5 Reasons to study a language in Madrid

Madrid, Spain’s buzzing and cosmopolitan capital city, is a great place for an immersive study abroad experience. You may have heard the saying, “De Madrid al cielo” (“From Madrid to Heaven”). It basically means that once you’ve lived in Madrid, there’s no other place on Earth that can compete. Blending a rich cultural heritage with modern amenities and a lively, welcoming atmosphere, there’s no denying that Madrid can be an exceptional city to come and learn Spanish.

Why Study in Madrid?

Below we outline the top five reasons why you should be checking out Spanish language courses in Madrid today!

The Gateway to Spain

There’s arguably no better place to learn Spanish and immerse yourself in Spanish culture than Madrid. Spain’s capital city is the country’s historic seat of power and the heart of the Castilian Spanish-speaking world. It draws in people and goods from all corners of the country and wider world, offering visitors a taste of all of Spain’s regions. The locals, known as "Madrileños", speak a clear and standardized Spanish, making it an excellent place for beginners to get to grips with the language. But you’ll also likely be exposed to different Spanish accents and colloquial expressions, enriching your learning experience. The city's many parks, cafes, and plazas provide perfect settings for casual conversations, so every day in Madrid is an opportunity to put your new Spanish skills into practice.

Good Quality of Life

Madrid is consistently ranked among the best European cities to live in. Don’t just take our word for it: according to InterNations’ Expat Living Index 2023, Madrid was voted the 6th best city in the world for expats. It ranked 1st out of 49 cities for its leisure options, culture and nightlife, highlighting just how much fun you can have while studying Spanish in the city. Madrid is also considered to be a safe city, it’s easy to explore on foot or get around on the well-connected public transportation system, and it offers easy access to top quality education and health facilities. What more can you ask for?

A City of Art & Culture

One of the most compelling reasons for coming to learn Spanish in Madrid is to access its world-class cultural offerings. On any given day you could be perusing art masterpieces at museums like The Prado or Reina Sofia or walking around historical landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. A stroll around the city is like taking an immersive lesson in Spanish history and architecture. And if the classics aren’t really your thing, then you can dive into the city’s vibrant contemporary art and underground scenes. There really is something for everyone in Madrid.

A Foodies’ Paradise

Eating out is a real pleasure in Madrid. It doesn’t matter whether you’re stood at the bar of an old-school bodegon ordering traditional tapas or sampling innovative menus at Michelin starred restaurants, you will be blown away by the culinary delights available in the city. Be sure to try some of the local classics like the cocido madrileño, bocadillo de calamares and churros con chocolate. Madrid is also full of bustling food markets that showcase the diversity of Spanish and international cuisines. Here you can find some of the highest-quality and freshest produce from around the country, some of which you can eat right on the spot with the locals.

It’s Easy To Discover More of Spain

One of the main advantages of Madrid as a study abroad destination is that it is located right in the center of Spain. This makes it a great base for exploring the country’s diverse regions. Fancy hiking or skiing in the Pyrenees or Picos de Europa mountains? Or how about a weekend on the Mediterranean beach? With an efficient train and bus network that fans out from Madrid, you can easily reach all corners of Spain in just a few hours. There are also plenty of accessible day trips to picturesque towns like Toledo –  previously the capital of Spain on two occasions – and Segovia, or to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Alcalá de Henares.

Why do international students study in Madrid?

Madrid is home to a large student population, thanks in large part to its selection of prestigious universities. The Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) and Complutense University of Madrid are rated amongst the best in the country, but there are plenty of other quality options for those interested in studying in a Spanish university. 

The large body of local and international students gives the city a youthful energy and dynamic atmosphere where learners can easily connect with peers sharing similar language goals. Multiple student discounts, diverse cultural events, and a vibrant nightlife also make Madrid a very student-friendly city. 

Read more about how to get into university in Spain as an international student.

How to learn Spanish in Madrid

Though you can get by without much Spanish, your Madrid experience will be far more rewarding if you can understand and use the language in everyday situations. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, we think the best way to quickly get to a level where you can interact with locals and dig deeper into the city’s culture is by taking an intensive Spanish course in Madrid itself. That way you can level up your language skills in the classroom and then immediately put them into practice out on the city streets.

Is Madrid expensive to study?

Despite being a major European capital, Madrid remains a relatively affordable city for international students. Madrid is ranked 83rd in Mercer’s Cost of Living City Ranking 2023, far below other popular European spots like London (17th), Vienna (25th), Berlin (37th) or Dublin (51st). Moreover, international students can benefit from discounts on local transport and cultural/leisure activities, making the city even more accessible.

If you're interested in finding out more about how to study Spanish in Madrid, get in touch with us here.