Student Guide: Study Abroad in Madrid for a Year

Hot spring nights, sizzling tapas among friends, and the most beautiful sunsets you've ever seen. These are just some of the experiences you can expect to have when studying abroad in Madrid for a year.

This guide is here to help you each step of the way, offering advice about the more administrative parts of the process, all the way to Madrid-specific tips to help you adjust to your new surroundings once you're living la vida española.

?? Please note: the specific advice in this guide is for US citizens looking to study abroad in Madrid.

How to study abroad in Madrid

There are a few ways that international students can study in Madrid, and it all starts with finding a program you're interested in, and making sure you meet the requirements (for both the program and a Spanish visa!)

To study abroad for a year in Spain, you will likely need a Spanish long stay visa (note, EU/Schengen country citizens are exempt). The process, while it can seem overwhelming at first, is fairly straightforward.

Finding a study abroad program in Madrid

Maybe the most common way students study abroad is through the assistance of either their current university back home or through the help of a third party organization.

If you're currently a university student, your college might offer programs in Madrid. By booking an appointment with the study abroad department, you will be able to learn which options they have and what the requirements are to apply.

Multiple companies offer study abroad services to Spain, though they do cost. This can be an interesting option to look into as they have experience with the entire process from A to Z.

It's also possible to study abroad in Madrid independently. If you find a program you like that accepts international students, whether it's Graduate or specialized, it may be possible to apply (should you meet the application requirements and that credits transfer, if applicable).

No matter which route you choose, you will still need to:

• Meet the minimum requirements for the Spanish university/program.
• Meet the minimum requirements for your Spanish study abroad visa.

Spain study abroad visa requirements

There are several visa requirements that you will need to meet and all of them can be found on the official Spanish Embassy's website or partnering visa application center (where most people apply for visas).

To spend a year studying in Spain, you will need to:

• Be a full-time student while in Spain (minimum of 20 hours per week).
• Prove that you can financially provide for yourself the entire time you are in Madrid.
• Have an acceptance letter from a Spanish university/educational program.

You will need to prove your financial situation as well as proof of enrollment when you apply for your visa.

?Keep in mind that there are other documents that you will have to provide in your application.

If you're sure that you can meet the visa requirements and any university/program requirements, you will be well on your way to making your study abroad dreams a beautiful reality!

Should I study abroad in Madrid for a year?

A year is a long time, so it's a big decision!

Madrid is the capital of Spain and is a large city with more than 3.2 million people. Its nightlife, art scene, and sophistication-meets-old-world aesthetic draw millions of tourists every year - including those studying abroad.

Compared to American cities, Madrid is considered quite safe (other than pickpocketing, which we will talk more about later).

When deciding whether or not you should study in Madrid, you need to keep your education at the front of your mind. Make sure that Madrid's universities offer coursework and programs directly related to your academic and professional goals.

No matter how much you love the idea of studying abroad in Madrid, if coursework related to your major/area of study isn't available, it might not be the best city for you.

Tips for studying abroad in Madrid

• Madrid is famous for its hot, sunny weather, but it actually gets pretty cold in the winter (it can even snow!). Pack for four seasons.
• Compared to a lot of American cities, Spaniards in Madrid dress very nicely. While not necessarily anything actionable here, it's worth knowing.
• Be aware of pickpockets. Madrid is notorious for pickpocketing, especially in busy areas (like the metro) and popular tourist locations. If you have your phone or wallet in your pocket, there's a high chance it won't be there the next time you reach for it. Pickpockets in Madrid are extremely skilled and fast. You likely won't even see it coming. Make sure you keep all of your valuables in a zipped bag that you can see at all times. Front cross-body bags are most ideal.
• Dinner is late. This is true for all Spanish cities. Dinner is likely going to be a lot later than you used to, many Spaniards not eating until 9, 10, even 11 on hot days. Because of this, many restaurants don't even open until later in the evening.
• English isn't widely spoken, though you will likely find English speakers in tourist areas. Younger people are more likely to speak English than older ones.
• Spanish might be mandatory for university enrollment or your particular field of study. Make sure you find this out ahead of time so you're the most prepared, whether you speak Spanish or not.
• Bring some earplugs. Madrid is a noisy city with a buzzing nightlife. If you like your beauty sleep, earplugs may come in very handy.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes. Madrid is a very walkable city and you will likely find yourself on foot a lot.
• If you want to try the Sangria, ask for Tinto de Verano instead. It's the original Sangria that the locals drink.
• Bring copies of your important documents (it's helpful to have digital copies saved too). This will be a lifesaver should your passport get lost or stolen.

FAQs: Studying abroad in Madrid