Navigate this Page
Introduction
Madrid
The capital city of Spain ranks with the most sophisticated and varied of European cities with its monumental buildings, tree-lined avenues, and plazas filled with people and magnificent fountains. Food, art, history, nightlife: you’ll find it all in Madrid. You’ll also find that the people you meet will be your key to experiencing Spain. Spaniards enjoy life to the fullest, taking advantage of every minute of the day and night, and they’d love to have you join them. You made a great decision to study in Madrid, and SU Abroad has prepared you as best we can; now it’s up to you to make your experience abroad unforgettable!
Academic Environment
Syracuse University’s academic program in Madrid is housed in the International Institute, a handsome stone building on Calle de Miguel Angel, just off of the Paseo de la Castellana, one of Madrid's longest and most elegant boulevards. Bustling with life, this one-time private palacio features wide staircases, gracious rooms and quiet corners for relaxing conversation, making it a friendly setting for educational pursuits.
SU Madrid Program
Syracuse University’s staff and program faculty offer students a broad range of experiences and backgrounds. Classes are given in Spanish and English, allowing you to select from a wide range and level of courses to meet your interests, capabilities, and academic requirements. Every effort is made to give students firsthand experiential opportunities in the Madrid community. Field trips to museums, theaters, and different barrios are also incorporated into the academic program. On some weekends, study tours led by faculty are offered in nearby towns of special historical and visual interest.
EN CASA
Living in a Spanish Household
Just as in the U.S., you will find that households in Spain come in various sizes, and have various expectations and ways of behaving. The hosts who assist the Syracuse Program include some with young children and others at university like yourself, or you may stay with a widowed or single person. There is no such thing as a typical or ideal household, and generalizations about Spanish family life will not be true in every instance.
Students always report that their homestay is one of the most memorable experiences while studying abroad, and a great way to improve their Spanish. Learning to speak should be an integral part of everything you do at home, at school, and in the streets. Sharing daily events, particularly meal times, will provide you with natural and spontaneous opportunities to converse in Spanish and to learn about Spanish culture and family life. Immersing yourself in your host’s daily routine will facilitate your cultural adjustment and allow you to see and participate in Spain's unique culture.
Should problems arise, Madrid staff are fully prepared to help both parties reach agreement and housing changes may be made after the first two weeks of the program. Most difficulties get worked out within that time period and students often say that they are glad they stayed with their original family. Further information, tips, and homestay guidelines will be provided and discussed during on-site orientation.
Living in Madrid
You’ll find that in Madrid and all Spanish cities virtually everyone lives in an apartment or piso and that there are few suburban housing developments compared to the U.S. Most hosts live a 30 to 45 minute commute from school. Many students report that walking is convenient, but public transportation is also easily accessible. You will be provided with a transportation pass to enable your use of this expedient system for the duration of your program in Madrid.
Semester Students Only
During the pre-session field seminar you will be interviewed by SU Madrid housing staff before placement into a host household. At that time you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions about the hosts and express any preference for a roommate among the new friends you’ve made during the two-week seminar. Most students live with a roommate, as space in households is at a premium. Because you’ll both be expected to speak only Spanish with your hosts, having a roommate need not diminish your options for language practice. Occasionally you may find a student from another academic program in the household. You will meet your Spanish hosts and move into your new home when you return to Madrid at the end of the orientation seminar.
Option II Housing
In addition to private homes, SU Abroad will try to accommodate some Option II students enrolling in the Spanish University in apartments with other Spanish students. Apartments are usually fully furnished, and include bedding. You'll receive a meal allowance and provide for your own meals. You will be guided in your apartment search by staff in the Madrid Center, but you bear the primary responsibility for locating non-program housing and abiding by the contract. You are required to pay a security deposit of one month’s rent ($400-$500), paid from your own funds. This will be returned, all or in part, when you vacate the apartment (December/June) if there are no damages, outstanding utility bills, or unpaid telephone bills.
Health, Safety, & Wellness
Please let us know if you have a special academic concern (such as a learning disability), or a medical or psychological concern (such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder). We cannot provide appropriate support and assistance unless we are provided with information in advance of the start of the program.
Personal Safety
Spaniards have certain expectations about drinking, dress, and social behavior. Behaving contrary to these expectations can lead to uncomfortable results. Observe the locals around you and be aware that the best way to guard your personal safety is to conform to cultural expectations. Madrid is generally a safe city, nonetheless, go out in groups, watch your wallets and drinks, and make sure all the ladies get to their door or to a cab safely. Walk with a roommate, take a cab home, or arrange to spend the night with a friend if you have to walk any distance alone at night. Use common-sense and listen to your gut instincts.
Be prepared in all cases for unsolicited comments and stares. Students can keep themselves safe and avoid unwanted attention by observing Spanish style and behavior.
Please see Safety and Preparing to Go or consult the SU Abroad handbook for further tips and information on safety issues.
Medical Care
Syracuse University is a member of International SOS, a service that provides students with information about, and access to, a full range of medical and emergency services including travel, health and safety advisories, referrals to English speaking doctors, and care assessment and translation services in case of hospitalization. See http://www.internationalsos.com for more information.
SU-Madrid is also connected with the Unidad Médica in Madrid where a full range of services is available, with English-speaking physicians and dentists. An English-speaking R.N. is available to see students with minor illnesses two afternoons each week in the Program office.
You must have adequate health and accident insurance before you leave the U.S. Refer to the SU Abroad Study Abroad Handbook for more complete information. You will be expected to pay for services when they are rendered, either in local currency or with VISA, Mastercard, or American Express credit cards. Remember to keep all receipts so they can be reimbursed by your insurance company. Medical care is just as expensive in Spain as in the U.S.
Medication
If you take prescribed medicine, you should plan to bring enough with you to last for the entire program. Medication should be kept in its original containers. Before you depart for Spain, you should ask your physician to give you a copy of your prescription with the generic names of your medication and the dosages, just in case you need to find an equivalent in Spain. Under no circumstances should your parents send you prescription medicine by mail.
Eyewear
Bring any glasses or contact lens prescriptions and preferably an extra pair; mailing replacements from the U.S. could take 10 days or even longer. You can buy contact lens supplies in Spain, but expect them to cost more than in the U.S.
Banking & Budgeting
Banking
The best way to get money in Madrid and the rest of Europe is with a VISA or MasterCard with an international PIN. Checking account debit cards linked to an international VISA or MasterCard network like PLUS or CIRRUS will get the best exchange rate. You will be charged a service fee for each international transaction. Check with your bank about international debit card usage and call your credit card company to notify them of your travel dates and destinations.
The second best method is to use Traveler’s Checks or Cash. When purchasing traveler's checks, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind- check with your bank about what will work best for you. American Express offices cash their own traveler's checks without charging an additional fee. Banks charge a fee for cashing traveler's checks and for converting dollars to euros.
If, in an emergency, your family must send you money, it must be in one of these forms:
- Cashier’s Check
- Money Order
- International Money Order
- Western Union- You must take your passport and the confirmation number (given to sender at time of transaction) to any Western Union location to pick up your money.
- Bank Draft- A bank draft must be sent through the school's bank: the 'Banco Espanol de Credito' addressed in this EXACT way:
Banco Espanol de Credito (BANESTO) Calle Miguel Angel, 17 28010 Madrid SPAIN Your Name, c/o Syracuse University
Budgeting
Before you depart, be sure to check the exchange rate of the US dollar to the Euro as it will greatly affect the amount of money you need to pay for your expenses. The average student expenditure will be between $3,000 and $5,000 per semester, and approximately $750-$1,000 for summer students, not including airfare home, personal travel or lunches during the program. The actual amount varies according to your initial budget, your tastes, and your travel plans.
Budget Considerations:
- Local Transportation: taxi, bus, bike
- Food: Students placed in private homes receive 12 meals weekly. Budget for additional meals and recreational eating and drinking.
- Personal: Gym membership, health & beauty care, laundry, phone & email use
- Academic Supplies: textbooks, course packs, etc.
- Entertainment: theater, night clubs, museums, etc.
- Travel: within or outside of Spain
What to Bring
Your Passport and Visa
Have these documents handy to present at customs then store them somewhere safe for the remainder of your program. All students should also bring a copy of their visa application.
Luggage and Your “Stuff”
Pack light!! Everything you bring should be versatile. Luggage and clothing should be adaptable to many different social situations, weather conditions, and locales you will encounter.
Multipurpose and flexibility are the key words here, and remember that less is more if you’re carrying it all yourself. Before you pack or purchase luggage, check with your airline about weight and size restrictions. Usually airlines allow two checked medium-sized bags, a small carry-on, and laptop that must fit under your plane seat. You'll inevitably accumulate books, clothing, gifts, etc. while you're abroad, so arrive as unburdened as possible. Note that some stations and airports do not have lockers or baggage places to leave your luggage while you are traveling and touring.
Pre-session Field Seminar Requirements (Semester Students Only)
Your first two weeks in Spain will be spent on a pre-session seminar. Pack everything you need on the seminar in one small suitcase, 24" x 12" x 36", and one small backpack. Learn to travel light, as even one bag can be heavy when you’re carrying it on busy, narrow, cobblestone streets.
Clothing & Climate
You will see lots of high fashion in Madrid and find you'll be comfortable wearing whatever you wear in U.S. metropolitan cities. Remember you'll be walking a lot and sightseeing in both big cities and tiny villages. Opt for multipurpose clothes you feel good in and that can be layered or used for a variety of activities. Spanish women are as sure-footed as mountain goats on hillside cobblestone streets in their high heels, but you may prefer sneakers or low heels for starters. A final word about footwear: only the poorest wear 'flip-flops' on the street, but sandals are ok.
Everyone should bring some sort of shoulder bag or backpack that is strong enough to carry your essential valuables plus a map and guidebook. You’ll experience almost every kind of weather as you travel from the mountains to the varied coastline. Temperatures can be in the 90s, especially in September, and extremely cold when you’re note-taking in January!
Raingear is essential and your raincoat should have a warm lining if it’s to serve as a winter coat. The heat is not customarily turned on in apartment buildings until November 1, and is turned off after April 1; as fuel is very expensive Madrileños tend to keep their living spaces cool.
| Climate in Madrid: Average Temperatures | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | June | |
| Max. | 50° | 53° | 60° | 64° | 66° | 72° |
| Min. | 32° | 33° | 42° | 44° | 46° | 54° |
| July. | Aug. | Sept.. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
| Max. | 79° | 86° | 77° | 68° | 54° | 48° |
| Min. | 61° | 68° | 58° | 50° | 40° | 35° |
Personal Computers & Appliances
The Syracuse program provides e-mail services in two annexes; nevertheless, if you have your own laptop, bring it. You will be able to use it at home, and print your assignments or connect to e-mail at school or local Internet cafes.
Any appliances you bring—laptops, CD or tape players, hairdryers—that operate on electric current must have appropriate voltage converters and adapters. Be sure to check the wattage of your appliances and purchase the appropriate converter before you leave the U.S. (Important especially for laptops.) You may be much better off not bringing any appliances you can do without and instead purchase an inexpensive hairdryer, etc. in Spain.
General Information
Getting Around
Madrid is a busy and lively city full of diverse barrios, and with a clear map you can walk almost anywhere. Walking is the most intimate and satisfying way to explore. Some plazas and old narrow streets are closed to traffic, which makes them attractive escapes from busy thoroughfares.
The public transportation system is excellent. The most efficient and inexpensive mode of transportation is the metro. You can obtain transport maps from the program office or from any subway station, and you are set to go. All metro lines are coded by number and color; in no time you’ll have the map memorized.
The autobus system is also very inexpensive and is almost as efficient as the metro. Buses are numbered and run frequently; often several different numbers will go by the same place. As part of your program fee, Syracuse University will provide you with a monthly transportation pass(Bono Transporte) for the time you are in Madrid.
Though not the most economical, taxis are everywhere in Madrid and can be a good buy, especially if you’re in a group of three or four.
Keeping in Touch
The Madrid Center will provide you with information on cell phone packages during orientation. Many students find cell phones a convenient and relatively inexpensive alternative to phone cards and public phones. Otherwise, for calling the U.S. an AT&T or MCI international calling card is essential. This service will allow you to be billed at the much cheaper U.S.-to-Europe rate (about half as expensive as Europe to the U.S.), and charge your calls to your phone account or a major credit card (VISA or MasterCard).
Students are welcome to use the computers at the Madrid Center to stay connected to friends and family back home via email. Please note that your online time may be less than what you are used to. Internet cafes are located throughout the city for additional use.
ALL Mail From Home:
“Your Name” Syracuse University Instituto Internacional en España Miguel Angel 8 28010, Madrid SPAIN
Remind your family and friends to send letters airmail and allow 7 to 14 days for delivery. To avoid heavy custom taxes on packages sent from the U.S., write “no commercial value” on the package. See the Study Abroad Handbook for specific instructions or contact an international courier service. Be sure to mark all your letters and cards home Correo Aéreo (airmail); otherwise they may take literally months by boat.
Traveling Outside of Madrid
Spain is a country of great variety. With a long history of invasions, this nation bears the mark of a colorful mix of historic traditions. Beneath the facades of its modern cities, the remains of older cultures and civilizations can be glimpsed: Celtic, Roman, Islamic, and Judaic. An extensive network of road, rail, and air transportation makes Spain’s varied landscape, the sierra (mountains) and picturesque pueblos (towns), easily accessible for touring. The vast coastline moves from long smooth beaches in the south to dramatic green rías (inlets) and rocky shorelines in the west and north. There are tiny pueblos (towns) where people live much as they have for centuries, and historical cosmopolitan cities like Valencia, Seville, and Barcelona. There is a strong sense of regionalism and demand for autonomy in different areas, especially in Catalonia and the Basque region, where even the language is very different.
Madrid is well located for traveling in Europe for a long weekend or a vacation. Travel in Spain is somewhat less expensive than travel in the rest of Europe, and if you plan to do extensive traveling outside of Spain at the end of the semester, budget accordingly.
Arrival in Spain
(Semester Students Only)
SU Abroad will send you detailed information concerning your group flight from John F. Kennedy airport in New York. There you’ll meet other students attending the Syracuse program in Madrid as well as the staff members who will accompany you. There will be time to get acquainted during the 6 to 7 hour flight to Europe. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by the program director or other program staff. As soon as you clear customs and immigration and claim your baggage, you will begin your field seminar. Some of you will fly directly to Amsterdam, while others will take chartered buses to Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca seminar destinations.
Remember that you will be able to take only one of your bags on the field seminar — the rest of your luggage and laptops will be collected and stored in Madrid until you return from your orientation seminar.
Independent travelers are responsible for getting their Madrid luggage to the Program office, where it will be stored during the two-week traveling seminar.
Orientation (All Students)
Upon arrival in Madrid you will be welcomed by the SU Madrid staff and walked through a comprehensive introduction to the city. You will be given information on living in your new environment- everything from the transportation system, restaurants, and entertainment to safety, language tips, and culture shock. The program director will also discuss registration with you in a group and individually during orientation. Finally, you will take a Spanish placement test and meet your hosts. Your real life orientation in Spain will be ongoing, and you will have many opportunities throughout your program to discuss your personal, academic, and cultural transitions with SU Madrid faculty and staff.
Conclusion: Hasta La Proxima Vece
Adjusting to a new culture affects every aspect of your life. Take full advantage of living in Madrid. The essential key to adjustment is, of course, getting involved, learning the language, and forming friendships with Spanish Students. Don’t be satisfied with just going to class and hanging out with other American students. You have made the significant decision to study in Spain and Madrid has a lot to offer, so be adventurous and open, and engage in the history, culture, and language around you. Learn the city through your feet: roam with open eyes and learn the names of the streets and plazas. While you’re roaming, read signs, and newspaper headlines. When it’s time to come home, you will have discovered new places, new friends, and a new way of life. These discoveries will remain in your memory, and through your new friendships and cross-cultural experiences, you will always carry a part of Spain with you.
Before you Go Remember:
- Call your bank and credit card company to inquire about international transaction fees and to notify them of your travel dates and destinations.
- Make copies of important documents (visa, passport, travelers' checks, credit cards, etc) to leave with a trusted friend of family member.
- Read up on your destination.
- Fill all medical prescriptions for your entire journey abroad. This may require contacting your insurance ahead of time.
- Notify SUA if you have any special medical and/or psychological needs or conditions.