The group departs from Atlanta for Madrid on July 2, 2009, and returns on August 7. All classes are held at the Colegio Mayor de San Pablo, where the program is housed. Students may take a minimum of one and a maximum of two three-hour courses, with class sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays (9:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.). Mandatory field trips are scheduled for Tuesdays (morning classes) and Thursdays (afternoon classes). On the first weekend, the program organizes group excursions, but all weekends thereafter are free so that students may explore Madrid or other parts of Spain, Europe, and Africa.

The Colegio Mayor de San Pablo is one of many student residences located in the ciudad universitaria, or the University City, on the western side of Madrid. The area reflects the presence of the almost one hundred thousand students who live and study there during the academic year at the Complutense University, with its myriad cafés, shops, bookstores, and night spots. Nearby subway and bus stops connect students to downtown Madrid as well as all major points of air, rail and bus travel.