The Studying Part of Studying Abroad, Madrid Version <3

By: Alyanis Acevedo Serrano

Hi! My name is Alyanis, and I am currently studying abroad in Madrid. I decided to study overseas to continue expanding my learning experience of what it means to connect with others in a language I love: Spanish, while learning from different cultures. 

When I was preparing to study abroad, people told me about the cultural shock I might feel from the difference in meal times, the spontaneous and planned weekend trips, how to stay within budget, and the great food I would encounter. However, nothing prepared me for the fact that beneath the excitement lies the heart of the experience that many forget: the studying part.

Here are a few things I learned while studying in Madrid:

Learning Goes Beyond the Classroom

One of my favorite things I loved about the classes I took while abroad is that they all had cocurricular activities that matched what we were learning in the classroom. For example, in my Contemporary History and Culture of Spain class, we visited the Reina Sofía museum every two weeks to see artworks by artists like Picasso and Dalí, or took a walk in the Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods to explore firsthand how layers of history and cultural movements have shaped modern Spain. These outings made everything we were learning in class feel tangible and alive.

You Actually Need To Put Effort In 

It might sound obvious, but studying abroad isn’t just about traveling and being with friends (unfortunately). The coursework is real, and it sneaks up on you if you don’t stay on top of it. For me, being in another country, it's tempting to leave classes as my last priority. However, that quickly changed after I got my grade back from the first quiz I took. I quickly realized I had to put in effort if I wanted to do well in the class, or even pass. Furthermore, I learned that the more I put into my studies, the more I got out of the experience overall, as most of my courses were relevant to Spain’s cuisine, language, culture, and history.

Make Studying Part of the Aesthetics

Just because you have to study and do homework does not mean that you have to seclude yourself from enjoying the beauty and joy of living in a new city. In fact, many of the study sessions I held were featured in my Instagram stories, either at a cute coffee shop or surrounded by nature in a park. Here are some of my favorite spots I spent working in:

1. Cafe Tirso, Calle de la Colegiata 2, Centro, Madrid

This coffee shop is close to the CIEE class center, so I would come here in between classes and grab a cup of coffee and a pastry to accompany my readings for my next class. More than completing a tedious task, it felt like a treat to recharge in between classes.

2. Cafe del Art, Plaza de Cascorro, 9

I discovered this coffee shop while taking a stroll around Lavapiés after class. Its artsy decoration and affogato caught my attention, and I decided to sit in. They have specific tables for working and studying, so try to go when it's not busy to get a spot at a table.

P.S. Studying/working on weekends is frowned upon in many places in Madrid, so make sure those are the days you save for socializing, resting, and enjoying life. 

3. ARYA, Calle de Luchana, 37

ARYA was the first brunch spot I went to during my first week in Madrid, and I can’t recommend this spot enough. They have great options for breakfast, great coffee, teas, and my favorite item: their French Toasts! They are laptop-friendly during the week, but it gets crowded on weekends. 

Anyways, don’t let schoolwork be the main character of your study abroad experience. Do your assignments, sure—but also romanticize it, you are abroad! Find a balance where you can still be a student and still make memories that don’t fit on the syllabus. Sipping my cup of Chai latte while gazing through the window, pretending to read, is definitely one of the things I’ll miss from my study abroad experience in Madrid.

EXPLORE MADRID