4-week MADRID Industry Experience

Solve real business challenges in Spain

Want to build cultural and professional experience?
On this programme, you’ll w
ork under the guidance of experienced mentors to complete an industry project set by an international company in Madrid, Spain. 

Over four weeks, you’ll engage in cultural activities and professional workshops to develop your cultural and professional understanding in Spain.

Programme Format:

  • Group Projects
    Work in groups of 2-6 under the guidance of company mentors to complete an industry project for a local business. At the end, you will present your findings, recommendations and a written playbook.
  • Group Activities
    Take part in cultural and industry visits, guest lectures, workshops and language classes and more.

Programme Structure

What's Included?

Significon-Briefcase

Group Industry Projects

A 4-week project (multidisciplinary) to be completed in small groups with weekly check-points from the company supervisor.
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Accommodation

A private room inclusive of all bills and wifi, located on good transport links and living with other students on the programme.
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Orientation

Airport pickups, accommodation transfers, welcome packs and detailed orientations to help you feel settled in your new country.
Significon-Heart

Support

Weekly check-ins, professional mentors, pastoral support and 24/7 on-site emergency assistance from our friendly team.
Significon-Bulb

Skills Courses

Access to 4 online courses linked to Employability, Digital Competency, Cultural Fluency, Workplace Basics.
Significon-Bolt

Group Activities

Cultural & Industry Visits, Lectures & Workshops, and Language Immersion.
Significon-Network

Alumni Network

Access to the Pagoda Alumni network, with a dedicated LinkedIn group for sharing and finding graduate job opportunities.

Application Process

The application process is as easy as 1, 2, 3…

1. REGISTER INTEREST

Fill in the form below to register your interest. Once submitted, our friendly team will be in touch to establish your eligibility and answer any questions you may have.

2. APPLICATION FORM & AGREEMENT

Once you understand the programme details, complete the full application form and we will assess your application with your university. If awarded a place and you’re happy to proceed, just sign our agreement to secure your place. 

3. ONBOARDING

Successful candidates will be informed of the next steps for programme onboarding following the application deadline, and supported through the necessary pre-departure steps. 

Pagoda Portal

All programmes are managed on the Pagoda Portal - a digital hub for our student community. This is where you can track your progress, register for events, access skills courses, network with other participants and request additional support.

About Pagoda Projects

Pagoda Projects is a leading provider of internships and sustainable global experiences. We work with universities and companies around the world to provide quality internships that enhance students’ international employability.

Programme Details

Madrid - Spain

Known for being one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Madrid is the heart of the country. In the city you can find a range of cultural and historical treasures such as the Royal Palace. Also known for its renaissance and contemporary art museums, sunny blue skies and unique neighbourhoods. There is an endless amount of things to do in Madrid.

Furnished Apartment Accommodation

Our expert in-country teams will source and manage your accommodation, in line with our accommodation quality policy. Our furnished apartments are all located on good transport links and in a secure area of the cities where Pagoda delivers programmes.

You will always be provided your own private bedroom.

Pre-Week 1: Orientation

  • Welcome and introduction: An introduction to the programme and city including aims, orientations, work culture and health and safety information, 

  • Community building: Settle into your new home; get to know your fellow participants and team members by exploring the city, tasting local delicacies and participating in team-building activities

Week 1: Kick Off

  • Project Briefing & Seminar: An in-person meet and greet with your project mentor, outlining and clarifying the brief and required outcomes. Guidance on project planning, time management, data collection techniques and creating and presenting a playbook of research findings.

  • Field trips: Visits to local organisations and business owners that are relevant to the participants’ project topics, sectors and local culture.

  • Cultural immersion: Guided tours, social events, and team-building activities to get to know others within the group and how to navigate the city.

Weeks 2-3: Project Work

  • Project Commencement: Work on your assigned projects in groups of 2-6. Ongoing support from Pagoda staff and structured weekly checkpoints with Project Mentors

  • Employability Development: Alongside your Pagoda check-ins, reflect on your learnings so far and develop employability skills further by completing the Pagoda online skills courses
  • Cultural immersion & Field Trips (continued): Additional cultural and professional activities will provide you with a chance to grow your network further and learn as much about the location as possible

Week 4: Deliverables

  • Project presentations: As a group, present your findings and receive feedback from a panel of professionals and others on the programme.
  • Awards ceremony: We will celebrate our achievements at a final awards dinner

Industry Projects and Playbooks

In groups of 2-6, you’ll work collaboratively on industry projects set by local companies. Throughout the programme, you’ll take part in co-working sessions, discussions and networking events alongside industry experts to guide your work. You’ll also receive ongoing support from your peers and English-speaking project mentors. At the end of the programme, you’ll present your research and an accompanying playbook of findings to a panel of industry professionals.

Industry projects are available in a range of sectors. This includes but is not limited to; Social justice, environment and sustainability, banking and finance, information technology, healthcare, marketing, media production and sustainability.

Funding & Eligibility

Approx. £3,625 (inclusive of a £250 travel grant) is granted to each student by the University of Leeds to fund:  

    • Programme fee  
    • Accommodation  
    • Flights (should be booked immediately upon receipt of the travel grant)
      • The university anticipate that this will cover the travel costs but students should be advised to book their travel as soon as they receive the funds; the university will not be able to provide any additional funds if the costs are higher than this
    • Readiness to Travel funding is available to support students with visa costs. Students will be able to apply for this (via the Turing Funding team) after they have been successful in securing their funded place.  

Register Your Interest

Applications are now closed for 2025 programmes, but please reach out to your university to find out about any more summer mobility opportunities such as summer schools