Location
  • Spain
    • Madrid
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Anthropology Architecture Cultural Studies European Studies History Political Science
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English
Oct 04, 2023
Jan 23, 2024
12 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Study abroad at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid, Spain with USAC! Students interested in pursuing studies in Spanish language or Spanish and European studies will have ample course options to do so. Students will have the exciting opportunity to practice their developing language skills with local Spaniards in one of the great capital cities of the world. Explore the city through field trips and free time, visiting museums, viewing magnificent architecture, eating amazing food, and attending cultural events with friendly locals.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

LGBTQIA+ Support

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. USAC has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.

Accessibility Support

USAC is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

Impact

Sustainability

Environmentally-conscious students choose USAC because many of our programs are held in some of the most sustainable countries in the world. There are options to take coursework in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country.

Program Highlights

  • Enjoy the benefits of living in one of Europe’s most vibrant (and comparatively affordable) capital cities: visit Madrid´s world-famous museums (must-sees for Art History students), experience its fabulous nightlife, explore its unique neighborhoods
  • Join field trips to see the famous windmills of La Mancha, the stunning medieval cities of Toledo and Segovia, the imposing monastery of El Escorial
  • Immerse yourself in Spanish culture: visit newly refurbished food markets and sample its delicious cuisine, join the language partner exchange program at the university, or volunteer at a local school
  • Take advantage of Madrid´s “Río”—an area where you can play sports or go for a walk

Scholarships

USAC logo

USAC Scholarships and Financial Aid

USAC awards over $2 million in scholarships and discounts each year to assist students with their study abroad expenses.

Value
$500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 28 reviews
  • 5 rating 92.86%
  • 4 rating 7.14%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.45
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.75
  • Housing 4.6
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 28 reviews
Default avatar
Tara
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unexpectedly life changing

I decided to study abroad somewhat on a whim. I had studied Spanish for over four years, and was really looking to put my language skills to the test while tapping into the global field of my main studies. USAC staff were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive; I never felt unsure of what resources they were ready and able to provide for me. Spending two months in Madrid over the summer was amazing, and while it took a lot out of me as a first-time international traveller, I would do it over and over again if I could.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
On my way home, I missed my connecting flight due to delays on my first flight. I had only been in an airport twice before, and the Dulles airport is huge. Luckily, the airline (United) that USAC used for the group flight had great coverage and I was able to get on the next flight home (same day) without having any complications. Being able to self-soothe in moments of high stress like that really helps.
Pros
  • Language challenge
  • Friendly and safe city
  • Lots to do
Cons
  • Program flies by
  • Living accommodations somewhat costly
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brooke
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Love Abraod

USAC coordinators Sarah and Gabriela were so welcoming from the start! They were honest, friendly, and always made sure every member of the program felt safe and at home. The living accommodations were amazing, as well as our landlord, and the transportation access was so helpful. I had a great time abroad and believe the program gives students the leniency to do what they want, but also follow correct safety guidelines. We were very immersed in the Spanish culture and I hope to visit again one day.

What was your funniest moment?
Visiting Segovia and the Royal Palace
Pros
  • Group activities
  • Program Directors and Eloy the professor
  • Accommodation was easy
Cons
  • Spanish professor - Castro was too strict and did not allow for anyone to be late, regardless of metro times.
  • Universidad de Juan Carlos students did not interact with international students
  • Nothing else, loved everything
22 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kathleen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of USAC Madrid

I cannot say enough good things about USAC Madrid. I loved the professors, especially my Spanish teacher who introduced us to numerous Spanish traditions. I also really appreciated the administrative staff who were always happy to answer questions. Finally, I absolutely adored Madrid. I loved living in such a vibrant city with beautiful parks like Retiro, amazing architecture, and fun activities like holiday markets. Leaving Madrid turned out to be the hardest goodbye, and I cannot wait to return.

22 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Yajaira
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Total Immersion!

I could not have been happier with my experience in Madrid! The city is so rich in history and vibrant in culture. The program directors Sara and Gabriela created a welcoming experience far before my program started. I felt prepared and safe to adventure and immerse myself in my surroundings. The downtown co-living residence option was amazing (street I lived on featured in the picture)! I was able to meet international students who gave me great suggestions on where to eat, where to go, and most importantly where to shop for groceries! The metro system was so easy to navigate-- especially with a central location like I had, but I absolutely loved how walkable the city was. The city is LGBTQ+ friendly and if you are looking for community stop by Chueca! My selected course delved into the LQBTQ+ history of Spain and drew comparisons to the history in the U.S., which was taught by my amazing professor Eloy! He made the material engaing and interactive by taking us to local queer archives and NGOS. Truly I could not have asked for more. Don't think twice about studying abroad in Madrid!

Pros
  • Amazing Public Transport
  • Access to International Travel
  • Potable Water
36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jennevee
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thank you USAC!

Everyone says studying abroad will change your life, but you’ll never understand it until you do it yourself. Nothing will ever compare to challenging yourself to push beyond your personal boundaries. To me it was very hard to leave home. I was crying leaving my home state, but also crying leaving Spain. It was sad to see such a great experience come to an end, but I’ve made friends and memories that will last forever. Thank you USAC for the best experience ever! I can’t imagine not going through USAC. They were the best help with everything.

Pros
  • Travel
  • Study
Cons
  • Cost
37 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best month of my life

I always knew that I wanted to study abroad in college, I have been studying the Spanish language for the majority of my life. My experience with USAC was terrific; the faculty and USAC advisors are people that I will never forget, they were so helpful, and their positivity always made my day better. I was able to immerse myself in another culture and language in a city where I felt safe. I made forever friends, this was an experience I will never forget. The only thing I would have done differently is stay longer. I wish I had more time to experience Madrid and travel on the weekends. There was so much to do in the city I felt like there was so much more to see in Madrid and around Spain.

Pros
  • Lots of things to do
  • many cities close by
  • felt very safe
Cons
  • Didn't feel like there were many super historical (like old European) buildings
  • program was only a month
40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brandon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spring 2023 USAC Madrid

Since I was little, I knew I was different. As a latino-american with an immigrant father from Cuba, the hispanic culture would have been thought to be an everyday occurance in my life. Unfortunately, I was a part of thousands of second generation immigrants who were assimilated to American culture so as to not be viewed as an outcast in society. When the opportunity to study abroad presented itself, I remained indecisive for months before I realized it was something I needed to do to best take advantage of life while in college.
Both USAC and Madrid matched my interests and academic needs the best and I can confidently say for the first time in my life, I felt connected and embraced by a city. The city is beautiful with plenty of things to do, everyone I came across was willing to help, and I was able to live freely. To make it simple, Madrid feels like home. Even after finishing the program, I am currently researching ways to return back to Spain while still fulfilling my career goals.
In my opinion, studying abroad is what you make of it, but no matter what, students will return from study abroad a better person. I don’t see any other experience matching what studying abroad has done for me and will continue to do for me in the future. There was not a single day that I didn’t learn anything and I am forever thankful for the city and the USAC program that showed me a place where I belong. One last thing…¡HALA MADRID!

Pros
  • It is very easy to travel to another city or country for a short period of time
  • There is always an event going on to be a part of
  • The city is very accepting of people from different backgrounds
Cons
  • The food was not as good as advertised on social media
  • You need to be a little frugal. (Ex: use of water, food portions, electricity are much smaller than the states)
  • The weather is very dry!
46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Clara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Craziest Semester of my Life!!

I had an incredible time during my semester abroad! Madrid was the perfect location for me! There are so many things to do in the city, and you are so close to train stations and an airport so you can explore other places as well. I loved living on campus and being super close to my classes. My classes definitely helped my Spanish knowledge grow exponentially, and I completed my Spanish major while abroad. My program supervisors were super helpful and were always there when I needed them! They also let me help make some Instagram content!! Overall my semester abroad was so much fun, and I will be telling my abroad stories forever!

Pros
  • Spanish language immersion
  • Lively city with lots to do
  • Good metro system
Cons
  • Jet lag
51 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hi, great question! We would answer your question with a yes! To learn more about the experience you will have on this program, we recommend contacting the program provider directly, which you can do here: https://usac.edu/usac/contact-us.