Wondering what it’s like to study abroad in Spain? Hear from Emma, an advertising and public relations student from Grand Valley State University, who spent her summer advancing her degree and exploring Spanish culture in Madrid.
Read on to learn more about Emma’s experience with AIFS Abroad and what it’s like being an international student in Madrid.
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination & Term
If you haven’t decided where to study abroad, a good place to start is the AIFS Abroad program search tool,which makes it easy to filter programs based on academic interest, country, term, and more. Still can’t decide? Our team is here to assist! We can help you narrow down your options and pick a program that fits your unique academic and personal goals.
As someone already interested in Spanish culture, Emma didn’t have to think twice about choosing Madrid:
“I chose to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, because I have never visited Spain before! I have been to other countries in Europe, but I have always been interested in learning more about Spanish culture and lifestyle. I would absolutely recommend studying abroad to others. I learned so much about myself, different ways of living, new norms and values, and how people live and interact around the world.”
After choosing a program destination, the next big question is when to study abroad. With semester and short-term programs available throughout the year, AIFS Abroad makes it easy to find an option that fits your schedule.
For Emma, summer was the perfect time to head abroad, and Madrid certainly didn’t disappoint:
“I chose to study abroad during the summer as the timing worked best for my schedule. As I get deeper into my major courses, it made more sense for me to take courses through my home university and general education courses abroad. The vibe of Madrid in the summer was electric. The sun was warm, the museums and churches were beautiful, and the people were so kind and welcoming. The World Cup also took place while I was there, which was possibly one of the best experiences of my life!”
Academics Abroad
There’s something undeniably romantic about studying in an international city. A new academic environment can breathe new life into your studies as you learn from classmates and professors with different backgrounds.
For Emma, meeting new people at her university was a highlight of her experience:
“I had classes with AIFS Abroad students along with students from many other providers and faculty-led programs. The students were not only from the United States, but from all over the world. Meeting new people with different backgrounds and lives was one of my favorite parts of my study abroad experience.”
Another advantage was the university itself:
“I studied at the Universidad Nebrija in the heart of Madrid. The campus was easily accessible by the metro, and it had a beautiful courtyard to sit and catch up with friends and other students.”
At Nebrija University, Emma took two classes that aligned with her major, allowing her to earn credits and advance her degree outside of the traditional school year:
“I took two courses: Digital Marketing and Intercultural Communication. I am an advertising and public relations student, so both of the courses I took were classes for my major. I enjoyed both of the courses I took, but I loved the Digital Marketing course as I have an interest in social media analytics and publicity.”
Language Learning
Don’t let your lack of fluency in a second language stop you from studying abroad! AIFS Abroad offers plenty of study abroad programs that have no foreign language requirements, in addition to many that are designed for language immersion—so you can select a program that fits your preferences.
Emma began her study abroad program in Madrid with little knowledge of Spanish, but daily life in Spain gave her plenty of opportunities to learn and practice the language:
“I was a little nervous at first, as I only knew a handful of Spanish words. I did not need to know Spanish to be eligible for my program; however, I practiced my Spanish every chance I got and learned more of the language by being immersed in the country. My advice with language immersion would be to read and try to pronounce everything around you. Signs, menus, street names, flyers, etc. You’ll start to recognize words and phrases.”
Housing
Studying abroad puts you in a completely new environment, so it’s important to have a home base where you can truly relax when you’re not in class or out exploring. That’s why all AIFS Abroad programs include housingthat’s vetted by our on-site staff who ensure that it’s safe, central, and up to our standards.
Hear Emma describe her experience in a shared apartment in Madrid:
“I lived in a shared apartment with two other roommates. We each had our own bedrooms and shared a bathroom, kitchen, and living room. I [got] randomly selected roommates that I could trust and communicate with, so my experience was great.”
Making Friends Abroad
Want to study abroad but concerned about setting out alone? We’ve got you! AIFS Abroad programs are designed to connect our participants, providing plenty of opportunities to make friends through program housing, as well as included trips and activities.
Emma didn’t know anyone in Madrid prior to her program, but was able to quickly make friends with classmates and other AIFS Abroad participants:
“I did not know anyone in my program before applying. I became close with my roommates very quickly, connecting through similarities, interests, and age. I also always talk to the person next to me when beginning new classes. I highly recommend that future participants do this, as it will ultimately connect you with new people who are having the same experience as you. Going on the planned excursions through AIFS also makes it easy to make friends.”
AIFS Abroad Trips & Activities
AIFS Abroad programs include an itinerary of engaging trips and excursions as well as social and cultural activities that really add to the study abroad experience. They help participants learn more about the local culture and get a real taste for local life abroad:
“My favorite social and cultural activity I did with AIFS was the cooking class. The other students in my program and I had the opportunity to cook four classic Spanish dishes. We made paella, tortilla española, gazpacho, and tarta de Santiago. The experience was educational, fun, and absolutely delicious.”
Cultural Appreciation Abroad
Living abroad gives you a front-row seat to the small cultural differences that shape everyday life in your host country. One such difference that Emma grew to really like was the late mealtimes in Spain:
“I enjoyed Spain’s mealtimes. I grew up eating lunch around noon and dinner around 6:30 p.m. In Spain, the locals eat lunch around 2- 3 p.m. and dinner around 9 – 10 p.m. It is common for locals to stay out late and sleep in, which I realized I thoroughly enjoyed, so I quickly adapted to this cultural difference.”
And when it came to recalling a favorite cultural experience, a live flamenco performance stood out:
“My favorite cultural experience I had while in Spain was watching a live flamenco show. The flamenco style of dance and music originated in Spain. I had no previous knowledge of flamenco art, so having the opportunity to watch the traditional style of art in the country I am studying abroad in was amazing and immersive. It was beautiful.”
Personal Growth
Studying abroad is a chance to not only travel the world and advance your degree—but also to put yourself in a totally new environment that encourages growth at every level. When you study abroad, you’ll learn to navigate a new city and unfamiliar culture, meet people with new perspectives, and become more independent.
After completing your study abroad program, you’ll likely look back and see how much you’ve grown as a person. Emma’s experience was no different:
“During my study abroad experience, I learned a lot about myself, my goals, and what I want to do in the future. I have always enjoyed traveling since I was young and knew that travel would be a large part of my life. After studying abroad, I can now confirm as a fact that I want to build travel and immersion in other cultures into my future career.”
Are you a student who’s ready to take the leap and study abroad like Emma did in Madrid with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
With over 60 years of experience, AIFS Abroad knows how to help college students have the best possible study abroad experience. Our help starts before departure—advisement from our team, as well as pre-departure support and online resources that help you set out feeling confident. Once you arrive, you’ll benefit from our valuable program inclusions such as your housing, activities and excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more.
Studying abroad is a big decision—AIFS Abroad helps you make the most of every moment.
