Estudio International Sampere (EIS)

The choice to rent a flat in Madrid entails that the renter lay out a deposit as well as six months to one year rent gauranty from their bank. That means that your bank must lock the guaranteed amount of rent in your bank account so that it will only go out to the landlord's specified bank account, and cannot be used in any other way, thereby assuring the landlord that rent is paid. It is important to be aware of this standard policy, because month-to-month personal financial management is thereby not an option. One may not expect to live the hand-to-mouth lifestyle if they choose to lease a flat in Madrid.

Balancing independent work with the intensive language study can compromise the student who would like to take full advantage of the course offerings. Ideally, a student should plan to devote their time to school offerings first, in order to get the most learning out of the situation, and then to any independent work or interests on a lfexible schedule outside of typical study hours.

Upon first arrival in Madrid I had barely a sentence of Spanish in my pocket. After an intensive day-to-day course in the language, including classroom, optional lectures, museum trips and village trips, following the Spanish language was nearly second nature, while speaking the language began to to grow beyond one-sentence utterances. Essentially, and what was best about the experience at this language school, I feel comfortable around the language because not only do the basics make perfect sense but some slang, some intellectual terms and the cultural rhythm also chime. Lastly, the teachers are to be commended for their friendliness, accessability and genuine attitudes.

I did not participate in any housing at this language school.

Madrid is host to an extensive array of ethnic restaurants, and many are absolutley delicious, yet the typical and profuse cervecerias or tabernas offer quintessencial fun. Many of the small cafés and bars seen along every street and around every plaza are not only a place to meet with friends for coffee or a drink, but also offer delicious local food. Enjoy a refreshment and some talk with friends, perhaps add in some small tapas for different tastes like jamon or tortilla, or even enjoy a full menú del dia with an apertiso, primero plato, segundo plato, postre y cupa de vino. The simplicity of such café service spota really does capture a vital part of Spanish life, is easy to tailor to your own wishes and affords the opportunity to use the Spanish language and to meet people.