About Madrid
Find true Spanish treasure in the capital city of Madrid. Old World appeal of medieval palaces shifts to a contemporary and spirited atmosphere within the centuries-old metropolis. Boasting both a Golden Mile of shopping and a Golden Triangle of museums, the cultural hotspot cultivates design, entertainment, and fashion trends, including the Zara clothing line. The Madrileño passion for creativity and life extends from bohemian districts to innovative Spanish cooking to boisterous nights out. As the educational, economic, and technological center of Spain, Madrid lures students and scholars from across the globe to its top-notch universities.
Where is Madrid
40.4167754, -3.7037902
What to do in Madrid
- Gran Vía: Get to know Madrid on its main artery and center of entertainment. Savor local cuisine during brunch, shop boutiques and malls in the afternoon, and stay until dawn in its pulsating nightclubs.
- Flamenco show: Clap along with performers' staccato steps at a performance of the iconic dance. Catch a show at a restaurant, dance hall, or on the streets.
- Plaza Mayor: People-watch at one of the historic square's many cafés and take in the surrounding 17th-century residences and the statue of powerful King Philip III.
- The Prado: Study the brushstrokes of Spanish and Italian master painters, including Spain's most important artist, Francisco Goya.
- El Retiro Park: Power walk or Segway through the elegant gardens and past the pond full of paddle boats to the spectacular glass pavilion— all created for Spanish royalty.
Media Gallery
I was the only one out of my friend group to do an entire year abroad. This meant I had two transitional periods—the first when I arrived with lots of friends, and the second when I returned alone. While it's comfortable to be with friends from home when you study abroad, one must take advantage of all the interesting and amazing people abroad too.
Studying abroad and living in Spain wasn't always roses, and I've loved it more than I can say. I fell head over heels for Madrid even as I struggled to navigate Spanish doors with their multiple bolts and unfamiliarly shaped keys. I got lost using both Google and Apple Maps, and yet this city has my heart.
Studying at University Carlos III of Madrid for a year allowed me to have a completely different academic experience each semester. My fall semester was a Hispanic studies program aimed at international students. In the spring, I'm doing an immersion and almost all my classmates are Spaniards (although I have the opportunity to take classes in English). I love that! All the professors are friendly, which is something new for me since my university classes at home are so big they barely get to know your name. They are also very passionate about their courses which makes it very interesting and enjoyable.
Living in a new country has challenged me in so many ways, and each challenge made me stronger. I'm so grateful for this semester abroad.
I have met people from all over the globe and slowly learned that we are more similar than different. We all share similar thought processes, emotions, and beliefs.
Studying at Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M) has been a fascinating cultural and linguistic learning experience for which I am thankful. I chose UC3M for its location near Madrid, which allowed me to spend my free time exploring museums, parks, and landmarks in the city. UC3M is undoubtedly a global campus, and it feels like a university proud of its diverse student body. I enjoyed meeting Spaniards and international students from around the world. I will remember the campus, with its charming brick buildings and almond blossoms, with fondness.
