A swift escape to warmer weather is one of main reasons to study abroad in Madrid, but the art, language, historical landmarks, and obsession with sports really make students thrilled to call Madrid their home. Sure, there are plenty of other cities in Spain with a rich culture and friendly people. So, why study abroad in Madrid? There’s only one capital of the country, and it’s Madrid!
Ready to make Madrid your home away from home?
Because Madrid is Spain’s capital, there are opportunities you couldn’t get if you studied in any other Spanish city. In Madrid, you are closer to the center of politics of the country, which means you could find more chances to network with important people.
Also, since Spain is part of the European Union, you get to learn about how this important political system works. The city of Madrid radiates sunshine year round and has a fascinating culture worth studying and experiencing firsthand. Here’s why you should study abroad in this amazing Spanish city.
Why study abroad in Madrid?
1. Improve your quality of education at one of their universities.
Madrid’s universities are known around the world for their excellence in education. Also, living and studying at a university in Madrid will look great on your resume. Living abroad on your own will prove to future employers that you are adaptable, up for challenges, and can learn in many different ways.
2. Live the Spanish lifestyle.
The opportunity to live the Spanish lifestyle in Madrid is reason enough to go! The slower pace of life allows you to develop better relationships with people. Also, the slower pace makes you stop and appreciate life in a new and more thoughtful way.
The Spanish prioritize relaxation so much that they have daily siestas. Because of this, stores and shops will close for an hour or two during the hours of 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for an afternoon nap. So, why study abroad in Madrid? Living in Madrid will teach you how to be open to new ways of life.
3. Madrid is the capital of Spain.
As the country’s capital, Madrid is at the center of Spanish power and politics. This makes Madrid a great city to learn more about Spain itself. Additionally, this is the city to go to if you are interested in studying politics, the European Union, or international relations.
4. ¡Sí! Learn and develop Spanish language skills.
It is absolutely no surprise that Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the capital of Spain. While many people speak English, living in Spain will drastically help with your Spanish language skills.
Being completely immersed in the language is one of the best ways to learn a language. Converse with locals and practice your Spanish daily and you’ll be well on your way to becoming fluent in no time.
READ: 8 Solid Arguments in Favor of Learning Spanish Abroad
5. Visit and observe historical sites.
You’ll get a firsthand glimpse at historical sites like Madrid’s Royal Palace on a daily basis.
Madrid’s history can be traced all the way back to the ninth century. Isn’t that crazy? It’s a perfect location to study history.
Cities like Madrid allow students to throw away their textbooks and go see historical facts and structures up close. Due to its location in the world and in Europe, Madrid has an almost endless amount of history about culture clashes within the country, and it’s a fascinating place to learn.
6. Cost of living is affordable.
A list of reasons to study abroad in Madrid would not be complete without discussing the cost of living. European cities can get expensive, it’s true. However, Madrid is mostly affordable, especially compared to other major European cities like Paris or London! In fact, Madrid is known to be affordable for young people and young professionals just starting out in their careers.
7. It’s easy to get around using public transportation.
Within the city of Madrid, there are trains and buses that can get you around the city with ease. This is especially useful if you have to commute to classes or perhaps an internship in the city.
Madrid is positioned in a great location in Spain, which allows for more learning and traveling within and outside of the country. With a quick three-hour train ride, you could be chillin’ at the beach in Barcelona. Not a beach person? You could also take a weekend trip and fly to nearby Portugal or France for a relatively inexpensive rate.
8. ¡GOOOOOOOOOAL!
Soccer or “fútbol” is the number one most beloved sport in Spain, Europe, and basically the entire world. This sport means a lot to locals, so make sure to participate and see a game or two.
Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are the city’s main teams and they’re known internationally. If you can’t get tickets to any of their games, there are other local teams, national leagues, and international leagues that you can watch. Don’t miss out, watching a soccer game live is a really fun cultural experience!
9. It’s a cultural hotspot!
Madrid is at the center of Spanish culture. Meals in Spain are unmatched. There is sangria, wine, tapas, paella, and so much more. Eat delicious food and sip on a tasty drink when you sit down for dinner, no earlier than 9 p.m. Eating late is part of Spanish culture and it is fascinating and interesting to take part in this tradition.
You’ll find even more reasons to study abroad in Madrid than cheeses to sample in this city.
The cultural diversity of Madrid can be seen in its people, food, and art. Living in Madrid will provide a solid foundation of the classic art scene while also challenging your ideas on what art itself is.
10. Time to network.
As the capital of a major European country, there are so many opportunities to network. Since there are many English-speaking citizens and visitors, it is easy to connect with people to find more opportunities. It’s the perfect scenario to practice and improve your intercultural communication skills before you return home.
11. Just another day of sun!
The weather in Madrid is nice year-round, but especially during the fall and spring. Dry, sunny, not too hot, and not too cold. Madrid is a great place to escape and continue your studies while enjoying the sun outside.
3 study abroad programs in Madrid to get you started
1. USAC SPAIN: Madrid-Spanish Language, Art, & Spanish Studies
- Why? Students on this program can focus on one of two academic areas, the Intensive Language and Spanish track or the European Studies track. With this option, students will be studying on the campus of a real Spanish university, the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos Vicálvaro. Some field trips include excursions to medieval cities in Toledo and Segovia.
- Read University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) reviews
2. ISA Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain
- Why? ISA participants who study abroad in Madrid have even more options to study at a Spanish university. The Universidad Antonio de Nebrija and the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid are great options to learn Spanish language and culture, business and communication, liberal arts, and more. International students will also get the chance to engage with locals at the university.
- Read International Studies Abroad (ISA) reviews
3. Study Abroad at Saint Louis University-Madrid Campus
- Why? Studying Abroad at Saint Louis University - Madrid means visiting local business, having discussions with NGOs, completing internships, engaging in service learning activities, and listening to guest lecturers. Their goal is to take your learning outside the classroom and contribute to the world in a more meaningful way that makes a positive impact.
- Read Saint Louis University - Madrid reviews
Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE
Next steps to studying abroad in Madrid
Ready to make moves and fulfill your dreams of studying abroad in Madrid? Here are the best things you can do next to make it a reality:
- Talk to our Online Advisor. Our advisor will send you five custom program matches based on your preferences—for free! This is the perfect first step to figuring out your study abroad options.
- Save and compare programs on MyGoAbroad. Our free comparison tool makes it easy to search for study abroad programs in Madrid, save them to your profile, and compare them side-by-side. It’s never been easier to find the best study abroad program for you.
- Read articles about studying abroad in Spain. There are tons of helpful resources on GoAbroad to help you find out more about what to expect from a study abroad experience in Madrid.
Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Madrid
Your adventure in Madrid is calling!
There are so many reasons why study abroad in Madrid is a great idea!
You will not regret studying abroad in the gorgeous, culturally rich, and important city of Madrid! The city is easy to get around in, relatively affordable, and has exceptional universities. Madrid is the best location to study and improve your Spanish language skills while immersing yourself in the culture.
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