January 27, 2026 — Though she knew that living abroad with a new family speaking Spanish would be a challenge, Caroline Voorhis '23 soon found herself sitting at the dinner table each night, watching TV with her hosts, and learning Spanish cultural references she was only starting to understand.

“I quickly felt like a part of the family,” said Caroline of her experience.

Life in Madrid for Marist students is immersive, challenging, and personal. And Marist students consistently discover that the vibrant city offers something distinctive among study abroad destinations.

"Madrid is not a small college town," said Dr. Isabel Carrasco Castro, Director of Marist Spain. "As Spain’s capital, it has the energy and offerings of a major city, including world-class museums, major events, and diverse neighborhoods."

But Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), where Marist students study, also offers a true campus experience, featuring libraries, computer facilities, a gym, and communal spaces.

"Students feel part of an academic community while still having access to everything a major capital city offers," Isabel said.

Caroline Voorhis with her host family visiting Avila. Photo courtesy of Caroline Voorhis '23.

Students also have the opportunity to live with host families who can be a vital resource to help comfortably navigate a new country and culture.

“When I was sick, they took me to the doctor; they gave me advice of places to see in Madrid and in Spain; and I always felt supported and that no question was too small to ask,” Caroline said.

Hands-On Learning in an Elite Setting
UC3M ranks among Europe's elite universities. For Spanish students, it requires the highest entrance grades in the country. For Marist students, it presents an opportunity to test themselves in a truly international academic environment.

The program offers two tracks—Spanish-language and English-language—which consist of university courses where Marist students work alongside classmates from around the world.

Madrid also offers internships and research lab opportunities, which give students unmatched intercultural hands-on learning.

Veronica Vogelman '26, a psychology and Spanish double major, worked 16 hours per week at FACOMA, a local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous.

“My role there was to attend daily group sessions and observe the conversations and therapeutic techniques used by the facilitators and participants to work through the aftermath of struggling with addiction,” Vogelman said.

She even hosted several improvisational comedy workshops to help participants work through their emotions, all while navigating intercultural and linguistic dynamics.

On left, Veronica Vogelman traveling in Italy. On right, Veronica with her internship supervisor in Madrid. Photos courtesy of Veronica Vogelman '26.

“I learned so much, and the internship really inspired me to pursue a potential career in clinical rehabilitation programs for people recovering from drug and alcohol use disorders,” Veronica said.

Caroline worked in a research lab, in which she developed a new type of antimicrobial fiber to help with wound dressing and food packaging. The project resulted in an academic publication.

"I was grateful for the mentorship opportunity at UC3M, and I valued the collaboration in a multilingual lab," Caroline, now in medical school, said. "I am a better person, and I will be a better doctor, for the time that I spent in Madrid."

A Second Family in Madrid
For many students, living with a host family becomes the heart of their Madrid experience.

"I think this option is quite different from what many participants have in mind when deciding between a student residence and a host family," said Isabel. "Sharing an apartment with locals requires social effort and adherence to basic cultural rules of respect; however, students tend to enjoy a great deal of freedom, including travel and exploring the nightlife."

As part of her experience, Caroline found herself exploring her host family’s history on a trip to Toledo and Ávila, and her host sister became a travel companion for a trip to the Basque Country.

Every night after dinner, they watched TV together, unpacking Spanish cultural references and building the kind of easy rapport that defines family life.

"I really have a second family in Madrid, and I cannot possibly imagine my experience without them," she said. "Leaving my host family was the saddest part of leaving Spain."

Caroline Voorhis with her Marist Spain cohort. Photo courtesy of Caroline Voorhis '23.

Their relationship endured beyond the semester. When Caroline pursued her master's degree in Barcelona the following year, she spent all three weeks of her Christmas break back with her Madrid family. Her host sister has also since visited her in New York.

What sets Marist's approach apart is the intentional community building. Isabel personally places each student, visits their homes, and accompanies students on their first day. All host families live in the same Madrid neighborhood, making students literal neighbors who can meet for coffee or walk to the metro together.

"Students fill out a questionnaire describing their ideal host family," said Isabel. "Using this information, I work hard to find a match that meets their specific preferences and lifestyle."

Rachel Dean '25 experienced a particularly immersive environment as her host mother spoke no English, which accelerated her Spanish learning.

"This was a challenge, but also one of the best parts of my experience," she said. "Don't be afraid that you don't know enough Spanish because you will learn very quickly, and living with a host family is the best way to do it."

Her host family provided essential support: trips to the doctor when needed, pharmacy runs, grocery shopping for foods she liked, and tours around Madrid.

Rachel Dean (left) and Sophia Bianchi '25 travelling in Seville, Spain during their time in the Madrid program. Photo courtesy of Rachel Dean '25.

Rachel also noted that her host family took care to balance care and independence.

"My host was very good with giving me space if I needed it," she said. "I would definitely recommend host families and encourage committing fully to the abroad experience."

A Personal Approach to Living Abroad
Student support for students in Madrid begins immediately.

A comprehensive seven-day orientation helps them become comfortable navigating the city together. They practice finding classrooms on UC3M's sprawling campus. They learn the rhythms of the city as a group before venturing out independently.

Built-in excursions take students beyond Madrid's borders. Recent programs have included trips to Barcelona and the Canary Islands, with past excursions to Granada, Salamanca, Toledo, and Segovia. Cultural activities—flamenco shows, museum tours, theater trips—are woven throughout the semester.

Caroline particularly valued her Spanish Art History class, where the professor took students to the Prado and Reina Sofía museums to see the paintings they had been studying.

Rachel appreciated the program's structure: classes run Monday through Thursday, making every weekend an opportunity for travel and cultural exploration.

"I made great friends and saw so much of Europe which was a highlight," she said.

“"Very often, the skills students develop outside the classroom are more valuable than the course content itself," said Isabel. "From travel planning and coping with solitude to balancing academic duties and the excitement of exploring a new environment, the program constantly provides opportunities for personal growth, time management, and self-discovery."

The skills developed in Madrid extend far beyond the semester.

Caroline now uses them daily in medical school. Rachel carried them back to complete her mathematics and chemistry degrees, and Veronica discovered a potential career path in clinical rehabilitation.

All three maintain connections to the families who welcomed them into their homes.

"I think the Madrid program is one of the strongest abroad programs Marist has to offer," Veronica said. "From internship opportunities, to strong academic courses, to host families, and taking Marist-sponsored trips within the country to build upon our knowledge of Spain, this program really offers a diverse range of opportunities."

On left, Veronica Vogelman with her host sisters. On right, Veronica Vogelman with her host father. Photos courtesy of Veronica Vogelman '26.