Program Details
Discover Spain’s cutting-edge role in creating more sustainable city life through technological innovation. Work with tech experts to learn the evolving concepts of urban development.
- Location:
- Madrid, Spain
- Program Type:
- Study Abroad
- Degree Level:
- High School
- Term:
- Summer
Program Overview
- Program Description:
Your Experiment starts in Madrid, the capital city, where people use innovations such as solar power, 3D printers, and other digital technology to transform public spaces, providing hightech alternatives to traditional industrial design. Through interactive workshops, you will learn about urban design innovations for improving daily life, education, and the economy for people in growing cities.
While in Madrid, take part in a workshop that allows you to experience and analyze urban spaces from physical, social, and technological perspectives. You will attend technology and innovation seminars, and gain hands on experience mapping layouts and constructing the city with apps, sketch books, 3D printers, and other cutting edge devices. You will also meet fellow young innovators who are not only tackling issues in their own communities, but who are also using technology to work toward problem-solving on a global scale. You will work collaboratively with entrepreneurs and artists on their digital prototypes and projects while also taking on a project of your own. You’ll then travel to Valencia and
volunteer on an urban mobility project before meeting your homestay family in Palma de Mallorca, the capital city of Spain’s Balearic Islands, where you will engage in urban development activities.
Finish your Experiment with a cultural journey to Barcelona, Spain’s second most-populated city, where you will immerse yourself once again in a different urban lifestyle and culture, using your observations and skills to identify technological advances and discuss concepts of urban development. Develop a critical and analytical view of the city and its structure as you explore architecturally astounding sites such as Gaudí’s Park Güell and Sagrada Família. Your final days in Spain will be spent visiting the Museu Picasso or dipping your toes in the Mediterranean Sea.
To learn more and view a sample itinerary, visit experiment.org/EST.
- Setting Description:
- While in Madrid, you will have the opportunity to visit three separate institutes dedicated to urban development and sustainability: The Makespace, Impact Hub, and FabLab House. Meet young innovators at each organization who are tackling not only quality-of-life issues in their own communities, but who are also using technology to work toward social participation and problem solving on a global scale. After learning and observing in these incredible spaces, work hands-on with artists and entrepreneurs on their digital prototypes and projects, and take on a project of your own choosing. From Madrid, travel to Valencia and volunteer on urban projects before meeting your homestay family in Palma de Mallorca, the capital city of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Here, engage in social urban development activities focused on music, theater, urban art, and cartooning. Explore the expansive city, witnessing how technology plays a unique and significant role.
- Cost:
- $6,490
Additional Program Information
- Scholarships:
- Yes
- Scholarships Description:
- Need based scholarships between $250 and $3,000
Program Reviews
Overall Rating
Based on 7 Reviews
- Review on Spain: Technology and Social Innovation Program09/01/17
On this program we learned a lot about different cities in Spain and what changes they have been through and are currently going through. From this information, we brainstormed and came up with many ideas on how we change these cities for the better.
On projects we used 3-D printers, laser cutters, models, etc. We also had tons of fun throughout the trip too. We did things such as travel to beaches, bike rides, tours around the city, to staying up late playing cards with each other, and etc. Over all this trip was amazing and it's the people that I met that made this trip so amazing.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - My Awesome Summer in Spain09/01/17
Reflecting from my whole experience, I realize how vital it is to visit different countries. The culture, lifestyle, history, and language made me appreciate Spain and life outside of the US. When the trip was over, I told my family that I wasn’t ready
to leave yet. I miss siesta, my host mother’s seafood and chicken paella, strolling through Las Ramblas in the middle of the night with my friends who I’m still in contact with, and my group dinners where we were always laughing. These moments shaped and made a stressful year into one of my most memorable. This trip inspires me to continue learning Spanish and to take advantage of the study abroad opportunities in college. I was also thinking about pursuing a career where I get to travel to different countries. Even though I dislike long flights, I love being exposed to new cultures and meeting people. My goal for this trip was to find myself and have fun, and this experience exceeded my expectations.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Review on Spain: Technology and Social Innovation Program09/01/17
On this program we learned a lot about different cities in Spain and what changes they have been through and are currently going through. From this information, we brainstormed and came up with many ideas on how we change these cities for the better.
On projects we used 3-D printers, laser cutters, models, etc. We also had tons of fun throughout the trip too. We did things such as travel to beaches, bike rides, tours around the city, to staying up late playing cards with each other, and etc. Over all this trip was amazing and it's the people that I met that made this trip so amazing.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Humbling08/31/17
This was an experience I will never forget. From all the amazing people in my group that i learned to bond with and got to know and have great memories with, to all the new experiences I've had with taking to the locals and wondering the streets like
a regular local. To the many 3-d printed things I made and to enjoying the time with my host family and learning and realizing how my life isn't as different from there's but different nonetheless. Thanks for this experience and I hope many others take advantage of it while they can.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Once in a Lifetime Experience08/29/17
The experiment is a great program for student to be apart of. When I was in Spain I was able to learn about the culture and visit important sites, while still being able to pursue my interest of technology and urban development. My group was able to create
a model, using 3D printing and laser cutting, to help develop a new park in Madrid. In Valencia we helped promote bicycle riding and bike lanes. Lastly in Mallorca we helped paint a wall to bring color to the area. Through the experiment I have made many relationships and I was able to immerse myself into cultures outside my own. The experiment really gave me an amazing opportunity and I highly recommend others to take part in this program.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
- Truly Unforgettable08/20/17
This program was an amazing opportunity to both discover and understand an urban culture that is very different from what you're used to. You'll be able to design and create your own 3D models using 3D printers and laser cutters, while simultaneously
learning about tourism and it's effects to urban designs.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend - Best Summer Ever08/15/17
My time in Spain has made it the most memorable summer I have had so far. I worked with 3D printers and laser-cutting technology. It was also very eyeopening to witness the effects of tourism, which are often overlooked. I made many close friends and
had a bunch of laughs. I have grown to be more independent and felt very comfortable away from home. My homestay experience immersed me into the local culture. I love Spain and would totally do it over again if I had the chance. Overall, I cannot wait to study abroad in college.
read moreBottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend