Preparing for Madrid: From Planning to Landing

Preparing for Madrid:

Before arriving in Madrid, make sure you have checked everything off of a checklist that works for you. Include necessary items like your passport, visa, Asisa proof of health insurance, and background check. Then, double-check other items like your flight to Madrid and any Airbnbs or hotels before or after orientation. I arrived in Madrid with more peace of mind, having booked a hotel for the night before orientation (I got there a day early to be more prepared and less jet-lagged) and an Airbnb in an area I was comfortable staying in for the week after orientation. This helped me feel more secure when it came to apartment searching. I did not feel as pressured or rushed because I knew I still had some time.

As for the flight, it is a good idea to hold off until your visa is approved, but try to book it as soon as possible to get the best prices. I made the mistake of waiting to see if prices would continue to go down, and they did not! Get those early bird deals while you can.

The last thing to think about on your list is packing. Make a checklist of the necessary basics. Pack as light as possible. No matter what, you will most likely end up buying clothes during your six-month to one-year stay. Focus on the basics like plain long sleeves and T-shirts, 2–3 pairs of pants/jeans, sweaters and tops depending on the seasons, coats, etc. I focused on the clothing I usually wear the most at home, but also bring things that you might not care about getting rid of since your belongings will grow throughout your time, but your suitcase won’t. Don’t overthink it—you will have plenty of time to shop around during your first week before school begins. I suggest focusing on one large checked bag, a carry-on, and a backpack for the most convenient packing.

Lastly, and the most difficult part, is saying goodbye to your loved ones for a little while. Make sure to plan visits and communication styles that work for you. Plan to send postcards, set aside time for calls (especially video calls), and give them a huge hug. It is so difficult to leave behind friends and family, but this experience is life-changing and worth it! It will become easier as you get more comfortable in Spain.

Arriving In Madrid:

When you arrive in Madrid, CIEE will offer a bus from the airport to the hotel, usually running from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. I recommend taking this option since you will meet many of the other people in your orientation group during the trip. However, if you arrive before or after this time, don’t worry.

Taxis are my top suggestion, especially with all your luggage. Most taxi drivers at the airport do speak English, but if they don’t and you struggle with Spanish, make sure to have the designated location pulled up on your phone or written down. They will know where to take you. According to the law, taxi drivers departing from Madrid Airport can only charge a fixed rate of 33 euros. Remember this when taking one of the taxis!

Starting Orientation:

Going into orientation can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t have an apartment or know anyone yet, but these things will come. Everyone finds an apartment, and everyone makes friends they connect with.

You may arrive on the first day of orientation feeling jet-lagged or exhausted from the long flight. Get some rest or manage in the way that works best for you to prepare yourself for the days ahead. The schedule is busy but so much fun, giving you plenty of time to meet great people and learn some of the most important information you’ll need for your time in Spain.

Throughout orientation, keep an open mind when it comes to conversations and meeting new people. Talk to as many people as you can and get to know different personalities. Everyone is in the same situation as you, whether they know people going into this process or not. It’s easy to stick with the first people you get along with, and that’s okay, but don’t let it stop you from meeting more friends and making connections, even if you don’t plan to live with them or see them all the time. Orientation is the best chance to meet everyone, as you still have time before school starts and everyone is in the same place.

Enjoy and embrace the week! Try to attend everything that orientation offers, from tours to the actual orientation courses, to happy hours and time with your orientation leaders. This is the best way to learn, spend time with new people, discover the areas and places to go, and take care of the things you need to get done before school begins. Most of all, enjoy this time before you start work!