European Studies Study Abroad Programs in Madrid, Spain

I very much enjoyed my time in Córdoba, the program was smaller than other programs in Spain and it felt like we got fairly close pretty quickly. The town was a maneagable size while still having several place to visit. Kim Griffin is one of the kindest and most supportive people to run an abroad program, she was there at every step of the way making sure that we felt supported academically, emotionally, and in general. She drove me to the hospital when I had a minor health concern, she showed us many parts of Córdoba that she had a deep knowledge of, and she hosted us at her house for an end of semester pool party.

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.

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!!

I'd be likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a peer for a beginner international abroad experience. The program helped guide me through traveling international and the leaders guiding us were amazing throughout the process.

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!

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

I had a lovely time here, although it was not without flaws. The amenities were not great especially considering how much we paid to be here. The company guilt tripped and body shamed us. But I made innumerable new friends and had experiences that I will cherish forever.

Very nice experience, learned a lot. People I’ve met here are now friends I will still be in contact with. The internship was where I learned new skills and networked with people within the fashion industry and got inspired by being here abroad

I really loved the program and the staff associated with it; I found the staff to be really helpful, caring, and attentive to our needs. Also, the activities (i.e., day trips, academic/advising meetings, and social gatherings) were all very helpful/fun.

It is great how you can choose your courses and the courses were super interesting in the program. The CIEE Madrid, Spain staff is great and super helpful. I loved the excursions that facilitated learning.

I spent a summer studying abroad in Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of author Miguel de Cervantes and just a short train ride away from Madrid, Spain. This was the most memorable experience of my life, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to attend this program. CIEE staff were very supportive in my studies and always available for advice. They were easy to contact before going abroad and provided a detailed orientation upon arrival regarding safety and facilitating friendships. I took classes Monday through Thursday at the University of Alcalá, and classes were mixed with CIEE students and students from other universities and programs. I would take two classes each day and be done by siesta period to relax. I would visit local shops to get cafe con leche or freshly squeezed orange juice in between classes. The courses themselves were interesting and directly applicable to my experiences in Spain (going to Reina Sofia and El Prado and being able to analyze the artwork from the knowledge I gained in the history of the great painters class was awesome) but not overly demanding so I was never stressed about studying. My teachers were very kind and all of my classes were instructed in Spanish so I was able to use the language frequently. I gained so much confidence in speaking Spanish and now have an extensive vocabulary. CIEE also had an office space in the university so they were easily accessible and available to chat. On Friday, CIEE offered optional but exciting trips and activities. My personal favorite was our kayaking trip in a reservoir in Madrid, but others included day trips to Segovia and Toledo as well as guided museum, castle, and church tours. I felt that they genuinely cared about me having a good time while also immersing me in Spanish culture and promoting my education. I personally lived in the dormitory which was a great option as I had dining hall access and air conditioning. My room was huge with great storage, a private bathroom, and a kitchenette. There were also various study rooms, a courtyard with a soccer field, and a gym. I had to make this choice because I have food allergies, but the facility was incredibly accommodating and located only 2 minutes away from the university by walk! I made many friends in the dorm and lived with a roommate, although I have heard great things about the homestay options, too. I did not feel separated from my friends who opted to live in homestays as they were only a short bus ride away or walking distance. I was right by the Plaza de Cervantes which is surrounded by many restaurants and there is always something to do. I loved the free museums and concerts that the town offered. The easy access to Madrid allowed me to visit whenever I wanted. I felt this helped me build independence and I loved the Rastro market on Sundays. The selection of restaurants, parks, and activities is incredible, and there was always something new to explore. The menu of the day made meals with friends really affordable but still delicious - I miss the Spanish tortilla (omelet), Russian potato salad, and “broken eggs.” Further, the Atocha train station was convenient as it allowed me to travel to other places including Granada, Valencia, and San Sebastián. Public transportation was also widely accessible and made this easy to accomplish. Overall, I am so lucky to have spent the summer in Alcalá de Henares which is filled with such amazing history, beautiful sights, and close proximity to Madrid! I made many friendships that I will cherish forever and have developed a strong love for travel. I had previously never been to Europe but I am desperate to return.

Now I know what you're thinking. "The title says January but the title says summer!" I am aware, however, the program description is similar to my time abroad in the summer, and also goes to show that there are more CIEE study abroad options as well! :) With that being said, my time abroad in Madrid, Spain was great! I remember first being hesitant about fully committing to the program since there were so many things going on in the world at the time, but I decided to get out of my comfort zone and go for it. I’m extremely glad I went that route because the memories I created are now unforgettable. First is the people. Going alone was one of the reasons why I was hesitant to go abroad in the first place. I decided to just stick it out and go. Who would’ve thought that the people I met there would be so fun to hangout with, despite being in a whole different country. Conversation came easy between us all and making plans while in Madrid came smoothly. The staff at the CIEE center were really cool and easy to talk to too! If my friends or I ever had any questions, comments, concerns, or just wanted insight on where to get the best Paella from and overall tourist recommendations (as well as the hidden treasures throughout the city of course), the staff at the CIEE center never failed to provide. As for the people in Madrid, for the most part, they were all pretty friendly and helpful if we ever had directions questions or anything similar to that matter. Of course, being a woman, you’ll receive your fair share of catcalling and long stares, but truth be told, it’ll be like that wherever you go in the world. Next, comes the sightseeing and scenery. Madrid was honestly such a beautiful place. It definitely had its more traditional parts and old architecture but also provided more urban and modern areas as well. The public transportation - in reference to the metros - was SO convenient. I could literally go from one end of Madrid to the other in a short amount of time, and I honestly liked how normalized taking public transport over there is. However, something to be cautious about is pick-pocketing. Pick-pocketing is extremely common in Europe, including Madrid. In fact, my friend briefly put her cross-body bag behind her, and when she turned it back in front of her, she had her phone stolen from her bag. This was only the second day of being abroad too. On a lighter note, I’m also big when it comes to cafes, so cafe hopping is a MUST here, and I promise you will not be disappointed. Of course, while in Madrid, you have to visit well-known spots such as El Parque de Retiro, Plaza Mayor, The Royal Palace, Sol, and much more. Now the most important part, is the program itself. The class I took and was getting credit for was called Arts and Activism. Classes were Monday through Thursday, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. My class days mainly looked like: 1) waking up at the dorm and getting ready 2) having breakfast then taking the metro down to sol 3) have class 4) then having the evening to do homework, dinner, and spend time with friends. The dorms we stayed at were really nice and acquiring transportation cards was fairly easy. One thing I wished CIEE could've done better is to reach out in regards to what to pack and bring. I had to ask previous alumni who did the same program I did what to and not to bring, as well as do my own research. I could go on about how cool this program is, but do feel free to check out for more info as well as reach out directly to me! And remember: bring your Euro-plug and/or voltage converter, a small hand-held fan, and be prepared to walk!!

I would be extremely likely to recommend CIEE to a friend because of how well CIEE accommodated my stay in Madrid. I was very satisfied with the living situation they chose for me, I appreciated all of the. interactive events and trips they took us on and I enjoyed the classes that they provided with well accredited professors. Overall the program was very enjoyable and made me feel comfortable while I was abroad.

CIEE makes sure every student has a personalized and great experience with the country one has chosen to study in. No matter the distance you may be from home, the staff makes you feel at home. Every one is so caring and want you to thrive while abroad. CIEE allows one to immerse themselves into the culture and make long lasting friendships by hosting programs. I overall had a great experience and encourage everyone to study abroad through CIEE

This has been one of the best experiences of my life and that is largely due to CIEE. It is a wonderful organization that truly cares about the students that are studying abroad with them. All of the staff I have interacted with have been so wonderful and have made it clear that they will go above and beyond to make my time here great.

The three block program is very unique in that students are fortunate enough to visit 3 different cities. I also appreciate that every second week of the block students are able to go on a weekend trip that has most expenses paid by the program. This program is definitely worth the cost.