Madrid

Life in Madrid

Arrival

You must arrive in Madrid on the arrival date indicated in the program calendar. An onsite orientation meeting and the first few days of academic instruction will be held at the International Institute. During orientation, you will meet local faculty and staff and get a thorough introduction to the program.

NOTE:If you choose to arrive early or stay on after the end of the program, you are responsible for arranging your own temporary housing. You will be provided with suggestions for affordable temporary accommodations during orientation on the Stanford campus.

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Accommodations and Meals

The homestay program in Madrid gives you the rewarding opportunity to integrate into a Spanish home and gain firsthand insights into Spanish life. Hosts range from traditional large family units to couples with few or no children. Since one of the purposes of the homestay is to assist you in learning to speak and read Spanish, Spanish is spoken in the home. You will eat breakfast and dinner with your hosts every day. For lunches during the week, you will receive a meal allowance from the program staff.Top of page

Meeting People

Madrid offers more things to do than you could exhaust in a few quarters studying abroad. You are encouraged to explore the city in depth, from its streets and houses to its shops and museums.

Talking with people in a neighborhood café, reading local newspapers, and “getting lost” for a day to explore new surroundings puts you in contact with the city life that locals know. Host families and staff can help you find activities that are of interest and through which you can make Spanish friends.

The more effort you devote to exploring the local environment, the more enriching the experience overall. While opportunities to travel throughout other parts of the Iberian Peninsula exist, if you make a conscious attempt to get to know Madrid and its people while studying at the center, you will be richly rewarded for your efforts.

City Life

Situated 650 meters above sea level, Madrid is Europe’s highest capital and third largest city (after London and Berlin). Wide 18th and 19th century boulevards in parts of the city contrast with the narrow and winding streets of the city’s historic center. Today, Madrid is the financial and political center of Spanish life, home to the Cortes (Parliament), Senate, and Royal Family.

A variety of world-renowned museums, including the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía, serve as a testament to the city's thriving and varied cultural community and multicultural past. Madrid is also known for its lively and colorful fiestas which are held at celebration times throughout the year.