The Global Launch in Madrid program is designed for students in the Riccio College of Engineering, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, and selected majors in the College of Natural Sciences. Global Launch in Madrid is also suited for psychology majors who are interested in the pre-med or other similar tracks. UMass Amherst partners with CEA CAPA Education Abroad at their Madrid Center, housed in the iconic Tío Pepe building in the bustling Puerta del Sol, placing students in the heart of the city. Students take UMass Amherst STEM courses that keep them on track with their degree while living in this world-renowned city. The city’s lively atmosphere, with its historic landmarks, beautiful parks, and renowned art museums, creates an inspiring environment for learning and personal growth.
Biology & Public Health Sciences
"Growing up, I traveled often with my parents and developed a real love for exploring the world on my own. Still, the idea of actually living abroad always felt a little intimidating. When the Global Launch in Madrid program came along, I realized it was the perfect chance to push past that fear and challenge myself. Choosing to study abroad for my first semester turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—I had an incredible experience, grew in ways I never expected, and discovered how much I love living abroad. Having the experience of jumping into the deep end gave me so much confidence in knowing that I can thrive in different and difficult environments, allowing me to gain skills and tools I can use for the rest of my life!"
Courses in Madrid are taught in English by local instructors based on UMass syllabi, to ensure a smooth transition back to UMass in the spring. In addition to a variety of core science and math courses, all students in Madrid will take the First Year Seminar and Introduction to Museology course. Introduction to Museology presents different opportunities to leave the classroom and visit local museums to learn how to analyze and explore this dynamic global city and build skills and knowledge to take you throughout your academic career and beyond. The course also meets UMass General Education requirements.
All students enroll in:
- First Year Seminar
- Introduction to Museology
With guidance from their UMass academic advisor, students will choose from a variety of core math and science courses to complete their fall schedule. Below is the list of courses that will be offered in fall 2026.
- BIO 151: Introductory Biology I
- CHEM 111: General Chemistry I
- ENGIN 100: Introduction to Engineering
- MATH 127: Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences I
- MATH 131: Calculus I
- PHYSICS 151: General Physics I
- PSYCH 100: Introductory Psychology (UMass Amherst campus synchronous section via Zoom)
- HONORS 201H: Ideas That Change the World (UMass Amherst campus asynchronous section)
- Navigating a Global City: Spanish Language
Global Launch in Madrid students live in an international student residence. Students will share a double room with an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette (no stove-top) with a fellow UMass Global Launch student. The residence also provides laundry facilities, a small fitness room, social spaces, and outdoor recreation spaces include a pool, padel court, basketball court, and outdoor gym.
Three meals are provided each day on the main level of the student residence.
The commute from the student residence to the CEA CAPA Center takes 30 to 45 minutes, via public transport – a typical commute! The Madrid Metro is an affordable and easy way to explore the city, and connect to the rest of Spain. A Metro Pass is included in the program.
A variety of cultural activities and excursions are also included in the program fee. Past activities have included a day trip to Toledo, an evening out to a Flamenco show, and a Spanish cooking class.
In addition to the tuition and program fee , students should budget for the following additional estimated costs:
Airfare from Boston to Madrid* | $1200 |
Books/Lab Fees** | $200 |
Personal Expenses*** | $1000 |
Spain Visa Fee | $300 |
| Total | $2700 |
*Students must also budget for travel from their home to Boston; a group flight will be booked by OGA and paid by each student.
** Lab fees may apply to certain courses. These fees are used to maintain and upgrade equipment and to provide consumable materials necessary for the course.
***Expenses of a personal nature, may include but are not limited to laundry, phone expenses, medical expenses. Personal travel is not included in this budget.
*Updated April 27, 2026*
You must have a passport that is valid through Dec 12, 2027 (one year after the program end date). If you need a passport or your passport needs to be renewed, please start that process ASAP and let the Global Launch Team know.
Students must by 18 years old by June 20, 2026 to participate in this program.
All students will be required to obtain a Spanish Student Visa.*
For students that are 18 before May 1, CEA CAPA will be facilitating a group batch visa process for all students participating in the Global Launch in Madrid program.
CEA CAPA will need students physical passport and supporting visa documents in hand no later than May 18. The visa process involves surrendering of the passport to the Boston Consul General of Spain for processing. Processing times vary and personal summer travel may be impacted.
There are three opportunities for Visa Drop Off:
- Saturday, May 9 - Visa Drop Off at the Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst in Newton, MA
- Thursday, May 14 - Visa Drop Off at the UMass Amherst Office of Global Affairs in Amherst, MA
- For students that are unable to attend an in-person drop-off, all documents and passport must be mailed and recieved by CEA CAPA no later than Monday, May 18.
Students that turn 18 between May 1 and June 20, will apply for their visa independently before June 29, 2026.
Independent applicants will most likely need to travel in-person to their nearest application center to submit their visa application. Application centers are located in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC. The visa process involves surrendering of the passport to the Consul General of Spain for processing. Processing times vary and personal summer travel may be impacted.
NOTE: UMass and CEA CAPA strongly discourages students from making international travel plans prior to the start of the program.
Once committed to the program, students will receive further communication regarding the visa process and required documents. Students are responsible for any fees associated with the Spanish visa, approximately $160-200.
*Students that hold a valid European Union (EU) passport may not need to obtain a student visa. Please reach out to the Global Launch Team at @email to confirm.
| Dates | Activities |
|---|---|
| August 27 and 28, 2026 | Orientation at Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst |
| August 28 | Departure from Boston on group flight |
| August 29 | Arrival in Madrid |
| August 29 - September 4 | Orientation with CEA CAPA First Year Seminar and Spanish Language Seminar begins |
| September 7 | First day of classes |
| October 22 - October 26 | Midterm Break |
| December 12 | Final day of program Housing ends and students depart |