Offered fall and spring terms and designed for students at any level of Spanish proficiency, the Madrid Spanish & European Studies Program provides a term of study and cultural immersion. Courses are offered at the Instituto Internacional en España and focus on Spanish and European art, cinema, culture, history, literature, and politics. Courses are taught in English and Spanish by Spanish and international faculty. All students have the unique opportunity to experience life in a Spanish homestay. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required.
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.
- No prior language study is required
- Some courses carry pre-requisites
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
All students are required to enroll in one Spanish language course. Students who have already completed four terms of Spanish, or the equivalent, are permitted to enroll in electives taught in Spanish.
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.
Fall Term
Program Dates
Early September to Mid December
Fall Term
Applications Open
December 15
Fall Term
Application Deadline
March 15
Spring Term
Program Dates
Mid-January to Mid-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: $44,076
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