CIEE College Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain

Overall, I had a fantastic time with CIEE abroad in Spain! Their resources are amazing and the on-site staff are just as wonderful. The only thing I didn't like that I had wish I had known sooner was the difficulty of the classes at UC3M. Other than the International School courses, the classes were very difficult. I struggled to pass classes seen as easy at my home university. However other than that, I had no other big complaints about the program and my experience. Definitely recommend to anyone considering!

I had a good overall experience in the CIEE open campus program in the Madrid location. I knew I wanted to study abroad in Madrid, Spain for a long time, and being in the CIEE program makes me glad I decided to pick it. The location of the Aduana and Annex buildings are great, making it easy to explore the city after classes. I also really liked all the staff here as they were welcoming and made the experience positive, answering all questions and doubts I ever had. I really liked my classes, especially how the program is laid out: I like how it's separated in 3 blocks with 2 breaks and 2 classes at a time.

CIEE was a great program to travel with, the staff was super helpful and available. Madrid itself was super safe, affordable and had so much to do. Madrids transportation is also super affordable and easy to navigate. Many people speak English or at least enough to get around in restaurants and stores. The classes weren’t rigorous and the program was pretty flexible allowing for travel time in between blocks and only class 3 days a week made it possible to explore the city and travel to other countries. Overall a great experience!!!! I will never forget it

Studying abroad in Madrid for a semester was one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I landed in Madrid, I was immersed in a vibrant culture that was very welcoming. The city itself is a stunning blend of historical charm and modern energy, with something new to discover around every corner. I enjoyed exploring Madrid's magnificent architecture and lively tapas bars.

Academically, the experience exceeded all expectations. Learning in an international environment broadened my perspective, and I gained a deeper understanding of global business, culture, and communication. My professors were passionate and engaging.

But what made the semester truly unforgettable were the people and the experiences beyond the classroom. I formed lasting friendships with fellow students from around the United States, and together we explored not just Madrid, but the diverse regions of Spain and beyond. Being able to travel to other parts of Spain and Europe on the weekends is truly a privilege that I don't take for granted. CIEE offers students the flexibility to take on these experiences independently.

Living in Madrid taught me independence, resilience, and the value of embracing new perspectives. I will return home with improved Spanish skills, a larger network of friends, and memories that I will carry with me forever. If you’re even considering studying abroad in Madrid with CIEE—do it. It will change your life in the best possible way.

Highly recommend! This program made my study abroad semester amazing! The program pushed me outside my comfort zone. They do a great job of providing you the space to travel and make the semester your own while still ensuring you have all the resources you need to succeed. Specifically, during the first week, the program hosts onboarding events. These really help you slowly integrate into life in Madrid. It also helps you meet people before school starts, which is really helpful in making you feel supported.

This experience has been the best 6 weeks of my life. I’ve learned more about myself and the world. I enjoyed the classes I took since they are not what I normally take. I also enjoyed all the girls being in the apartment, it allowed for us to be closer to each other. I enjoyed how a lot of the learning was done in the classroom instead of outside work. I also enjoyed all the in class field trips where we saw in class material in real life while also exploring the city with someone who knows it well

The past four months I have spent studying abroad in Madrid have been amazing. I have been able to travel to 10 countries and close to 20 different cities! The CIEE program allows you to have the freedom to travel and explore Europe. The staff is friendly and supports you through school work, outside activities, or any accommodations you may need. The school buildings are located in the center of the city which is a great way to get familiar with your new home base. The academic staff is very responsive and accommodating too.

I really enjoyed this program because of the teachers. They all had real-world experience, whether it was professional, personal, or academic, they brought their past learnings to the classroom, making learning really engaging. By learning straight from professionals in their respective class topics, I was able to make real-world applications and ask questions about things past the course material. They also took an active interest in seeing us engage with Spanish culture by giving us recommendations of places to travel, visit, eat, sightsee, enjoy, and more. They treated us like adults, not just students, which made the classroom experience very cohesive. They helped me enjoy Madrid a lot more.