Creative Writing Study Abroad Programs in Madrid, Spain

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 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 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!

Being able to live abroad and getting the full cultural experience was life changing. I never wanted to leave! My roommates in the apartment were so nice and we are all still friends and it has almost been 2 years!

I absolutely loved my experience in Madrid. I made so many life long friends and had a wonderful time immersing in a different culture and experiencing a University outside of the United States. There were a plethora of things to do and experience on a daily basis and I truly recommend studying in Madrid, Spain. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to study abroad. I definitely recommend this program! My living accommodations were amazing and the program managers were wonderful as well. There are so many opportunities for students to experience life throughout this program.

I can honestly say my semester abroad was the peak of my life. This was with help from Lucas, the program manager, as well as meeting some really great friends. Some highlights were the aifs trip to Morocco, where we were able to meet the Barcelona and Sevilla students. The trip to Granada was amazing as well. I have recommended AIFS to everyone as I believe it is the best study abroad program that universities have to offer.

I would not have traded my Semester in Madrid for anything in the world. It was an experience I will never forget and nothing will ever compare to. I think Madrid is a great location if you love the hustle and bustle of a city and don't mind being far from the coast. I will say that is the one thing I missed while I was in Madrid, I've been lucky enough to always live near the coast in my life but this semester was an exception. But on the other hand, Madrid is a prime location if you're looking to travel Europe being that you're right near one of Europe's largest and most important airports. It is extremely easy and fairly inexpensive to travel around Europe from Madrid (easier than from other cities in Spain anyway). The nightlife in Madrid is so widely varied that no matter what type of experience you're looking for you're guaranteed to find it there. Spain in general is a great place to study abroad if you're looking for new experiences. If you like to try new food, listen to some new genres of music, and try out a new way of life, Spain is the place for you. API is a great program to study abroad with because they plan a number of great trips and organize some fun cultural events throughout the semester as well. They make the study abroad experience so smooth and comfortable that it becomes easy to feel right at home in your study abroad location. They were always extremely helpful when it came to needing to go to the doctor, to advice on ways to travel, to help with the language, etc. Suffolk University is a good school to attend if you're looking for an experience similar to that you would receive at any American university. The courses are fairly challenging but the variety of classes are slightly lacking. If you are coming from another university, make sure to look at the course offerings in advance and be sure that they are offering courses that are applicable to your major/minor. The professors there seem to be good overall and the staff there are extremely friendly. It took me a little bit longer than expected to settle in but at the end of the day I absolutely loved my experience living and studying in Madrid.

Program was really well organized and offered various opportunities to get exposed to the city and other parts of Spain. Amazing weather. Locals are extremely friendly and helpful.

Overall a good program. I recommend it. Just bring someone else along if you're not from NYU. Madrid is much better if you've got a friend in the city.

I loved Madrid, it was an amazing experience.

It was a great experience for me except for the homestay where I was cooked pasta every single dinner, hardly traditional. The planned trips were great.

My year in Madrid totally changed my life! I returned and got a Ph.D. in Spanish and Latin American history from the University of Washington. I taught at St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges in Minnesota. In 1975, when Franco died, my Spanish family (which had been very active in the Spanish Civil War)sent me their life savings which I invested for them in the U.S. for 15 years until democracy was firmly established in Spain. I stayed in regular contact with "Madre" until her death in the 1990"s. What an experience! Thank you NYU.

I was at the Universidad de Carlos Tercera and loved it. School was a lot harder than I expected. I recommend it-- all classes in Spanish and I had a great host family.

Great time overall - great weather. A few issues: 1. food in homestay sucked 2. need more exposure with madrilenos. Warning: food in Madrid is horrible. other parts of Spain, much better.