Great City, Wonderful People, Unforgettable Experience.

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!