My Study Abroad Experience in Madrid: Living, Learning, and Exploring Europe

By Julia Garey

Studying abroad is often described as one of the most transformative experiences in a student’s life, as I did when my Open Campus 2 block in Madrid was no exception. I had the opportunity to not only explore a vibrant and culturally rich city, but also to experience life in a truly international community. From my comfortable housing in Príncipe Pío to exciting weekend trips across Europe, every aspect of my time in Madrid was unforgettable.

Living in Príncipe Pío: A Home Away from Home

One of the highlights of my experience was the CIEE select plus housing in Príncipe Pío, a great neighborhood in central Madrid, that had a metro across the street. The housing was brand new and well-designed that included a cinema, study area, gym, roof top. It offered a dorm-style apartment setup that provided both privacy and a sense of community. I had my own room, kitchen, and bathroom—perfect for cooking my own meals and enjoying some quiet time after busy days of exploring the city and school.

Príncipe Pío is located just a short 15-minute metro ride from school, making it incredibly convenient for my daily commute. The metro system in Madrid is one of the best in Europe, making it easy to navigate the city, whether I was heading to class or meeting up with friends for a day out.

What truly made the housing special, however, was the international community it housed. I shared the building with other students from all over the world, creating a dynamic and diverse environment. It was inspiring to meet people from different cultures, backgrounds, and universities, all of whom would hang out in the community center of Principe pio. The sense of camaraderie was strong, and I made lasting friendships with people who became my family away from home.

A Great Group of Students in the CIEE Program

The people in the CIEE program were another key element that made my experience in Madrid so special. We were a tight-knit group, united by our shared love for travel, exploration, and cultural exchange. From the very beginning, everyone was friendly, supportive, and eager to make the most of our time abroad. We bonded over late-night study sessions, spontaneous outings around the city, and weekend trips to other parts of Europe. The group felt more like a family than a program, and I’ll always remember the sense of community that we built during our time together.

Engaging Classes with Fun Activities

The academic side of my study abroad experience was just as rewarding as the social aspects. I took two classes, and both professors brought their subjects to life with engaging lessons and interactive activities. My professors didn’t just teach from textbooks—they brought Madrid to life, incorporating the city’s culture, history, and architecture into our lessons.

One of the most memorable experiences was when we visited Sony Studios for a behind-the-scenes tour, learning about the music industry in Spain. It was a great way to connect what we were learning in class with real-world applications. We also explored some of Madrid’s stunning parks, which became informal classrooms where we could discuss ideas while soaking in the beauty of the city.

The mix of in-class learning and out-of-class exploration made the courses feel dynamic and relevant, and it was clear that my professors genuinely cared about making our experience enriching and fun.

Weekend Trips: Exploring Europe Made Easy

One of the best parts of studying abroad in Madrid was the ease with which I could travel around Europe. The city’s metro system was not only convenient for getting around Madrid, but it also connected directly to the airport, making weekend trips to other European destinations a breeze. Whether it was a quick flight to Barcelona, a weekend in San Sebastián, or a trip to Paris, the well-connected transportation system made it possible to see multiple cities in just a few days. I loved being able to take spontaneous trips to explore new countries, knowing that Madrid’s central location and transportation infrastructure would get me where I needed to go.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Experience

Looking back on my Campus block in Madrid, I realize just how lucky I was to have had the chance to live in such a vibrant city, surrounded by international students, engaging professors, and a supportive program. The combination of great housing, a fantastic group of students, dynamic classes, and the ability to explore Europe made it a truly transformative experience. If you're considering studying abroad, I can't recommend Madrid enough—it offers the perfect balance of academic, social, and cultural opportunities that will leave you with memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

EXPLORE MADRID