Hamilton College Study Abroad Program in Madrid, Spain

The Hamilton College Madrid program is really among the best offered by U.S. academic institutions. It combines rigorous language training with cultural immersion and encourages travel. The program requires participants to sign a contract that obligates them to speak exclusively in Spanish and I was surprised with participants' enthusiasm to participate. This, combined with courses instructed in Spanish,ensured that students improved language skills. I frequently use Spanish in my job now, and wouldn't have the same abilities if it weren't for this program. The cultural immersion was unmatched. My homestay was fantastic--they had been hosting foreign students for over a decade and really made me part of the family. In addition to all of this, the program requires students to participate in monthly travel tours that ensure students see most of the country before finishing up their year or semester. These first-rate trips involved wonderful hotels and lavish meals at some of the best places in Spain and beyond: Barcelona, Sevilla, and Lisbon were just a few. None of this would be possible if it weren't for the supportive staff in Madrid and Clinton, NY that make the program what it is. They were always there for guidance and support throughout my year.

I am an alumna of the 2005-6 Hamilton College Academic Year in Spain (HCAYS) I was there both semesters and was very happy with the overall experience.

It was encouraged that students do the entire year, but not mandatory, however I feel I benefited from the language immersion over a longer period of time as well as the advanced grammar classes for 2 semesters. Being obligated to speak in Spanish, though challenging, has paid off, and I recommend the program specifically to students who want to take their Spanish to the next level. Additionally, as someone who was majoring in Hispanic Studies, I was able to fulfill many of my requirements while abroad.

One of the best parts of the program for me was the opportunity to meet students from other schools in the US, many of whom are still my friends today. Travelling to many different cities and locations in Spain we all became very close, and have shared memories that we brought back with us to the US.

Also, for me the home stay was an invaluable tool in practicing my Spanish with native speakers. My family was welcoming and so helpful in navigating the city and learning Spanish culture and customs.

Speaking of learning Spanish culture, one special aspect of the HCAYS is the option to take classes at a Spanish University, which some of my friends did. From what I observed, this was an additional benefit, as these friends were able to interact with peers, and create a network in the city.

Overall, I also had innumerable opportunities to try new things whether it was VERY amateur bull fighting or taking a painting class. I think Hamilton provides a unique experience and a unique opportunity to commit to learning Spanish while enjoying a small liberal arts atmosphere. I am so happy I chose to spend my junior yeat abroad, and very grateful that it was with the Hamilton Program, in fact I loved it so much I recommended it to my brother. He was in the 2010 group, so look out for his review soon.

I did the Hamilton College Madrid Program in the fall of my junior year at Hamilton (2005). A little bit about my abroad experience in Madrid...

The Program: Hamilton started its program in Madrid over 20 years ago, and it is extremely well-run and organized. Hamilton's program is small, which allows you to establish strong relationships with fellow students both within and outside of the Hamilton network. I took an Art History class that met every week at the Prado, a Hispanic women in literature class, and a class on the Spanish economy--all three were great. Students are required to take Spanish as their fourth class, and are placed based on their ability at the beginning of the semester. The language class was pretty good as well, as good as a language class can be I suppose. The classes were small and the group of professors teaching the program was dynamic, dedicated, and engaged with all students. Professors even invited students to their houses toward the end of the semester for dinner and drinks.

One of my best friends at Hamilton opted to do a different abroad program through one of the international agencies like SIT and studied in Salamanca. Her program was significantly cheaper, but it did not sound nearly as well-run and enjoyable. Hamilton doesn't skimp on the program or on its weekend trips around the country. We stayed at really nice Paradores hotels throughout the country, went out to great dinners, drank tons of wine, etc.

Host family: My host family, two señoras who were sisters, was extremely welcoming and had been with the program since its first year. They were well adapted to having students and caring for them, I felt as though I was part of the family and not a foreigner renting a room.

One warning--if you're looking to go abroad and do zero work and drink 24/7, this program may not be for you. The classes, while significantly less strenuous than those taken in the US, are nonetheless somewhat demanding for an abroad program.

All in all, this is a great program and I continue to recommend it to friends and peers.