My Adventures in Madrid

By: Anthony Saidenberg

Where to begin. What an adventure. Studying abroad was everything I had dreamed of and more. I had been looking forward to studying abroad since my freshman year, and I could not be happier that I decided to do it.

My first week started off great. The moment I stepped off the plane, I felt the warm air hit my face, and my excitement soared. When I got to my apartment, I was absolutely exhausted and didn’t know a soul. But within minutes, I was greeted by six warm smiles from my flatmates, and we all went out for tapas and drinks that night, quickly becoming friends. The very next day, I went to the university for the first time, and the experience was just as welcoming. The students were incredibly kind and approachable, and the professors were equally inviting, making the transition so much easier than I anticipated.

Madrid itself felt like a dream. Some personal highlights were the endless fun events the city had to offer. Between day festivals in Retiro Park, bustling Christmas markets, and pop-up fashion shows, there was always something exciting going on. Even on quieter days, just playing football in the park with friends or thrifting in the lively streets of Malasaña felt like an adventure. Madrid has a way of making even the ordinary moments feel special.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was how much I would fall in love with the people. Everyone I met was so genuine and patient. Despite my clumsy Spanish, they were always happy to converse and share their culture with me. Whether it was a barista at a café or a stranger at the market, people were eager to connect, which made me feel so welcomed and at home in a city that was brand new to me.

As my time here comes to an end, I know I’ll miss everything about Madrid—the people, the energy, the culture, and even the daily chaos. This city became a home in ways I never expected, and I’m already looking forward to coming back someday.

EXPLORE MADRID