Bing Overseas Studies Program-Madrid (Winter Quarter 2024-25)

The Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP) offers the opportunity to study abroad while remaining enrolled at Stanford and is considered an integral part of the Stanford curriculum. All BOSP programs offer direct Stanford credit for courses taught overseas that frequently count toward one or more majors. In addition, many BOSP courses fulfill Ways of Thinking/Ways of Doing Requirements (WAYS). Regular tuition applies, and financial aid continues. BOSP operates a variety of programs, including quarter length programs, internships and other opportunities.

Located in one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, the Stanford Program in Madrid offers students an array of opportunities to make their time in Spain a truly meaningful, authentic, and challenging experience, helping them meet cultural, linguistic and academic goals.

With classes taught in Spanish by outstanding local faculty, the Program offers a site-relevant, experiential curriculum. Using Spain itself as a classroom, students can discuss female representation in art in front of one of the Prado Museum’s masterpieces; produce a short documentary film; walk the last stages of St. James’ Way or the narrow streets of Toledo’s Jewish quarter; contemplate the Milky Way at the observatory in the Canary Islands; explore Madrid’s architecture and urbanism; study Catalan, Basque or Galician languages; discuss a politically changing world with local politicians or grassroots leaders; explore the cycle of water in a visit to Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and water reservoir; or participate in an internship working with marginalized communities, collaborating with a start-up or shadowing a doctor in a hospital.

Designed as a complete immersion experience and to quickly advance linguistic competence, students commit to communicating exclusively in Spanish and sign a Spanish-only pledge before they arrive in Madrid. The program fosters this experience through a variety of authentic interactions. All students live with carefully-selected host families, giving them insight into local life and culture. Students also have the opportunity to interact with local university students through both a conversation program and a robust offering of cultural and social activities in Madrid and its surroundings.

• Program Offered: Autumn, Winter, Spring
• Program Capacity: 40 students
• Language of Instruction: Spanish
• Housing Type: Homestay