CIEE College Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain

There is no such thing as a typical abroad experience. As a college junior, I decided to do course work in Madrid, Spain and gained a cross cultural understanding that will last a life time. Many college students who study abroad visit Europe. Europe is in fact part of the Western world. My time in Spain does share similarities to other university students who visit Europe: being in a new place, trying new food, learning a foreign language. However, what I hope to be our greatest similarity is an expanded worldview and new appreciation for other cultures. There is no such thing as a typical abroad experience, but many instances abroad shape students to come to the same realization: the world is much bigger than it seems. This program helped me feel comfortable in other city in a way I did not think was possible, Madrid felt like my home.

Madrid is a remarkable city. I loved it. As others have said, the city offers everything and can fit for anyone and any activity. At least 3 times a week, I would wonder the streets by myself or ride to a random metro stop and explore the city. I am returning to Madrid this spring and could not be more excited

My favorite day of the week while studying abroad was tuesdays. I, along with my closest friends, had classes in the morning but the entire afternoon off. We would go to the famous sandwich shop at Carlos III and then go to retiro to eat these delicious sandwiches. It doesnt sound like much. But, when you felt true spanish hospitality and love from the sandwich shop owners, then took easy metro to the park, and then laid in the park on a sunny beautiful day at retiro watching people all relax and slow down... then it becomes something special

the CIEE program was great. Highly recommended-- the staff, the programming, the trips, the filed trips, the center, the host family, everything was good

My time with CIEE Madrid was amazing! From before I left the States to when I made to Madrid, it was smooth sailing. The Director and staff made themselves available to answer all my questions and ensure the transition was smooth. While I was in Madrid they offered lots of assistance for the classes and made recommendations for things I should try out in Madrid (& they never steered me wrong). I had such a wonderful time in Madrid, I hope to return one day and live there for a few more months. Thanks CIEE Madrid for making such a positive and lasting impact!

Studying abroad in Madrid through CIEE was the best decision I have made in my life. Not only did I perfect my Spanish speaking, eat delicious food, and make friends for life. This program also allowed me to grow as a person. I will never forget the memories I made on this trip, and the experiences I had that continue to influence me every day. The support and compassion from the program staff is unparalleled, and they will ensure that you have the best experience possible.

A single story could not possibly be sufficient in explaining my experience with the CIEE Liberal Arts program in Madrid. Instead, I'll offer a few examples that I think are definitive of my experience and will likely help answer a few questions students considering this program may have.

First, the city itself. Finding the right mix between a large city with lots to do and a small city with character and community vibes was important- and I found Madrid to offer a perfect mix. While the city of Madrid may be massive, the program is located right in the center of Madrid where boutique bars/restaurants, historical sites, and eclectic neighborhoods all seemed to fit together within a 3-mile radius. It was navigable and communal yet continuously exciting and full of new places to explore. Whether you want to party at 10 a story club, bar hop, get lost in a modern art museum (Reina Sofia), row a boat or run around a beautiful (and massive) park, Madrid truly has something for everyone.

Traveling was huge- Madrid's location combined with the flexibility of the CIEE program enabled us to take weekend trips throughout Europe and even Africa (Morrocco)! Flights to Amsterdam, Germany, Italy, and more were all affordable and easy.

Last but not least- the people. Between the CIEE staff and my host family, everyone was positive, interesting, and awesome! Living with a Spanish speaking family, immersing yourself in their culture and traditions, learning about their hobbies and world view...it was phenomenal. I finished my semester abroad over 2 years ago, and to this day I still genuinely miss all of the wonderful people I met while I was there.

While you may be thinking that an experience of a lifetime can come from any study abroad program- I believe that the CIEE Liberal Arts program is a step above the rest. They clearly put a tremendous amount of thought and effort into making the students' experiences as memorable and enjoyable as possible. They allowed us to be independent yet still spend time together with the right mix of group events/trips, class offerings, and general flexibility. This program is a great decision for any student considering studying abroad- I assure you- you'll never regret it!

I studied abroad for the spring semester in 2015. I was a junior and a Spanish/Economics double major. I had already been to Madrid once, but only for a few days.

I really didn’t know what to expect going into the semester but I certainly landed in the right place.
The whole CIEE setup is great. Paco and the team are cool and incredibly welcoming. Paco also knows just about everything about everything in Madrid and is always willing to help! The good people at CIEE make you feel at home, plan group events to help you meet the other kids in the program, pair you with a host family, introduce you to the university, and help you pick your classes. I never had any issues and thought they did a great job.

I took five courses in Spanish to count toward my Spanish major. Some classes were harder than others but the workload is very manageable. My host family was great and I can't wait to see them again. Daily interaction and speaking Spanish with host mom, host dad, and host bro was definitely one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.

Madrid itself is an beautiful place. People, culture, nightlife, food are all awesome. I traveled a fair bit throughout semester but definitely less than others because I was totally happy spending weekend in Madrid.

The experience is ultimately what you make of it. If you go in with an open mind, embrace trying new things, and are comfortable leaving your comfort zone, you will have a great time!

The CIEE Liberal Arts in Madrid program was easily one of the best decisions I made while in college. The site staff were the most welcoming group of people I could have expected. From the get-go they really made sure you felt at home in a new country. The program's homestay matching system set me up with a host mom who I still speak to this day (after almost two years!). The classes at Carlos III were very eye opening—especially the language classes, which surprised me. Being able to take classes with members of your cohort, other abroad programs, and Spanish students really allowed for diverse learning. I came out of this program with fluency, friends, and a love for Spain that has not faded.