Arts 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!

I absolutely loved Expanish and wouldn’t trade my time there for anything! I hope to return sometime and take classes again, due to the fact that I feel I learned SO much in those 6 weeks! The staff was the sweetest and most supportive, shout out Javier!!

Expanish responded to this reviewJuly 11, 2026

¡Hola, Liberty! Thank you so much for these kind words, you truly made our day! We love hearing that you felt like you learned SO much in those 6 weeks, that's exactly what we strive for with every student who comes through Expanish. We'll be sure to pass along your shout out to Javier, he'll be so happy to know the impact he had on your experience — the whole team is going to love reading this. Expanish's doors are always open for you! Whenever you're ready to come back and take more classes, we'll be right here. Thank you for choosing us and for being part of this family. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!

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.

Being able to have lessons in the morning that helped me develop my grammar, then doing activities and Spanish in the city courses in the afternoon my days we filled with different experiences allowing me to make the most of my one week in Madrid.

Expanish responded to this reviewMarch 21, 2026

Thank you so much for your feedback, Arianna! We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed the combination of morning classes and afternoon activities. It’s great that this structure allowed you to strengthen your grammar while also experiencing Spanish in real-life situations around the city—Madrid is the perfect place for that! Hope we get to welcome you again in the future! ¡Un abrazo!

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

Special Thanks to my amazing teacher Sisilia and all Expanish staff ,they are all super nice and friendly .im very happy with all expanish experience You are the best and im sure that i will be fluent in spanish soon🥰

Expanish responded to this reviewJanuary 20, 2026

¡Hola, Vida! Thank you so much for your lovely message! :) We’re thrilled to hear how happy you are with your experience at Expanish. Cecilia will be especially happy to read your kind words—she’s truly an amazing teacher, and we’re glad she’s been part of your Spanish journey. It’s wonderful to know you’re feeling confident about becoming fluent in Spanish, and we have no doubt you’re on the right path! Thanks again for being part of our community, and we hope we get to welcome you again in the future. ¡Un abrazo!

This month in Madrid was an intense and rewarding experience. The school was truly fantastic, with great teachers and excellent organization. I had an issue with my host family, but it was handled quickly and efficiently. Thanks to the activities, I discovered the city in depth.

Expanish responded to this reviewDecember 20, 2025

¡Hola, Sara! Thank you for your feedback! We’re really happy to hear that your month in Madrid was both intense and rewarding, and that you enjoyed the quality of our teachers and the overall organization of the school. We’re also glad we could resolve the housing issue quickly and efficiently — your comfort is very important to us. It’s great to know that our activities helped you discover Madrid in depth and make the most of your experience. Hope we get to welcome you again in the future for another enriching stay! ¡Un abrazo!

I enjoyed my time at Spanish in Madrid. The staff was very friendly and helpful. What I didn’t like was the group size of 13 (instead of “usually 7, maximum 12”) which didn’t simplify learning and also that I received an email 4-5 days prior the course saying that the first day was a bank holiday and therefore off. If I had known that before I could’ve booked the hotel and flight for one day later.

Expanish responded to this reviewDecember 17, 2025

¡Hola, Patrick! Thank you for sharing your feedback! We truly appreciate your kind words about our staff. Regarding the group size, we aim to maintain a maximum of 12 students per class, but occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances, we may have to stretch that limit to 13. This is a rare occurrence, and we always ensure there is enough space in the classroom for everyone. We also apologize for the short notice regarding the bank holiday. We understand how important it is to plan ahead, and we'll take your feedback into account to improve communication in the future. Hope we get to welcome you again soon!

I truly appreciated the interaction I had with my teachers, they adapted to my needs and requests. The staff around the school is really welcoming and always available to help. The social activities in Spanish (and a bit of English) are a good addition to the private lessons I had.

I hade a great time learning Spanish here. Met some nice new people and I can now order food or coffee all in Spanish and this after just 1 month. Thinking about doing even another month in january because I liked it so much.

Expanish responded to this reviewDecember 14, 2025

¡Hola, Carlijn! Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so happy to hear that you had a great time learning Spanish, met wonderful people, and are already confidently ordering food and coffee in Spanish after just one month — that’s fantastic progress! We’d be delighted to have you back if you decide to join us for another month in January! ¡Un abrazo!

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!!

My semester abroad in Granada, Spain was absolutely unforgettable. I decided to stay with a host family and I lived in their home with another student in the same program. Living with a roommate, we became really close friends. My host family was so kind and welcoming, they included us in everything they did. I learned so much Spanish culture and tradition from spending time with the family. The school was called Center of Modern Languages and I had a mixture of Spanish and Business classes. I loved speaking Spanish in class and getting to know other students. AIFS provided a level placement test at the beginning of the semester so that everyone found courses that were appropriate for their knowledge of Spanish. The classes were very fun and I enjoyed going to class. The AIFS program excursions were some of the best experiences/trips that I went on. I was blown away by the Morocco trip as well as the Seville/Córdoba/Gibraltar weekend. The trips were well planned, affordable, and allowed for free time to explore with friends. I made so many connections with locals, got to experience once in a lifetime activities like riding camels next to the ocean, and tried amazing foods. The program application process was hassle-free and the program advisors in Granada are so helpful. I would often visit their office and just chat with them or ask their advice on where to visit on the weekend. They organized cooking classes, art classes, sporting events, and cultural activities like a flamenco show. Granada is such a wonderful city. It is very walkable and the people are very friendly. There are endless tapas bars in the city where you get free food with each drink purchase. I made friends with lots of locals and other students from across the US. I attended exchange club meetings where you get drinks and tapas, and you chat in whatever language you are trying to learn with people from around the world. AIFS did a wonderful job providing opportunities for all of the students in the program to get to know each other. I made a close-knit group of friends and we spent so much time together. I am so thankful for having met them thanks to AIFS. We even visited each other once we arrived back in the US! I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Spain on a more personal scale compared to bigger cities. I think Granada is the most beautiful city, and the Alhambra is a must-see!

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 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 really enjoyed the AIFS summer program in Madrid at the University of Nebrija. I took an invigorating class on the Spanish culture and was able to practice my Spanish language skills in many different settings. In addition to the classes, the program provided us ample opportunities to explore the city and immerse ourselves in the day to day lives of Madrilenos.

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.

Studying abroad was one of the best experience i’ve ever had! I was able to meet so many new people, travel easily, and experience so much. AIFS helped to make this experience this good. Everyone should study abroad and experience living in another country at some point in their life if they are able!

Berlin is a really wonderful and historic city to live in. My German is basically nonexistent and I still felt like I was able to get around fine. The AIFs staff are very supportive, and the organized actives were well structured and thought out. If you weren’t interested in some or all of the activities, you didn’t have to participate and there was plenty of time to do your own thing around Berlin or travel throughout Europe. I didn’t particularly enjoy my academic experience at Humboldt, there were a few good classes but also a few really awful ones. So, if I could do it again I would probably do the AIFS program with Freie Universität academic program.