10
Want to hear from a college student who did a study abroad program in Spain? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad participant Paola from the University of Texas at El Paso who spent her spring semester studying abroad in the artistic city of Madrid.
Read on to learn more about Paola’s experience with AIFS Abroad and what it’s like being an international student in Madrid.
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination & Term
Deciding when and where to study abroad can be difficult for some students (our team can help with that!), but no matter which program you choose, you’re in for unforgettable experiences that will benefit your personal life and help you achieve your academic goals. Here’s why Paola chose Madrid:
“I chose Madrid mainly because they speak Spanish and people who had previously visited told me it was a very lively and warm place.”
Academics
You can imagine the study abroad experience as having two main parts—the cultural learning/living abroad aspect and the school component. While you’ll have plenty of time to explore your host country and immerse yourself in the culture, your host institution abroad and courseload will play a major role in defining your study abroad experience, offering unique academic experiences you can’t get at your home university.
Paola studied at Universidad Nebrija. As she explains, her college experience abroad was one of her favorite parts about living in Madrid!
“I loved going to college [in Spain] because of the methodology over there. Professors interacted with students a lot and assigned team projects, which helped me make friends and connections.
The main difference is that at my [home] university, professors don’t look to connect with students, while in Madrid, they would try to make you participate, understand [you], and create a professional connection. In my home university, no one ever participates when the professors ask questions, but I remember that in Madrid, everyone [did].”
Paola also enjoyed a very comfortable class schedule—her earliest class was at 11:30 a.m., and she had Fridays off so she could enjoy a long weekend. As a marketing major in Madrid, Paola was able to expand her industry knowledge and skills:
“The project that stood out the most was one done for my Online Marketing in the Digital Era [class]. [The goal of the project was] to create a brand. This project was really fun and helped me not only to grow in the creative side of marketing but also in the analytical part.”
No matter what academic interest or major you have, chances are, AIFS Abroad has a great program for you.
Friendships and Social Life
While some students prefer to study abroad with friends from home, others choose to embark on this adventure alone. Taking that first step to study abroad can be a challenge if you’re going by yourself, but it becomes much easier when you remember that you’ll be making fast friends as soon as you arrive at your program destination. Wherever you study abroad, there will be other AIFS Abroad students who are just as eager to make friends—everyone’s in the same boat!
Hear Paola describe her experience building personal and professional relationships in Madrid:
“I built personal and professional connections by approaching my classmates, engaging with my roommates, and embracing new experiences. My advice to future participants is to step out of their comfort zone, take the initiative in meeting people, and stay open to opportunities. Networking with classmates, locals, and professionals can lead to valuable connections.”
If you have trouble taking that first step to make new friends, don’t worry! There will be AIFS Abroad social activities that will help you get to know other program participants—you’ll have new friends in no time.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are a key part of the study abroad experience. They give you insight into the local culture and help expand your global perspective. Every AIFS Abroad study and intern abroad program includes excursions and cultural activities that are designed to help you learn more about your program destination. For example, Paola got to see a traditional flamenco performance in Madrid:
“I attended a flamenco dance show (included in the AIFS fee), and it was incredible. I loved how it wasn’t just about the movement but also the dancers’ facial expressions and emotions.”
Besides activities included in your AIFS Abroad program, you’ll have plenty of time to set out on your own or with friends and try all the cultural activities you like.
Transportation
If you’re an American studying abroad, there’s a good chance you’ll be impressed by the public transportation options. Public transportation makes it easy to get around within your city without spending much money. Plus, there will be additional options to go beyond the borders of your study abroad city to explore your host country and any others within reach. Remember, as long as you’re going to your classes, you can travel as much as you like!
Here’s what Paola had to say about public transportation in Madrid:
“I mainly used the metro and bus, resorting to Uber when they were closed. I recommend future students take advantage of [Madrid’s] efficient and safe transportation system, as it’s well-maintained and rarely has issues.”
Culture Shock
Many people who choose to study abroad experience culture shock. While adapting to a new culture may feel uncomfortable at first, it is ultimately a very rewarding experience. After all, cultural immersion is one of the greatest benefits of studying abroad!
Even though the culture in Madrid is very different from America’s, Paola didn’t have much trouble with culture shock. In fact, she was grateful for her new perspective:
“[One] cultural difference that stood out was how lively the streets always were and the emphasis on balancing work with enjoying life and spending time with loved ones. The cultural experience that helped me grow the most was being exposed to different environments and learning to adapt. Navigating new customs, lifestyles, and perspectives pushed me out of my comfort zone, making me more adaptable and open-minded.”
Housing
All AIFS Abroad study abroad programs include student housing options, typically a homestay, student residence, and a shared apartment. Paola was happy with her choice of study abroad housing:
“I decided to live in an apartment, and I remember feeling scared because I would be sharing it with six girls and only two bathrooms. However, it turned out to be a great experience with hardly any issues. Occasionally, we just needed to remind each other to keep the shared spaces clean and tidy, but it wasn’t a frequent problem.”
On-Site Support Staff
One of the greatest benefits to the AIFS Abroad programs is our amazing on-site support staff that ensure your program runs smoothly. This is what Paola had to say about her support staff in Madrid:
“Lucas and Bárbara, our Program Directors, were always responsive and took great care of us. One thing I appreciated about AIFS was the personalized experience, it felt easy to connect with the staff rather than just being seen as a number.”
Every program destination has on-site staff, including a Program Director, who is dedicated to helping you adjust to your new city, answering any questions, and navigating any issues you might encounter while abroad. They’re also an excellent resource for learning local insights or finding more authentic experiences away from the typical tourist sites.
Final Thoughts & Advice
Study abroad is an experience of a lifetime. Students have unforgettable adventures that help them grow personally as they develop their academic careers. Here’s Paola’s advice to anyone who is going to study or intern abroad:
“Studying or interning abroad will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stay Open-Minded: Embrace new cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Things may be different from what you’re used to!
- Be adaptable: Challenges will come up, whether it’s cultural differences or unexpected situations. Stay calm, explore your options, and use the resources available to you. Ask for help if needed!
- Step out of your comfort zone: Say yes to experiences that push you to grow, whether it’s trying new foods, making new friends, or traveling to unfamiliar places. Don’t be afraid, and enjoy the art of being alone.
- Make connections: Engage with everyone you can, from locals to classmates and professionals. The friendships and networks you build can last a lifetime and help you in your career.
- Enjoy the moment: Time abroad flies by, so make the most of every experience. Take pictures, keep a journal, and live every moment. Try to say ‘No’ as little as you can.
- Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey! The person you are when you arrive won’t be the same when the program ends. You’ll return transformed, with new perspectives, personal growth, and stories to share for years to come.”
Are you a student who’s ready to take the leap and study abroad like Paola did in Madrid with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs come with many valuable inclusions, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.