I went to Madrid not knowing what to expect, where I could go, and who I would meet.

Even before the first day, ISA was able to set my worried mind at ease. We were led through the visa application process and travel planning step by step (this included an airport pick up by ISA-Madrid staff).

On that first day I met my host family, who I still Skype on the weekends, almost a year after my program started. I could not have asked for a more loving and fun family to live with. A single mom, with two kids, would work all day, then come home and cook for us. She treated us like her own and I would argue that we ultimately became family.

Not only that, but the excursions included in the ISA program were a great opportunity to see more of Spain and grow closer to the other kids in the program. Whether it was Toledo, Salamanca, or Granada: we found ourselves immersed in culture and history. I made friends that live all over the US, but I still talk to them and laugh at all of the pictures and memories of our incredible semester away.

Finally, the ISA-Madrid staff was so helpful. Their centrally located office was always open to us to study, hang out, and ask for just about anything. My friends would need to go to the doctor, get a new phone, or figure out where the best paella was and the staff was always there to help.

I had such an amazing experience on my study abroad and I can confidently say that ISA had a large part in molding that.

I studied in Madrid, Spain this last summer and had an amazing stay abroad. I was so nervous going to Spain especially because it was my first time out of the country on my own and I feared the language barrier I may encounter. However, my time abroad turned into an unforgettable journey. I was able to indulge in the rich and beautiful Spanish lifestyle. I watched a real futbol game at the Real Madrid stadium and was even able to surf in the northern beaches of Spain! I made so many connections with students from all over the world and the United States. Studying abroad really opened my eyes both educationally and personally. I would have never dreamed of going to school in Spain, but classes were so interesting because of the different cultures imbedded in each one of the students. Every day was a different adventure and I am so glad I took the chance to expand my international experience.

During my stay in Madrid, I can honestly say I was never bored. There was always something for me to do if I had spare time after classes or on the weekends. There was always another area to explore. I still want to go back and get to know Madrid even better. There was always a new restaurant or cafe to try, but at the same time I found my favorite little spots. The big city feel that Madrid gave me makes me want to return one day to live and work there because I enjoyed the atmosphere so much. The location of my residence was probably another huge part of my happiness. I was literally two minutes walking from the main square in Madrid. I love being in the center of the action, so I couldn't have been happier with my location. I was two minutes away from the metro station. I was 100 yards from a grocery store and plenty of places to eat. I could go on and on for hours about Madrid. I left knowing that someday I'll be back.