Schiller Madrid Welcomes International Students for the First Edition of Its Summer Program

This July, Schiller International University's Madrid campus welcomed a group of international students aged 15 to 18 for the first edition of its Summer Program, an immersive experience designed to combine entrepreneurship education, cultural exploration, and university life in Spain's capital. 

Participants from Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Morocco, Belgium, France, Italy, and Ecuador spent two weeks discovering Madrid while developing entrepreneurial skills and experiencing Schiller's international learning environment firsthand. 

Key Takeaways

• International students from nine countries participated in the first edition of Schiller's Madrid Summer Program, combining entrepreneurship education, cultural immersion, and university life in Spain.  
• Participants developed entrepreneurial skills through workshops, collaborative projects, and a final business pitch presentation.  
• Students explored Madrid's cultural landmarks and visited Toledo and Segovia to gain a deeper understanding of Spanish history and culture.  
• The program offered a first-hand experience of studying at Schiller, including participation in a Business and Ethics class alongside current students.  
• Students built lasting international connections with peers from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America while strengthening intercultural communication skills.  

Developing Entrepreneurial Skills Through Experiential Learning

A central component of the program was an entrepreneurship course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of innovation, problem-solving, branding, marketing, and business development. 

Throughout the program, participants worked collaboratively on entrepreneurial ideas, exploring how businesses identify opportunities, create value, and communicate their vision. The experience culminated in a final pitch presentation, where students shared their ideas and applied the concepts they had developed during the course. 

Beyond acquiring practical knowledge, students strengthened key skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and creativity—competencies that are increasingly important in today's global environment. 

Discovering Madrid and Spanish Culture

Outside the classroom, students explored some of Madrid's most iconic neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, museums, and public spaces, gaining a deeper appreciation of Spain's history, art, and way of life. 

The program was designed to encourage cultural immersion through direct experience, allowing participants to engage with the city beyond the traditional tourist perspective. From historic districts and world-renowned museums to local neighborhoods and public parks, students discovered many of the elements that make Madrid one of Europe's most dynamic capitals. 

To further enrich their understanding of Spanish culture, participants also visited the historic cities of Toledo and Segovia. These excursions offered insights into Spain's rich heritage, architecture, and traditions, providing valuable context for their broader cultural experience. 

Experiencing Life as a Schiller Student

One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity for participants to experience university life at Schiller International University. 

Students attended a Business and Ethics class alongside current Schiller students, giving them a first-hand perspective on the university's learning environment. These interactions allowed participants to engage with students from different backgrounds while gaining a better understanding of what studying at an international university can offer. 

The experience also provided an opportunity to explore Schiller's campus community, academic approach, and emphasis on experiential learning. 

Building Global Connections

The diversity of the group was one of the defining features of the program. Bringing together young participants from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America created a truly international environment where students could exchange ideas, learn from different perspectives, and form friendships across cultures. 

For the students, these intercultural connections became one of the most valuable parts of the experience. As one participant explained, "It's a great opportunity to learn new languages, new cultures and also elevate your English level." 

Another student reflected on the friendships built throughout the two weeks: "The best experience is the people. I learned new things from other countries, made so many new friends, and this experience made me super open-minded about some things."