IES Abroad Madrid – Language & Area Studies

I really enjoyed my time abroad in Madrid with IES! During my semester I was able to experience a new culture and immerse myself in the language. I really enjoyed that IES organized a lot of activities with local students so we could meet Spaniards and learn about what life is like in the city for them. All of the field trips were super cool and I learned a ton about the country while also getting to see beautiful places I wouldn't have gone otherwise. I lived in a dorm and although the dining hall wasn't the best, I had my own room and own bathroom that got cleaned twice a week, plus free laundry service, and it was in a super convenient location (all of my classes were in the same building). I would definitely recommend this program if you're looking to experience life in a big city and immerse yourself in the Spanish culture!

I had a wonderful time and learning experience this past summer studying in Madrid with IES Abroad! I took a course on the History of Madrid as well as one discussing women writers from Spain and Latin America, and I was pleasantly surprised by the extent to which I enjoyed the content and professors alike. In addition to mini "field trips" to notable museums or locations in the city via my history class, the larger program offered day trip excursions and events in the community, such as attending a Flamenco show, learning how to make paella and torte de Santiago, and regular meetings with Spanish students for conversation and fun. I experienced a great balance of coursework/guided activities and time to explore Madrid on my own. I got to tour castles, swim in the mountains, and learn a Spanish card game. I also got to shop local markets, see outdoor concerts, and even play pickup soccer in the park. I'm grateful for my time studying abroad...and I look forward to an opportunity to go back!

I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain in the semester of Spring 2022. It was quite literally one of the best periods of my life so far, both personally and also academically! I made some incredible friends, got to learn about a new culture, practice and improve my Spanish skills enormously during my time there. Madrid itself is also an incredibly city to live and study in. It's full of culture, life and things to do. It also has amazing transportation systems, healthcare and the people are super friendly and welcoming too. The IES staff were also so incredibly helpful during my time abroad. They were there to help with any issues I had, which was greatly appreciated. The classes were also fun and interesting, even though they were pretty different in comparison to how US classes work. My housing was great too, I had my own dorm with plenty of space and an en-suite bathroom. It was a 3 min walk away from my classes and a 10-15 min walk from the metro station, shops, etc. I couldn't have lived in a more central location. Overall, I would recommend this program to ANYONE interested in studying abroad, even if you feel your language skills are not that strong - this is a great chance to improve them whilst having fun doing it! It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should do it.