Program Spotlight: Madrid, Spain

From its Mediterranean climate to LGBTQIA+ life, Madrid is a study abroad destination dream.

Welcome to Madrid! Whether you came here for the friendly people, diverse culture, LGBTQIA+ community, or just want to practice your Spanish, you’ll never run out of things to do when you study abroad in Madrid, Spain.

Life in Madrid

Madrid is an exciting, vibrant capital city. Located in the center of Spain with Portugal and France on either side of the country, it offers easy access to the rest of Spain, as well as Europe.

The mild, dry Mediterranean climate is perfect for students who want to enjoy outdoor activities, whether that’s hiking the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range or exploring the city’s many neighborhoods by bike.

Students attend a soccer game in Madrid.

You can also visit world-famous museums, enjoy parks and cultural sites, sample tapas at a quaint restaurant, and check out traditional markets — the word “bored” won’t be in your vocabulary when you study abroad in Madrid.

Host institution and academics

Madrid is a University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Specialty Program, meaning that there will be a Resident Director (RD) on-site to help you adjust to life abroad, take you on field trips and tours, and assist you when needed.

You’ll study at the Vicálvaro campus of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, which offers great amenities such as a modern library, computer lab, three student cafeterias, two restaurants, and a gym. The many green spaces on campus make it easy to meet local students and practice your Spanish.

Spain is the perfect place to study art, history, media, culture, and language, and you’ll have plenty of exciting courses to choose from, including elementary to advanced Spanish language classes.

LGBTQIA+ inclusion

If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, you know that studying abroad can present unique challenges. Madrid is home to the largest LGBTQIA+ community in Spain as well as the largest Pride parade in Europe, so finding connection with like-minded folks will be easy.

You can even take courses at the host institution about your experience — past options have included Gender and Communication, History of Gender and Religion in Spain, and LGBTQIA+ Spain.

Immersion activities

From joining campus clubs to having a Spanish conversation partner, immersing in Madrid’s culture will be easy.

USAC also includes several field trips within your program fee, so you can explore surrounding areas for free. Past destinations include Segovia, Toledo, and a kayaking trip in Buitrago de Lozoya.

Meeting locals through sports activities.

What alumni have to say

Here’s what two Spring 2025 alumni had to say about their time in Madrid:

I had an amazing time in Madrid, Spain. There, I learned Spanish, met locals, made lifelong friends and traveled all across the country and Europe. My academic advisors and professors were so helpful every step of the way with supporting not only my academic journey but also my personal one. I would recommend going to Madrid to anyone considering studying abroad! — Beatrice

Sara and Gabriela (the program instructors) were incredible and made my experience exponentially more safe and fulfilling. The professors were great and my Spanish improved significantly! I felt challenged by my coursework without missing out on experiencing the city. I’m so glad I chose USAC because [the] on the ground support felt very secure while I was abroad. — Reagan

Explore your options

Author

Melissa Beals