This is a six week, three-credit program consisting of an internship and a seminar class open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Internships are available for students with almost any academic interest from art history to finance to public policy to women's issues. 

The first week you will have an orientation, internship interviews, and introductory sessions. Beginning the second week you will intern Monday through Thursday during normal working hours. You will attend a seminar taught by the Resident Director one evening each week.

Students who wish to receive credits towards a Spanish Major or Minor for this internship course must take the course on a pass/fail basis.

At the geographic center of this varied country lies the capital, Madrid. With its elegant architecture dating back to the 16th century, world famous art museums and handsome parks, Madrid is a welcoming environment. Stroll through the lovely Retiro Park on a Sunday morning and enjoy the jugglers and mimes. Treat yourself to "tapas" while taking in the exquisite design of the old Plaza Mayor. Or view the paintings of Goya, Velasquez, and El Greco at the Prado Museum. 

Madrid is known for its serene beauty, lavish architecture, and friendly locals. Influences of Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa meld making Madrid a unique international meeting place. As students intern during the summer they become part of the warmth and energy of this dynamic city! It's an ideal location to gain professional experience, study Spain 's history and culture, and fine-tune your Spanish language skills.

Students are assisted on-site, by two full-time AU program staff who will coordinate orientation and other activities to make the time in Madrid a true success.  Staff at the AU Center have been working with AU students for many years and find it delightful to help more AU students understand the many facets of life in Madrid.

Full cultural integration happens in the home. During participation in the Madrid internship program, students live in a Spanish home. The homestay allows students to experience the warmth and hospitality of Spain while improving Spanish language skills daily.

In the homestay, students enjoy breakfast, lunch, evening meals and, in most cases, weekly laundry. Students may be in single or double rooms. Students commute approx. 30 min from their homestays to the program offices in the center of Madrid and to their assigned internship placement office. Once students have completed AU Abroad on-line pre-departure forms, an on-site Housing Coordinator will organize living arrangements before students arrive.

This program includes a 3-day excursion to another major city in Spain in the middle of the program.  During the program excursion, students stay in pensions or hotels.  The field trip location changes every year, but in the past has included a visit to Andalucia in southern Spain, with stops in Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba. 

U.S. citizens do not need to obtain a Spanish student visa and may travel to Spain on a Tourist Visa, since the Program is shorter than the 90-day tourist visa period. Non-U.S. citizens requiring a Spanish student visa will be provided a letter by AU Abroad upon acceptance to the Program. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for contacting the Spanish Embassy or Consulate to find out which additional documents are needed to obtain a student visa.