¡Hola, Madrid! Excitement, Courage, and Big Changes for High School Students

The following blog was written by a student intern on a Summer 2026 CIEE high school summer abroad program. Read on for an interview of a current student participant studying in Madrid, Spain. 

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing high school student, Kate, who answered a few questions about her experience and observations in Madrid so far. Kate ventured to Spain as part of CIEE Madrid’s High School Summer Abroad Honors Spanish Language and Culture Program. She has been staying with a host family here in the nation’s capital taking part in different activities so far such as the walking tour of the city center.

Kirsten (CIEE Intern): Where are you from and why did you decide to come to Madrid?

Kate: I’m from Chicago and I mainly came here to improve my Spanish. I’ve noticed that the other kids in my class are better at speaking than I am so I wanted to learn more.

Kirsten (CIEE Intern): Now that you’ve had time to explore, what is something that surprised you about the city?

Kate: I was surprised at how active people are here. Everyone always seems like they have something to do so I don’t think I could ever get bored here.

Kirsten (CIEE Intern): What is your favorite thing about Spanish culture?

Kate: My favorite part about the culture is how much people talk after dinner. In Spanish culture that’s kind of like an essential, you talk after dinner for a long time and it’s so nice. I talk with my host mom for so long and it’s so fun.

Kirsten (CIEE Intern): What is your favorite word in Spanish that you’ve learned?

Kate: What was the one that you taught me that means cool? Chido? Chido, yeah that’s it.

Kirsten (CIEE Intern): What advice would you give to high schoolers who are interested in learning abroad?

Kate: If they want to come abroad they should just do it. I was so nervous to come abroad alone because I didn't know anyone else but it’s so fun! I’m having so much fun, you’re going to meet so many people even if you think you don’t know them so just come because they[CIEE] put you exactly where you need to be and I just feel so good here. I feel so ready and if you’re scared about being homesick I promise you there is so much support to help you with that.

CIEE's high school summer abroad programs provide teenagers with the opportunity to explore specific fields and studies while abroad. There are two sessions per summer, three to four weeks each, where students are giving a holistic and diverse experience of a country's culture and way of life. 

Ready to spend a summer abroad with CIEE? Apply today!