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Summer school
    duration2 weeks
    languageEnglish
    locationMadrid
    intake29th of June - 10th of July, 2026
    FormatIn-person

    Experience Madrid Through a Cultural and Critical Lens

    Over two immersive weeks, the Arts & Culture program transforms Madrid into your living classroom—where galleries, streets, and historic sites become the backdrop for critical thinking and creative exploration. You'll connect with iconic works of art, cultural heritage, and contemporary ideas to gain new insights into today’s global challenges—from climate change and social inequality to identity and innovation.

    This is a hands-on experience that encourages you to see how arts and culture not only reflect our world, but shape the way we engage with it—academically, professionally, and personally.

    WANT TO KNOW MORE?

    days to start your best summer

    303days
    :
    12hours
    :
    46minutes

    Course Overview – Typical Day in the Arts & Culture Program

    Your dynamic daily schedule brings the humanities to life through various interactive and experiential activities. Whether you’re pondering questions or exploring artistic and cultural expressions in the field, each day is an opportunity to broaden your worldview.

    • A view of the Prado Museum entrance featuring a statue in the foreground and the Spanish flag above.

      Week 1:

      • Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
      • Tuesday and Friday: excursions to iconic destinations like Toledo and El Escorial—don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore history and culture!
    • A group of people observing a striking black and white artwork featuring distorted figures and chaotic elements.

      Week 2:

      • Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
      • Friday: Dedicated to Team Challenge presentations and later, a fun graduation ceremony.

    Your First Look at the Program

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    WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

    • This program is right for you if…

      …You’re a curious, open-minded student who wants to explore how arts and culture can help us better understand society, question the status quo, and imagine new solutions for the future.

    • Participant profile

      You are 18–24 years old, a current undergraduate student or recent graduate from any academic background, eager to deepen your cultural perspective and explore global issues through experiential learning in one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.

    Focus Areas

    Throughout the two-week program, students explore how arts and culture offer new ways to interpret and influence the world.

    • 01.

      Arts, Culture & Creative Thinking

      Engage in masterclasses and interactive sessions to explore how visual arts, literature, and philosophy help us interpret complex social and personal realities.

    • 02.

      Society, Power & Global Challenges

      Analyze urgent issues like sustainability, diversity, and global politics through the lens of cultural narratives and collective memory.

    • 03.

      Inspiration from History & Place

      Visit iconic museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía and take cultural day trips to sites like Toledo and El Escorial to draw lessons from the past that inform today’s challenges.

    • 04.

      Arts & Culture Challenge

      Collaborate with classmates in a final challenge that asks how artistic and cultural thinking can help address real-world issues such as climate change, inequality, or civic participation.

    Unique Value

    This program takes you beyond the classroom and into the cultural heartbeat of Madrid, offering an active and inspiring way to connect artistic heritage with some of today’s most urgent global questions.

    Learning Outcome

    By the end of the program, you’ll develop stronger critical thinking, cultural literacy, and creative problem-solving skills—tools that will enhance both your academic profile and your global perspective.

    Program Structure

    What You're going to do
    2 Weeks
    Week 1
      Week 2
        Final Project
          What You're going to do
          2 Weeks

          Discover the program's agenda

          Dive into a curriculum that immerses you in hands-on learning. Through a mix of interactive classes, collaborative group work, presentations and our innovative media lab, you’ll develop essential skills for success.

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          OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

          Daniel Valtueña received his PhD in Cultural Studies from The Graduate Center | City University of New York in 2022. His research focuses on contemporary performing arts, queer theories, critical theory, and environmental humanities.

          DISCOVER THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOU

          With flexible programs, you can mix and match the topics that interest you the most, giving you a taste of your future degree or career. Each program lasts two weeks and you can combine up to three programs to create a very personal learning journey.​

            DISCOVER THE SUMMER 2025 CALENDAR

            Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.​

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            Abstract for Tuition | IE

            TUITION

            Single Program: 3,500€

            • 2 weeks

            BUNDLE PRICE: 5,900€

            • 2 weeks + 2 weeks

            CREDIT RECOGNITION

            Earning academic credit at your home institution for joining IE University’s Summer Program is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Many institutions routinely award credit for summer courses, but we highly recommend that you check with your University’s International or Study Abroad Office regarding any specific requirements you might need to fulfill.

            If you join IE University’s Summer Program for at least four weeks (= two two-week modules or with the four-week Entrepreneurship Summer School), you’ll complete an academic workload equivalence of 6 ECTS credits (or 3 US credits). If you spend more time with us, you can earn even more credit equivalence, also spread over consecutive summers. To qualify for credit recognition, you need to fulfill all the course requirements and submit one final essay within two weeks of finishing your last course.

            To make the credit transfer process easier, IE University provides all the necessary documentation and evidence required by your home university’s Study Abroad Office or academic department. Additionally, we actively work to pre-agree credit recognition with key partner universities to ensure a faster and smoother process for you.

            THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

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            1. Online Application

            You will need to complete the online application with the following documents: 

            1. Academic transcripts.  
            2. CV (cv template).
            3. Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.

            *You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.

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            2. Submit your Application

            Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.


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            3. Admissions Final Decision

            Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.

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            START YOUR APPLICATION

            Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!

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