the unique opportunity to experience life in a Spanish homestay.
Key Facts
Area of Study
Location
Home University
Program Structure
Internship Availability
Term
Coursework Level
BU Hub Offered
Housing
Language of Instruction
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Minimum of sixth-term college-level Spanish language or the equivalent
- Admissions Requirements for all programs
Curriculum
Students are required to enroll in an advanced-level seminar on contemporary Spain, taught at the Instituto Internacional. Students then enroll directly at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) for two elective courses.
All students are also enrolled in a four-unit internship course and a non-unit Hub co-curricular.
Housing & Student Services
Local Homestay
- All students live in a homestay with a local family or host.
- Homestays provide the same basic services: each student has their own room with a bed, desk, and storage space, and each family provides bedding, towels, laundry service, and internet.
- Few homestays have air conditioning, in line with local cultural norms; homestays typically provide fans in student bedrooms and other heat adaptations. Students are also permitted to purchase an additional fan to cool their bedroom during the hotter months if the fan provided is not sufficient.
- Living spaces are shared with the host family, and the bathroom may be shared.
- All meals are provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the option of a packed lunch).
- Use of the homestay kitchen is not permitted.
- Homestays are located in safe, central neighborhoods throughout Madrid, all well connected by public transit to the Instituto, partner universities, and the rest of the city.
- Students can study at the Instituto or partner universities where relevant; many students study at home, as university libraries have more restricted hours than the U.S.
Program Dates
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Spring Term
Program Dates
Late-January to Late-May
Spring Term
Applications Open
June 1
Spring Term
Application Deadline
September 15
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2026/2027 Tuition and Fees: $45,776
Cost includes tuition, housing, partial board, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage. - Estimated program budget, including cost of living expenses
- Grants and Scholarships available