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Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Spain through this dynamic study abroad program based in Madrid. The program blends academic rigor with unforgettable cultural experiences.

Explore Madrid’s world-renowned museums, historic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks as you deepen your understanding of Spain’s past and present. Whether you’re studying masterpieces in the Prado, tracing the city’s royal history, practicing Spanish in everyday settings, or examining global communication in a European context, Madrid becomes your classroom.

With guided excursions to the city’s greatest sights and engagement with local culture, students gain both academic insight and a rich, immersive international experience. This program is ideal for those seeking intellectual growth, cultural exploration, and the excitement of life in one of Europe’s most inspiring capitals.

Depart U.S. on Friday, February 5, 2027
Arrive in Madrid on Saturday, February 6th, 2027
Depart Madrid Saturday, May 1, 2027

As part of the academic program, students will participate in many excursions, including: (These excursions are tentative and subject to change)

• Weekly program of free and subsidized cultural activities such as walking tours, cooking classes, sports fixtures, concerts and film nights
• A full-day excursion to Segovia, including city tour and entrance to the Alcazar
• A full-day excursion to Toledo, city tour and entrance to the Cathedral, Church of Santo Tomé, and Santa Maria la Blanca
• Local area walking tour covering housing and classroom location and local amenities.
• A half-day sightseeing tour of Madrid
• Workshops with local staff about life in Madrid and the differences the students will encounter.

 You do not have to be currently enrolled at SBCC to apply for the program. However, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be in good academic standing and in good standing with Student Conduct and Title IX
• Must be at least 18 years old on the day of departure
• Must have successfully completed at least 6 college level units
• Must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or higher

After acceptance to the program and official program-go announcement:
- You must enroll at SBCC for the spring 2027 semester in order to participate in the program
- Must submit the non-refundable deposit upon acceptance notification to confirm the spot on the program.
- Must submit the Program Participation Agreement upon receipt of the acceptance notification
 - You must follow the steps provided in the registration letter to register for courses on this program once registation opens for you. Course CRN numbers can not be accessed via the SBCC course catalog.
- You must complete, sign and submit all legal documents for SBCC and AIFS. Not submitting the required legal documents on time may cancel you from the program.

• There is no major or language requirement for this program

Acceptance and participation in the program is not guaranteed until you receive officiall notification from the SBCC Study Abroad office and you make your deposit payment to AIFS.

The courses that are offered as part of the program are usually transferable to the University of California and California State University. Check with your academic advisor for possible exceptions.  You must enroll in a minimum of 12 units throughout the whole program. 

HIST 120 Modern Europe (3 Units)
European history from the late 19th century to the present, emphasizing the two world wars and the rise of the totalitarian dictatorships since World War I, SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area 3, SBCCGE Area 4, Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 3B, Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area C2, CSUGE Area D6, IGETC Area 3B, IGETC Area 4F, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

AND

COMM 151 Intercultural Communication (3 Units)
Provides an introduction to communication between people from different cultures. Focuses on the application of theory and research to intercultural communication. The topics and activities are designed to develop communication skills that improve competence in intercultural situations. SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5, SBCCGE Area 4, Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D3, IGETC Area 4C, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable, C-ID: COMM 150.

AND

ART 210 Survey Of Renaissance And Baroque Art (3 Units)
Survey of the evolution of major styles, meanings, iconography and innovations in art during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, with investigation of the social, cultural, political and philosophical contexts of the art. Emphasis on the interdisciplinary aspects of expressive behavior during these periods. SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area C, SBCCGE Area 3. Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 3A, CSUGE Area C1, IGETC Area 3A, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

AND

$9,295 Home Stay Option - see details under "Housing" (Subject to change)
$10, 795 Shared Student Apartment Option - see details under "Housing" (Subject to change)

* Includes $450 deposit
** AIFS will charge $35 returned check fee on each check returned by the bank for insufficient funds.

Below information is subject to change.

Program Fee Includes:

- Accommodations (see details under "Housing")
- Home-Stay option only includes daily breakfast and evening meal with the homestay family
- Welcome & Farewell Dinner
- All required field trips and excursions including the transportation and entry fees to/from/on excursions (see 'Program Highlights")
- Local area travel pass for unlimited travel on public transit(see "Travel")
- Pre-departure orientation by SBCC (on-campus)
- Madrid on-site orientation
- 24/7 on-call service
- Access to AIFS Student Centers with free internet access and printing facilities
- Enrollment in CISI insurance plan

Program Fee Does Not Include:

- Round-trip airfare (an optional group flight is available through AIFS) see "Travel"
- Passport, visa fees or travel authorization, if applicable
- Meals other than those listed
- SBCC tuition, fees, books (non-residents are required to pay out-of-state or out-of-country fees)
- Any optional, additional field trips and excursions to those listed
- Ground transfer from the airport in Madrid unless you are on the optional group flight
- Optional AIFS excursions
- Optional Medical Insurance Updrade ($65)
- Personal expenses

Optional Insurance upgrade: Optional Extra Protection Insurance Coverage, including increased medical insurance as outlined in the AIFS insurance brochure. Additional Cost: $65 (Choose this option in the AIFS portal)

Optional Excusions offerered by AIFS (Choose in AIFS portal)

Granada Weekend Excursion
A three-day, two-night excursion to Granada, including round-trip transportation, two nights’ hotel accommodation in twin- and triple-bedded rooms with breakfast, guided tours of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens and the Albaicin, and a Flamenco show, with the services of professional, English-speaking guides and AIFS representative.
- A minimum of 10 students is required for this trip to operate.
- A deposit of $50 is required with application.

$450 Deposit due immediately after being accepted into the program but no later than November 12, 2026 
$TBD- Final payment due by TBD

All payments for the program cost and/or group flight must be made to AIFS by each participant. Payment amounts may vary depending on your optional selections..

Air Transportation. SBCC has contracted with AIFS to provide travel and housing arrangements for the Madrid Spring 2027 Semester Program.

The airfare package is optional to student participants and offered on a space-available basis. AIFS will reserve spaces at the above prices according to information on the student online enrollment form. Once airline tickets have been issued to students, they can only be changed directly with the issuing agent – agent and airline-imposed penalties apply.

AIFS is financially committed to any confirmed airlines seats on Wednesday, November 12, 2026. Once the program has reached its 20-student minimum, AIFS will organize the optional round-trip group flight from LAX to Madrid and from Madrid to LAX on a regularly scheduled airline.

Airfare is not included in the program price. Airfare package will be available in June 2026

The group flight must have a minimum of 10 participants by Wednesday, October 28th. Space on the group flight cannot be guaranteed after flight payment deadline of November 12, 2026 . 

Estimated cost of group flight: TBD (Choose this option in the AIFS portal - details available in June 2026) 

• AIFS representative(s) will meet the participants of the group flight at the appropriate airport in Madrid
• For the group arrival transfer, AIFS will arrange transfer from the Madrid airport to the designated arrival point in Madrid
• Students not on the group flight can not utilize the airport transfer
• Participants missing the designated group arrival transfer are responsible for checking in at the designated arrival point and time on the scheduled date of arrival and are responsible for all transfer arrangements and costs.
• Detailed arrival information will be provided to all participants approximately two weeks prior to arrival.
• Participants who are unable to check in at the designated arrival point and time may be required to make and pay for their own accommodations for the first night.
• On the group departure date, AIFS will arrange a group transfer (via coach bus and/or taxi) from the designated departure point in Madrid to the airport.
• Transportation to and from LAX is not included

You may make your own travel arrangements if you do not wish to travel with the group. Students not on the group flight can not utilize the airport transfer

Other Transportation:
Travel Pass: A pass granting unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams and regional trains in the central zone of Madrid for the duration of the program.

Orientation accommodation: all students will be housed in a central hotel for the first night where staff will be on duty to answer any questions and to help with the transition to Rome. The following day, after orientation, students will be transferred by taxi to their apartments.

Accommodations:
Home Stay Option: twin-bedded rooms with local homestay families. Centrally located, within 45 minutes travel time to the AIFS Student Center and classrooms. Linens and free wireless internet are provided. Students should supply their own towels. Meals: daily breakfast and evening meal with the homestay family, a welcome meal, a farewell meal.
Shared Apartment Option: Students can request housing in a shared student apartment upon payment of a supplemental fee of $1500. Apartments typically house 4-6 students in twin bedded rooms, with shared equipped kitchen, bathroom(s) and common space. Apartments are equipped with bed linens, washing machine and WiFi.
SBCC students may share apartments with other AIFS Abroad Madrid participants. Apartment beds are subject to availability and offered on a first-come first-served basis.

Application Deadline: October 25, 2026

** We accept students on a first-come, first-serve basis and recommend that you apply as soon as possible as programs often fill before their deadline. Once a program is full, we start a waiting list.

Start your application process well in advance of the application deadline. You will need to submit several required documents with your online application. Some of the documents need to be completed by school officials, which may take 7-10 days. You must have your completed required documents before you start your online application.

Please make sure you read all the instructions on how to apply before starting your application. All information on the application will be lost when you close the site, so don't start your application before you have the required materials.

Required documents needed prior to completing your online application:

1. A current photo. This should be a close-up headshot which clearly identifies you. Please do not wear sunglasses or hats. NO ID's of any kind.

2. Unofficial Transcript. The transcript must show the name of your institution, your full name, all the courses you have taken so far with the grade and your GPA. Screenshots from your phone can not be accepted unless each image identifies your institution and your name.

3. A completed Student Conduct Release Form. This form must be completed by the school official at your current or most recent institution who is responsible for Student Conduct. If that is SBCC for you, the form can be sent to Sandra Flore at sflores@sbcc.edu . Be sure you complete the top part of the form and clearly identify the program you are applying for (Madrid Spring 2027). Failure to clearly identify the program may result in a delay in processing your application and forms.

Instructions for the Student Conduct Release Form before starting your online application: 
1. Download fillable PDF form and save it to your computer.
2. Complete the top part as instructed in the document and save the form again with the changes.
3. Email the form with your information to the individual who will complete it and request they return it to you.
4. Once the form have been returned to you, click on the Online Application link below to start the application process.
5. Upload all required documents with your online application.
6. You will get to a screen that confirms your application and all forms have been submitted. If you do not get to that screen, your application has not been submitted.

Downloadable forms:
- Student Conduct Release Form

After submission of your application it will be reviewed and forwarded to Jing Liu, who will reach out to you for an interview.  Interviews may be held in person or on Zoom if applicant is outside of Santa Barbara.
 
You will be notified of your acceptance into the program in writing via email from the Study Abroad office. You are not officially confirmed on the program until you receive the notification, make the non-refundable $450 deposit directly to AIFS via their Online Portal and complete the Program Participation Agreement, which will be sent with the acceptance notification. 

Once you have officially been accepted to the program, you will need to register online with AIFS and make the payment of the deposit. The non-refundable $450 deposit will secure your spot in the program. We advise you to make sure you have the amount of the deposit set aside at the time you apply to the program.

Please review the cancelation policy below.
 
Subsequent program payments must be made directly to AIFS. Failure to make any payment when due will automatically cancel you from the program one week after the payment due date. All payments are effective the day they are received by AIFS. Tuition and fees is paid to SBCC upon registering for the courses.

For questions about the application or the application process please contact the Study Abroad office at 805-730-4294 or nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu. 

Any individual cancellation must be made in writing to AIFS and is effective the date of the receipt by AIFS. In addition, students must e-mail the SBCC Study Abroad office at nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu to confirm their withdrawal

If an individual student withdraws there will be a refund according to the following schedule:

Withdrawal on or before: TBD All fees paid less a $150 processing fee.

Withdrawal after TBD but on or before TBD  - All fees paid less the $450 deposit and any non-refundable deposits paid by the student or by AIFS on the student’s behalf.

Withdrawal after: TBD - No refund and the total program fee is due.

Withdrawal once the program has begun - No refund

Please note that any student who is academically withdrawn by SBCC after their application has been processed by AIFS is subject to the standard refund policy.

In case of program cancellation during the program, AIFS will assist students with organizing return tickets home. Any additional charges for transportation or housing will be at the student's expense.

We encourage all participants to purchase a Trip Cancellation policy such as via CISI or

Please refer to and updates and consult the updates.

Service Provider: AIFS Customized, Faculty-Led Programs are a division of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS). AIFS was founded in 1964. Since then, over 1.6 million students have participated in our educational and cultural exchange programs. Over 6,000 American college students study abroad each year with the AIFS College Division—approximately 2,000 of these are on customized, faculty-led programs organized through the AIFS Customized, Faculty Led Programs Division. Contact AIFS for any housing, group flight or payment related questions at (800) 727-2437

Follow SBCC Study Abroad on Instagram for meeting announcements, information and photos from past programs and more 

Program Orientation: A mandatory pre-departure meeting will be conducted in person on the SBCC campus in December 2026 introducing the academic course work, addressing general aspects of study abroad and cross-cultural learning, and providing practical information regarding preparation and travel. Details will be provided to participants at a later date. It is the responsibility of the students to provide this information to parents or guardians. Due to FERPA regulations, the Study Abroad office communicates only directly with the student participants. 

An on-site orientation in Madrid will be held by AIFS staff on the day after arrival and covers practical matters as well as aspects of cross-cultural living and learning, giving program participants the tools they need to make the most of their time in Madrid.

Sponsoring Institution:
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Study Abroad Office
Nicole Walther
International Education Center, Room 1
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Phone: (805) 730-4294
nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu
All services are available remotely Monday - Thursday from 8 am - 4pm and Friday from 8am - 1pm
In-person services are available Monday - Thursdays from 9am to 4pm
Please request an appointment with the Study Abroad Program Advisor or email nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu. Please identify if you prefer to meet in person or via Zoom

Service Provider

AIFS - American Institute for Foreign Study
1 High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905
800-727-2437

Please contact SBCC Study Abroad office for any program related questions first. If you have additional questions about payments and cancelation deadlines, optional group flight or insurance please contact AIFS directly at 800-727-2437.  Please note the name of your group (51¸£ÀûÉç or SBCC Trip to Paris and London, fall 2025)

Interesting websites to prepare for your trip:

Info sessions will be held in spring 2026 and fall 2026. No rsvp is required for in-person meetings. Some Zoom sessions may require prior registration to receive the direct Zoom link. Please contact Jing Liu at jliu27@sbcc.edu for Zoom related inquiries or problems.