See it. Live it. Tell it.  

LOW-COST STUDY ABROAD: We want you to get international experience, so we developed a unique study abroad trip where you will spend four weeks experiencing the capital city that was founded in the 9^th century.

Madrid vs Barcelona: The Barcelona trip got too popular, so we created an exact duplicate program in Madrid with the same dates, classes and cost but different excursions . . . the Madrid group will be headed to Lisbon, Portugal for 4 days! Madrid is famous for grand palaces, the finest museums, bull fighting , world cup soccer and the largest street market shopping in Europe. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you expand your education outside the classroom by taking two classes taught by two College of Information and Communication faculty.

• JOUR 499 / ISC 480: International Communication class exposes you to the complexity of global communication, effects of cultural shock and expands your information literacy.
• JOUR 596: Multimedia class puts you in small group to combine your skills to create a project using, words, photography, video, audio, print design and anything else you can imagine.

Take your education beyond the classroom

Imagine you’ve just been offered a job at a company with global reach like BMW, ESPN or Google. You’ll be working with colleagues from around the world. The only catch? You’ve never ventured outside your community. How will you excel with no experience working with people from different cultures? How will you solve problems you’ve never encountered before? Employers know that international experience can give employees a leg up — we’re here to help you get it.

What’s the class?

The class will consist of 60-75 students who are registered for these two classes: JOUR 596 Madrid Multimedia and JOUR 499 International Communications Experience Madrid  / cross listed - ISCI 480

The classes count as major electives for students in CIC.
FYI: Taking two summer classes with the addition of your high school college credits may allow you to graduate early!

Prerequisites: None required

Who can go? Only undergraduate and graduate students of all majors in the College of Information and Communication (CIC) because the program is significantly subsidized by the college. This year we also can accept some students who are CIC minors – space permitted!   

Are there language barriers?

You do not need to know Spanish or Portuguese, but it is very helpful. Part of the class experience is how to navigate in a culture with limited language.

During the trip, you’ll:

• Travel to an ancient walled city.
• Travel to Lisbon, Portugal for a four-day excursion to experience breathe taking beaches, castles, wineries and more.
• Expand your global perspective as you explore Madrid with a 30-day Metro pass as you get content for your multimedia project.
• Explore Madrid to discover unique foods, huge palace, awesome nightlife and very friendly people.

Trip program costs: Lowcost = $2,700 savings for you

Free: Accommodations for 30 days
Free: Daily breakfast and dinner in Madrid (Monday - Thursday)
Free: Madrid metro pass for 30 days
Free: Excursions to include a 4-day trip to Portugal!

Your costs:  

• Airfare: $ 900 - $1,600 (your location to Madrid)
• USC tuition for two 3-credit CIC course ($1,500 per class - estimated)
• $225 required fee for USC Study Abroad application and includes international emergency insurance
• $25 - 30 per day to cover lunches, snacks, a few diners, nightlife and souvenirs (estimate)
• $700 deposit to secure your spot in the class

Predeparture

The Madrid trip will require you to attend three meetings in the Spring to prepare you for the experience of a lifetime! Covering passports, applications, roommates, packing and much more.

Trip leaders

For more information please reach out to them.

• Marcia Purday –  purday@ sc.edu
• Britt Hogg - bhogg@mailbox.sc.edu

Application and Deposit

Do not wait too long because there are limited spots, and we expect the class to be full shortly after the Thanksgiving break or sooner. A $700 deposit secures your seat in the class. Deposit is 100% refundable until Jan. 1, 2027.

Can’t commit to the trip yet because you need more information? If so, submit the application at this time and we will keep in touch with you (remember your spot will not be secured until a deposit is received).

Apply Now

Check your email after submitting the application for the link to submit the deposit.

Scholarships

CIC scholarships available: $1,000! Complete the Mary Caldwell Scholarship application
Only CIC majors are eligible and must have applied and submitted a deposit to be eligible. 

Scholarship Application Deadline: December 2, 2026. 

Still can’t afford the trip?

Meet with Scott Farrand, the CIC study Abroad Director to discover more options.  
farrand@mailbox.sc.edu