Architecture Study Abroad Programs in Madrid, Spain

Before Expanish, I struggled to feel confident/comfortable in Spain due to my lack of knowledge in Spanish. Expanish not only allowed me to finally feel comfortable in Madrid, but helped me to really thrive in Madrid. By being able to learn Spanish I felt so much more connected in my Madrid community by being able to build relationships with my gym instructors, the clerks at my regular grocery store, waiters at my favorite restaurant. That changed everything. I also learned and saw so much of Spain and Madrid through the cultural immersion events. It had the most positive impact on my experience and I’m forever indebted to Expanish. The classes themselves were great! My instructor was Aurora. She was very kind and patient which is so necessary when learning a new language. She was also great at explaining new concepts and will repeat it as many times as you need. Everyone on staff is absolutely incredible. Everyone was more than willing to offer help if I needed something. I was having issues with my apartment agency and one of the staff was more happy to call the agency to speak with them in Spanish on my behalf (I didn’t stay in housing that was part of Expanish). It just goes to show how much they care. They all ask questions about you and want to get to know you personally. You’re not just a number at Expanish. If anyone’s considering signing up, I promise you won’t regret it!

Expanish responded to this reviewJuly 25, 2026

Alexa, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a nice review! :) Reading this genuinely made our day, especially the part about feeling connected to your Madrid community, building those everyday relationships that really make a place feel like home. That's exactly what we hope for, so knowing you got to experience that means the world to us. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Aurora, she'll be so happy to read this. And to our team, thank you for noticing and appreciating that extra effort. You're not just a number to us, you're part of the Expanish family, and we love being able to support you even beyond the classroom. Thank you for recommending us and for being such a wonderful part of this journey. It was truly a pleasure having you with us!

My study abroad in Cordoba helped me grow, pushed my boundaries, and highlighted the parts of my life that I deeply value. I was able to view the world through different perspectives and challenge my ideas of what normal was. Finding new ways in which I fit into communities that looked different from the ones I grew up around helped me find different parts of myself. The global variety of people I was able to meet, talk with, and form deep relationships with, helped me understand myself in brand new ways. Additionally, Spain has so many different places with their own distinct cultures, histories, and communities. Being able to explore the different parts of Spain enriched my study abroad beyond my experiences in Cordoba. Studying abroad completely transformed how I will approach new people and situations in the future and fueled my desire to learn more about the cultures, languages, and people that form the world.

I’ve found the Master’s in Bilingual Education at Nebrija to be a rigorous and intellectually engaging program. Several professors stand out for their clarity, strong grounding in theory, and practical classroom applicability—particularly in CLIL methodology and active learning approaches. The program requires a high level of autonomy and time management, especially for students who are also working. For those combining teaching responsibilities with full-time study, it is important to be prepared for an intensive schedule. However, the academic depth and exposure to bilingual methodology provide meaningful professional growth. One of the strongest aspects of the program is its emphasis on connecting theory to real classroom contexts. When students actively engage with the material and apply it in their teaching practice, the learning becomes especially valuable. Overall, the program offers solid academic preparation for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of bilingual education within a European framework. RVF also provided excellent support throughout the application process. Thank you.

I would recommend CIEE to a friend because of how streamlined the process is and how affordable the program is compared to other ones at my university. I also appreciate how there are a lot of opportunities within CIEE to grow, like internships and ambassador programs.

Madrid specifically has awesome staff, good schedule for classes with ability to travel and spend time exploring. Liked taking 2 classes at a time to be able to live fully too. Liked the internship seminar a lot.

I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain with AIFS in Spring 2024, and it was an amazing experience. The staff were supportive from the very beginning (before applying), always responsive and quick to help. When my roommates and I had an apartment issue, it was solved right away, and our director constantly checked in on us. Even months later, when I reached out to one of my directors, she remembered me, which shows how genuine the connections with staff really are. Some of my favorite moments were the cooking class, where we made paella and tortilla de patatas, and the friendships I built; I still talk to the people I met abroad every day. This program also helped me grow personally, especially in communication and problem-solving. I’d recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a program that helps you grow, build lasting friendships, and truly immerse yourself in a new culture.

My time with RVF International as an English Auxiliary in Spain has been nothing short of fantastic. I am ethnically Spanish, but was adopted as a child, so this allowed me to get in touch with my roots. However, no one could have told me the extent to which I would fall in love with Spain and its people. Whether it’s tapas on the street, local dives, or beach trips to Alicante, everything is a lifetime adventure. There are places online that talk about the school experience in a stressful light. In my experience, it was a great chance to grow alongside the kids. Quickly, we adapted to each other, and I’ll miss all of them as I leave the school in San Lorenzo in the coming weeks. The area around my school is stunning, as the monastery is an authentic Spanish treasure. I am a little sad that you can only be in one school for two years, as I’ve formed strong bonds with the students and faculty during my time here. I came to Spain with a base level of Spanish that can only be achieved from an American High School. Needless to say, I wasn’t the strongest speaker. However, in Madrid, everyone was super nice and easy-going from the moment I stepped off the plane. My local alimentacion is run by a couple that speaks no English, but we crossed that divide and now check in with each other every few days if we don’t go to the store. While the city of Madrid offers the hustle and bustle and nightlife of a major city, it also has a sense of tranquility amongst the crowd. This program is 110% recommended for people of all ages looking to immerse themselves in a new culture.

As someone who was completely new to the process of applying for a master’s program—especially abroad—I was feeling pretty overwhelmed at first. I had no idea where to start or what steps to take. Then I found RVF!! They made everything so much easier than I expected. From day one, the team walked me through the entire process in a way that was clear and manageable. They explained everything I needed to know, helped me gather the right documents, and stayed in touch regularly to make sure I was on track. What seemed complicated at first quickly became doable thanks to their guidance and support. They answered all my questions, helped me write a strong application, and made sure nothing fell through the cracks. Because of them, I got accepted into a great master’s program and feel confident about this new chapter. If you're new to this process or just need someone to help you navigate it smoothly, I can’t recommend RVF International enough. They really made something that felt intimidating feel super achievable!!

Studying in Madrid with CEA Capa was so much fun! It was truly a life changing experience and CEA made it as smooth as possible. CEA is super helpful with finding housing for you and helping you get set up with roommates, as well as flights, a ride from the airport, a metro card, etc.. It is a huge leap to leave the country for months at a time, but CEA makes it feel so easy. This is such a once in a lifetime opportunity and I really grew so much from being immersed in a different culture for 3 months. I made lifelong friends and memories that I will hold forever. Madrid is also the perfect city to live in for study abroad! It is great if you are looking to work on your Spanish skills and challenge yourself to leave in a busy city environment that highly values relaxation and fun!

My name is Sebastian Aguilar, and I am currently a student at Texas A&M International University. In the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, through the Hispanic Studies Program at Universidad de Nebrija. If you’re considering studying abroad in Madrid, I highly recommend partnering with AIFS. My experience with AIFS was exceptional—they provided comprehensive support, opened doors to valuable networking and career growth opportunities, and laid the foundation for enduring professional relationships. During my time in Madrid, I was fortunate to have the support of Lucas Zugasti, the Madrid Student Services Advisor. Lucas ensured everything ran smoothly, from apartment check-ins to organizing engaging student activities, and he offered invaluable practical advice about student life in Madrid. Additionally, Barbara Franconi, the Director for Buenos Aires & Madrid, played a pivotal role in my journey by encouraging me to apply for the AIFS ambassador program. This role has been instrumental in my professional development, allowing me to expand my network, advance my career, and build lasting connections within the AIFS community. Academically, I enrolled in an International Management course taught by Professor Omar Espana Arrieta. His expertise in international business was evident through his innovative teaching methods, which included student-led projects and professional presentations. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the business world. The class also provided valuable networking opportunities with fellow students with similar professional goals. For those contemplating studying abroad, my advice is to take the leap and start the process. While everything may not align perfectly, the key is to begin. Whether it’s applying for scholarships, seeking grants, or exploring different program options, AIFS is there to guide you every step of the way.

I spent the fall of my junior year abroad in Madrid, Spain, and it was the best decision I had made for myself. Through CEA CAPA Programming and Housing assignments, I met some of the best people I have ever met. My eight roommates and other friends supported me endlessly during my time abroad. My favorite memory is the 24-person Friendsgiving my roommates and I hosted; that was the moment we all knew how abroad had impacted us and our long-lasting friendships. The most common questions regarding my experience from people interested in going abroad are about academics, social life, and traveling. I studied at the Universidad de Carlos III in Spain, and only half of the classes I took during my time abroad were related to my major. The rest were considered general elective credit because I knew I wanted a more flexible schedule when I was abroad. I would say that they were at about the same difficulty level as my home university. Another question I often get is about the commute to campus. In my opinion, Madrid has one of the best metro systems in Europe. It is incredibly convenient and easy to understand. My apartment was in Madrid, and the Carlos campus is in Getafe, a little out of Madrid. I took the Cercanias train straight to school from my apartment, and the commute took about 45 minutes. I wish it was shorter and at first, I thought commuting was crazy, but my roommates and I got used to it. It was also one of the first times I had ever experienced public transportation alone. I also structured my classes so that I only had to commute there and back once a day, and I spent time in the library between classes. One of my favorite memories is that my friends and I always got a cafe con leche and a pastry for 1.60 euros daily between classes. The social life in Spain is very alive. There was always something new to do, and it felt like the city had never slept. Our favorite tapas place is called Malaspina in the city center. The staff laughed every time we walked in because of how often we would go. My friends and I also loved to explore new places in different neighborhoods. My favorite neighborhood was Malasaña because it felt young. My favorite trip was to Sevilla, which CEA CAPA organized. It was a beautiful location, and the trip felt stress-free. Not only were all my friends on this trip, but we could take our time rather than feel like we had to be on the go compared to other trips I had been on. The program also organized different optional tours during this trip, making coordinating easier.

I had the best time abroad with CEA CAPA! I felt so supported every step of the way. It can be very overwhelming trying to get a visa, knowing what to pack, and booking flights but I felt so supported with an advisor from the CEA staff. Once I landed in Spain I got picked up from the airport and there was always someone there for me to talk to with any questions. Regarding safety and health there was so much help if you needed to go to the doctors or get some help. Highly suggest CEA.

A striking impression of CEA CAPA is the staff, who facilitate one’s dream of studying abroad. Throughout each step in the process, I am grateful for the staff and their understanding of my questions, concerns, and curiosity about the opportunity to go abroad. Throughout my term abroad, the CEA CAPA team in Madrid served the students with genuine joy to share their unique culture with those from abroad and excelled at serving the students in a wide-ranging capacity, from housing to excursions––ensuring students felt included and excited to explore. I am certain that my experience abroad would not have been the same without the dedication and joy of the Madrid CEA CAPA team. I am so grateful for my wonderful experience abroad in Madrid, Spain!

CEA responded to this reviewMarch 16, 2024

Hi Caleb! Thanks for your review. We're so glad you felt the dedication and joy from the CEA CAPA Madrid team and got to enjoy your wonderful study abroad experience!

The CEA CAPA staff was incredible at making my time abroad exceptional. They planned awesome excursions and activities and were always there to help! I greatly enjoyed my classes as well. Furthermore, my accommodations were wonderful, with AC and heat, a dishwasher, and a washer/dryer. Plus, I lived right next to the royal palace!

I am so happy I chose AIFS program to study abroad in Madrid for summer 2023! I would recommend this program to my friends and family who have an interest in studying abroad, even consider it doing it again myself. The entire process went smoothly for me from applying, to the flight and transportation set up as well as living arrangements. I got to stay in an amazing neighborhood and the apartment was nice and big to accommodate my rooomates and I. This experience was life changing and one I would never forget, I was lucky enough to not have any issues at all with my study abroad experience which for me made this a smooth easy journey ! Don't even give it a second thought just go for it if this is something that interests you !

I enjoyed my time studying with CEA CAPA in Madrid, Spain. The on-site staff was extremely helpful and made my experience great. I had awesome housing in an apartment and could easily walk to school. I highly recommend studying at Univeridad Nebrija in Madrid to improve your Spanish language knowledge and learn more about other interesting topics regarding Spanish culture.

I loved my experience with CEA CAPA because of how user friendly they made their program online. Prior to starting the program so many emotions are brewing and CEA CAPA is there to remind you every step of the way that you are not alone! Included excursions are definitely a bonus too.

I lived with a host family during my time in Madrid with Middlebury College. It was amazing and I loved my host family. They cooked the best meals and cared a lot about me. I still am in contact with them. :) As much as it was challenging, the grammar class helped me perfect my Spanish whereas, in the other classes, I was using my Spanish and learning about a variety of subjects. These courses were very interesting and gave us the chance to immerse ourselves more in Spanish Culture with classes on the anthropology of Spain, literature and art of Spain, Arte del Museo del Prado, and more. Most importantly, I improved my Spanish so much and feel so comfortable in it. I loved this program and would have stayed for a second semester if I could!

My overall experience in Madrid in summer 2023 was life changing and changed my perspective on a lot of things. I learned a lot about myself and met some of the coolest people ever whom I am still friends with now. My experience was due to AIFS and although it had its faults like an outdated contract and some miscommunication, it was still a very good experience for me and everyone involved I feel. It really did feel like a mini community of friends but integrated in another culture, specifically spains. I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Madrid, and also liked the experience of the Middlebury program. Those in charge of the Middlebury program were some of the most welcoming and kind people I have ever met. I do believe the program was very rigorous and demanding in terms of schoolwork, requirements, and grading. Their cultural engagement opportunities were amazing, and my time in Madrid was made better due to the Middlebury program