GO Madrid
Classic study abroad experience with independent travel
July 4 - August 2, 2025
European Study Center
Cultural Activities
Weekend Travel
Best For
Students who prefer the classic study abroad experience
3-day weekends for independent travel
Big city enthusiasts with European charm
Highlights
Four weeks
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Three or six hours of academic course credit taught by engaging faculty
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Professional (PRO) track experience option in lieu of one academic course
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3-day weekends to explore Europe
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Weekly activities such as cooking classes, vineyards and garden picnics
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Cultural tours of the city and royal palaces
Overview
Immerse yourself in the dynamic pulse of Madrid, where tradition meets modernity in a captivating blend. Explore opulent royal palaces and chic rooftop tapas bars, all in a city so vibrant that even Taylor Swift chose it as her sole Spanish stop for the Eras Tour. Roam through enchanting narrow streets that open up to majestic landmarks like the Royal Palace. After class, discover your favorite Spanish plaza, perhaps the iconic Puerta del Sol, where statues, artworks, and vibrant buildings transform the scene into a living masterpiece. As the day ends, experience sunsets that bathe the city in a golden glow, leaving you spellbound. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life in Retiro Park, a 350-acre green oasis complete with a crystal palace, lakes, and hidden gardens. It’s like Central Park in NYC meets Hyde Park in London. For a quick taste of adventure, visit Casa de Campo, which is five times the size of Central Park. Ride the Teleférico de Madrid for breathtaking views of the city, or take a short trip north to explore mountain ranges and little unique towns. Madrid’s modern charm and lively atmosphere are complemented by its efficient public transportation system, making it easy to explore all that the city has to offer. And, its airport is the fifth largest in Europe - allowing students to independently travel on their 3-day weekends with ease via plane or train. Join us and experience the best of Madrid, where every moment is filled with happiness and cultural richness.
Next Steps
Request a Sample Itinerary and Join the Priority List!
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What's Included
Let us do the planning so you can stress less and travel more. Your program fee covers many of the expenses of your time abroad.
Weekend Travel & Adventures
During the middle three weeks of the program, you will have 3-day weekends for independent travel. As a gateway to Europe, Madrid allows you to easily explore nearby cities or travel to other European destinations during your long weekends. Madrid is also home to the fifth largest airport in Europe and an extensive train system, allowing students to jet set to another country or explore the coast of Spain. The GO Madrid staff will hold office hours throughout the program to support students and plan safe, exciting weekend excursions.
Academic Courses
Classes meet Monday-Thursday most weeks which will provide you the opportunity to travel and explore your surroundings on your 3-day weekends. GO Madrid courses are available in culture, business and communications. Students will enroll in two classes for six hours of credit or one class for three hours of credit if combined with the PRO track micro-internship experience. Our experienced faculty work year-round to develop engaging and relevant courses. They incorporate local culture into the classroom whether it is through cultural sites and museum visits, readings by Spanish authors or providing local context to the topics discussed. Below are draft syllabi to leverage for course review and approval. Final syllabi and faculty information will be available in the spring. Due to our smaller class sizes, it’s easy to engage with the class material and your fellow students as you learn about your area of study. And, the slightly shorter calendar and less class days during the program, GO Madrid students will have pre-program assignments to complete.
Community Building & Engagement
Our engagement model is the reason the GO programs are different from other study abroad programs. Our team consists of a program director, faculty members and peer leaders who will support you and create fun and unique opportunities to connect with your program group. In past summers, we have hosted a variety of optional activities from cooking classes, river-side dinners to epic charcuterie picnics. Students have told us they’ve connected with new best friends and future bridesmaids and groomsmen during these optional activities designed to bring the program together.
Professional Experience Option
In addition to an enriching academic experience, GO Madrid students have the opportunity to enhance their professional development skills and gain valuable, real-world experience through our innovative partnership with Nexgen Careers. Instead of taking two courses on the program, you take one class and in place of your second course, you will participate in the professional development program focusing on career design and real-world consulting projects for international organizations. Combine the best of both worlds with challenging academics and resume-building professional experience on GO Madrid.
Accommodations
While in Madrid, you will stay in a safe, comfortable and centrally located dorm-style housing with 24/7 front desk support. You will be located within walking distance to some of the best restaurants and historical sites the city has to offer.
At our housing facility, two students will share a room and bathroom. They will have access to community fridges and microwaves. We reserve full halls for our group so our students can be close to their friends and others on the program. There are laundry facilities, a gym, tv area and great common spaces to hangout. The GO Madrid accommodation also has free wireless internet to make it easy to stay in touch with family and friends at home.
Free WiFi
Nearby Dining & Markets
Front Desk Support
Laundry
Rooftop Views
Gym
Nearby Grocery
