People are increasingly drawn to Madrid. The capital of Spain is starting be a city that can hold its own against other cultural capitals, in terms of both cultural interest and important museums. So what are the most essential museums to see in Madrid?

Museo del Prado: Don’t miss the chance to stroll through one of the best art galleries in Europe. The Museo del Prado was inaugurated in 1819, and in its almost two centuries of history, it has compiled over 27,000 referential works of art within its walls. It also includes an amazing collection of works by Spanish artists like Goya and Velázquez.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía: More commonly known as the “Reina Sofía” it has an amazing collection of modern art including works by Dalí, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and of course, Picasso. In fact if you want to see Picasso’s masterpiece, Guernica, you’ll have to come here.

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: This museum houses a wonderful private collection that allows visitors to stroll through different periods in art history. Flemish and Italian masterpieces and modern art stand out among the collection.

National Archaeological Museum of Spain: Recently reopened after remodeling that took six years to complete, this museum is all the rage this season. Its biggest draw is that it knows how to mix modernity into its exhibitions and technology with some of the most ancient pieces in our history.

Museum of Romanticism: This small, charming museum is home to a nice collection of works, furniture and decorative pieces from Spain’s romantic period, a tumultuous period both politically and culturally.

Of course there are many other museums in Madrid that we encourage you to see. A trip to the city dedicated to seeing its art collections, natural history and even geology museums can keep you more than entertained for the whole trip.

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Meet María José Gelabert, Head of Studies at AmeriSpan’s Madrid Spanish school (Budget-Friendly).

What is your background?
After experimenting in different fields without satisfaction, one day due to circumstances of life, I was teaching Spanish in Milan. Three years later, I was studying Italian Philology at the Complutense University and again by chance before finishing my studies, I was subbing for a week at a language school teaching Spanish. A week lasted for ten years there until, the need for a change made me to move to ENFOREX to work for a summer. So far twelve summers (and autumns, winters and springs). In ENFOREX have gone where I participated in the production of manuals in Spanish and taught in different and sometimes complex specific courses. Again as the history repeated by chance, I was subbing as academic coordinator for four months which has been for seven years.

Do you travel abroad often?
Whenever it’s possible – particularly over long weekends.

Have you studied abroad?
I lived in Italy where I learnt Italian (self taught).

Which languages do you speak or have studied?
Spanish (mother tongue) , Italian (bilingual) & English.

How and why did you get into the Study Abroad market?
I’m not sure exactly when but I think it’s about 20 years ago. However the Spanish department consolidated at the end of the 90’s.

What is your job or function at the organization?
Presently, I’m head of studies of Spanish department at ENFOREX Madrid.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I would say the organising & coordinating the whole thing, where you have to solve the puzzles cause sometimes there are more pieces or chips than the board. This this position also gives you a broder perspective on every aspect because of the contact with the teachers & students on daily basis.

Was a person, group of people or organization instrumental in your success?
If I win an important award, during the speech I’ll mention the people & animals that have been instrumental in my success!

Tell us one of your biggest challenges in starting your organization.
Combining the competitiveness with quality, the company with the school, to be a mediator between the teachers and employees in order to be productive and avoid professional conflicts.

Can you tell us about your school’s philosophy, specialty and/or why you think it is special?
I think the most important part is to over come the difficulties & looking forward to achieve each goal.

Anything else? Perhaps some advice to potential participants, teachers, school owners or travelers to your country or city.
It is important to distinguish between client and student. As a teacher you should never see them as a client and a student in the class room should never behave as one. The concept of customer and product are alien to the teaching, maybe that is a hallmark of our team.

Learn more about AmeriSpan’s Madrid Spanish School (Budget-Friendly)

Meet Pedro Sánchez Alejo, General Director of AmeriSpan's Madrid Spanish school (1st Choice)

What is your background?
I was born in Valladolid in 1966, I studied Philosophy and Letters at the Universidad de Valladolid and specialized in Hispanic Philology. I'm married to Marisa, who also works for dQ as an instructor, and we have a daughter named Andrea. I live in Collado Villalba, about 40 km from Madrid, close to the mountains so I can rest and relax on the weekends.

Do you travel often?
Much less than I would like to. Before, I worked much more. Now I do whenever I have a chance. It is one of the best things that this job offers.

Have you ever studied abroad?
Unfortunately, no.

What languages have you studied?
I've studied and currently speak English. I can get by with some French but I haven't ever studied it. 

How did you enter the study abroad market?
In 1989, while I was still in college, I began working with a Spanish professor who was a sports coach for French youths during the summer. I loved this job. When I finished college, I made this activity my profession.
 

When was your organization founded?
Don Quijote Madrid was founded in January, 2000.

What is your function within the organization?
I'm the General Director, and am in charge of leading our team of teachers, making sure students' needs are met, and making sure everything runs smoothly. 

What do you like best about your job?
Dealing with students from around the world, the multiethnicity of our school, and the words of gratitude from students who are satisfied with our work.

 
Was there a person, group of people or organizations that contributed to your success?
The entire management team of Don Quijote who believed in me when I opened this school and especially the help and support of Charity Santana, our academic director, who taught me much of what I know.

Tell us one of your biggest challenges at the beginning of your organization?
Building and training a team of teachers who were capable, competent and dedicated to their work. Creating a pleasant work environment for all of oru visiting students.

 
Tell us one of your biggest mistakes in your job, studying/teaching a language and/or travelling abroad?
I think the hardest part is putting yourself in the position of the student who is abroad, away from family and friends. Sometimes we do not realize how difficult it is to deal with these cultural clashes. I have learned to do this and listen to their problems and, where possible, resolve them.

How did you and AmeriSpan start working together?
I believe it's been a few years now that AmeriSpan has been a part of the IDEAL/Don Quijote group.

Can you tell us about your school's philosophy, expertise and/or why you think it's is special?
Don Quijote is a Spanish school and we can find a completely professional service but only within an environment that's friendly and cordial. The teachers are highly skilled but also very personable. The location of the school and its facilities are excellent.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I would advise that students come to our school with a desire to learn while having fun. Once you're mind is open, you can have an unforgettable experience. 

Find out more about studying Spanish in Madrid

1. Madrid
The Nebrija campus in Madrid is centrally located in the Dehesa de la Villa neighborhood, and is close to shops, landmarks, public transportation and a park.  Students can opt to stay in an apartment or with a host family, and have access to a computer lab, cafeteria, and library.  Semester programs are available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall in English and Spanish.

2. Granada
Granada is a captivating city located at the foot of the Andalusian Mountains and a short bus ride away from the Mediterranean.  The semester program has a unique layout, as it includes both a "Ten Day Intersession" in Madrid and an allotted ten days for personal travel time.

Classes at our partner university in Granada are taught half in English and half in Spanish, although no prior knowledge of Spanish is necessary.  This program is available during the Fall semester only.

3. Barcelona UAB
The UAB (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) campus has much to offer: proximity to the beach and mountains, three day weekends, excursions, lodging options, and opportunites to participate in a variety of group outings and school-sponsored cultural activities.

UAB is recommended for students with an existing low-intermediate or higher understanding of Spanish, as students take 90 hours of Spanish class with the option of Spanish or English electives.  The campus provides access to libraries, computer labs, cafeterias and other campus facilities.

Students may spend a Spring/Fall semester at UAB or select one of the shorter Summer semesters.

4. Barcelona BIC
Our BIC (Barcelona International College) campus also offers the pluses of study in Barcelona and homestay options/three-day weekends.  The main difference between UAB and BIC is that BIC offers electives in English only, so if your Spanish level is lower than intermediate, this may be the choice for you.  Additionally, this university caters to an even more international crowd and its program is easier to customize.

The campus is located three metro stops from the popular Plaza de Catalunya, and the facilities are excellent.  This program is available for Spring, Fall, and 2 different Summer semesters.

For details, check out:

Madrid College Study Abroad
Granada College Study Abroad
Barcelona UAB College Study Abroad
Barcelona BIC College Study Abroad

Browse all of AmeriSpan's College Study Abroad programs