Winter Study Abroad Programs in Madrid, Spain

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend four unforgettable weeks studying abroad in Madrid, Spain through the ISA WorldStrides program. I took two courses—European Studies and Art in Spain—which dove deep into Spain’s rich history, vibrant culture, and cherished traditions. My classes were held at the prestigious Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, giving me the chance to fully immerse myself in Spanish life and connect with local students and professors. Although I had class every weekday, that never stopped me from experiencing all that Madrid had to offer. By day, I explored the city’s fascinating history—wandering through the Prado Art Museum, touring the Royal Palace, browsing the colorful streets at El Rastro, and strolling beneath the trees of Retiro Park. And when the sun went down, Madrid came alive in a whole new way. Whether I was watching the sunset from one of the city’s many rooftop terraces or dancing in the streets after a late-night dinner, Madrid’s nightlife never failed to amaze me. One of the absolute highlights of my program was a weekend trip to Valencia, perfectly organized by ISA. We ate authentic Paella right where it was invented, met welcoming locals, and spent time building unforgettable bonds with the other students in my program. It was the perfect blend of cultural discovery, friendship, and adventure. Living in Madrid was the best experience of my life. This journey pushed me to grow academically, socially, and personally. I left with a fresh perspective on the world, a deeper appreciation for trying new things, and memories—and friendships—that will last a lifetime. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, I cannot recommend it enough—especially with ISA in Madrid. It will be an experience you will never forget.

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.