Visas & Housing

Certainly! As a US citizen, you can participate in summer programs in Spain visa-free, as long as they last less than 90 days.

Luckily, all IE Summer School programs take just two to four weeks to complete, so joining one will be as easy as sending in an application and booking your ticket.

But if you want to move on to a longer-term bachelor’s or master’s program at IE University, which can take anywhere from one to five years, you’ll need a student visa to live and study in Madrid and/or Segovia for the duration.

Find out more about our visa and housing services for non-EU summer schoolers here.

Yes, American students can absolutely study in Spain as part of a short-term course or full degree program. Spain is one of the top destinations globally for international students because of its high-quality education, cultural richness and growing number of English-taught programs, so it regularly welcomes students from around the world.

To study at a Spanish university long-term, you’ll usually need to apply for a student visa (Type D) through a Spanish consulate in the US, obtain admission to the university of your choice, and provide documents such as your academic transcripts, passport, proof of funds and health insurance.

Some public universities may require verification of your US diploma and, in certain cases, entrance exams or proof of your language skills, depending on your program.

Taking summer courses can absolutely be worth it if you use the time strategically. They help you catch up on credits, explore subjects not offered during the regular year, or deepen your expertise in areas that support your academic or career goals. Summer study also keeps your learning momentum going and can lighten future academic semesters.

High-quality programs often mix classroom time with hands-on projects and networking. For instance, IE University Summer School courses offer structured, engaging content that lets you grow academically while experiencing life on a vibrant campus abroad.

Summer schools in Europe are typically short-term academic programs hosted during the summer months by universities across the continent. They allow students to earn credits, explore specific subjects or experience university life in an international setting.

Summer courses in Europe are popular with both local and global learners because they blend education with cultural immersion. Often taught in English, the options in European summer schools range from programs for international students seeking global exposure, to specialized courses in fields like business, law or design.

At IE Summer School, we combine rigorous academics with real-world perspectives, offering you a hands-on introduction to European higher education.

Yes, many students can and do study abroad during high school breaks. There are dedicated summer programs in Europe for high-school students that let you spend a few weeks living and learning in another country, combining education with cultural immersion, peer interaction and new travel experiences.

The IE University Summer Program offers two- to six-week sessions in Madrid and Segovia in Spain, helping students gain clarity, language skills and global insights in a safe, structured environment.

At the same time, these opportunities give high schoolers a chance to explore university majors before graduation. For example, our Pre‑University Summer Program is tailored for high schoolers aged 15–17, letting them immerse themselves in college‑level learning, meet international peers and experience on-campus life in Spain.