Arts Study Abroad Programs in Madrid, Spain

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.