My favorite way to engage with the local community was through dance classes! At one of the clubs they offered bachata lessons once a week which was a great way to learn how to dance but also meet new people! Along with this, my friends and I found a weekly salsa/bachata class that hosted a lot of Spaniards and other students abroad. While dancing is really fun, I also liked to go to my local coffee and bread shops. By the end of my time in Madrid, I was good friends with the people working at these shops. They were so welcoming, helped me practice my Spanish, and helped to answer any questions about the neighborhood!

My favorite class was “Food and Culture”! It was my favorite because of how hands on we got to be. We tried churros together, went wine tasting, had an olive oil expert come in to teach us and give us the opportunity to taste different kinds, had a tapas cooking class, and so many more exciting activities. I think this class taught me the most about Spanish culture and I found myself applying information from it everyday.