The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
One sustainability course is required for all program participants. There is a list of 15 courses that fulfill the sustainability course requirement through CIEE, UC3M, and ASU online.
All Madrid Sustainable Smart Cities students enroll in 4-5 courses for a total of 12-17 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of Sustainability is required. Students enroll in:
- CIEE courses
- 0 exactly or 2 direct enroll courses at UC3M - must opt-in to this track at time of application
- Up to one ASU online course in Session B (max 5 total credits), only after a required minimum of 12 in-person credits
Course equivalent lists are pending and coming soon!
Affiliate Institution(s)
Madrid Sustainable Smart Cities
Foreign Courses
CIEE Course Listing
Location
Not sure where Madrid is? See it on a map here.While Madrid has grown into a modern metropolis, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic streets and neighborhoods. Population estimates show the city is home to roughly 3.3 million residents (6.5 million metro). Within the European Union, only London and Berlin are more populous than this booming international city.Madrid is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city brimming with culture, history, and excitement—an ideal destination for students looking to immerse themselves in the Spanish way of life. As the capital, Madrid offers a perfect blend of old and new, with stunning landmarks like the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor standing alongside modern cafes, bustling markets, and cutting-edge museums. The city's renowned art scene, including masterpieces at the Prado and Reina Sofía, gives students a chance to explore world-class creativity.Madrid is also known for its lively atmosphere, with countless opportunities to enjoy traditional tapas, experience flamenco performances, and more. Whether you're strolling through Retiro Park, attending a fútbol match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, or simply soaking up the city's energy, Madrid is a place where learning extends beyond the classroom into an unforgettable cultural adventure.Madrid is a very walkable city and its public transportation (bus and metro) make connecting between neighborhoods a breeze. Students will be able to utilize the Metro (underground subway) which is the quickest way to navigate the city as well as wide network of busses. More information on fares and routes can be found here. The high-speed AVE can connect you to other regions of Spain in mere hours.
The CIEE Madrid Center is located in the Madrid city center making it easy to reach by public transit. Students can expect to commute to campus by bus, metro, or walking from the housing accommodations of their choosing. If students take courses a UC3M they will also need to commute to the Getafe municipality where that campus is located in southern Madrid.
Housing
Housing options include homestays, student residence halls, or shared apartments. Housing is typically situated in well-connected residential neighborhoods or nearby suburbs outside the city center with access to public transportation, local shops, and daily amenities, allowing students to experience everyday life in one of Europe’s largest capital cities.
CIEE offers three levels of housing: standard, select, and select plus. Your housing options and commute time will vary based on the level of housing you choose. There is an additional fee for select and select plus housing. To learn more visit the
CIEE Madrid program page.
Program Considerations
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
Excursions and Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Madrid will open doors for you to explore Spain's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Kayak through calm waters of Pantano de San Juan while learning about Spain’s complex water management systems
- Explore Spain’s grassroots energy transition on a tour that will take you to two pioneering community-led projects in the Madrid township of Rivas
- Participate in a local urban garden project in one of the 21 city districts of Madrid
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
On-Site Support
CIEE provides students with full-time program leadership and support such as academic advising, housing coordination, and excursions. There will be additional supports on-campus for student who enroll at a local university.
Orientation
You are expected to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an UW Study Abroad program, you will receive a variety of pre-departure orientation materials, including online videos and courses and/or in-person meetings.
You are required to participate in the on-site program orientation given by the CIEE Madrid staff. They will present different sessions relating to life in Madrid, what services are available to you, and more.
Visa
A Spanish student visa is required to participate in this program. You will be required to apply for the visa in advance and have it before your program begins. The visa process requires you to submit your passport with the application and processing may take 1-3 months. Spain is enforcing visa stays more strictly. As a result, students must leave Spain and the Schengen Zone by their visa end date.
U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least one year beyond the end of the program. Non U.S. passport holders may have different visa requirements. IAP will provide you with visa information. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor if you have any questions. You may incur additional fees to re-apply if your original visa application is rejected for any reason. You may also incur additional fees if your visa is delayed and you need to change your flight departure date.
You are advised NOT to leave the U.S. for any international travel up to four months before the program begins as your passport must be turned over to the consulate for visa processing. If you must be out of the country prior to the program start date, there is no guarantee that the consulate will process the visa in time for your departure.
Getting to Your Program
You will be responsible for arranging your own travel using arrival instructions provided by CIEE Madrid. Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.
Fall 2027-28 Cost Details
Financial Aid
UW–Madison students can typically use their financial aid on UW–Madison study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programs. You need to complete a FAFSA if you want to be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.
Beginning in 2026-27, the Office of Student Financial Aid will require all incoming undergraduate students to submit a CSS profile.
Review our financial aid and funding your experiences pages for more information.
Scholarships
Check out our scholarships page to find:
- A scholarship chart listing internal and external opportunities, with descriptions, deadlines, and amounts.
- Timelines of when UW-Madison study abroad scholarship applications open and close.
- Tips for writing scholarship essays.
Find scholarships
Program Scholarships
This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page and Wisconsin School of Business Financial Resources page for more information regarding study abroad scholarships specific to business study abroad programs.
National
Social, Environmental, and Economic Development (SEED) Scholarship
How to Apply
Applications will open in December 2026.
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Disclosure
Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.
International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.
Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.
