Language
While most classes are taught in English at Suffolk's Madrid campus, Spanish is the predominant language spoken in the country. Spain also has three other official languages:
- Gallego is spoken in Galicia
- Catalán is spoken in Cataluña
- Euskera is spoken in the Basque Country
Additionally, most Spaniards speak at least some English, which means that even for students who don't speak Spanish ordering food at restaurants or talking with shopkeepers shouldn't be an issue.
Culture
Like other Mediterranean cultures, Spaniards favor pubs and restaurants, theaters and cafeterias, cafes and city squares as part of their custom of “living in public.” This gives students at Suffolk Madrid the opportunity to interact with local people and increase their understanding of the culture.
Geography
The breathtaking terrain is yet another reason why Spain is an ideal country to travel abroad. Among the many things to do in Spain are exploring the extensive coastline of the world-famous Mediterranean beaches of Alicante, Valencia, and Málaga; and discovering the rugged cliffs and rocky beaches of Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country on the Atlantic side.
Climate
Atop the 2,000-foot-high Castilian plateau of central Spain, Madrid enjoys sunny weather throughout most of the year. Summers are very hot but tend to cool down by mid-September. Winters are very mild compared to Boston--it almost never snows, and the temperature rarely dips below freezing. The spring and autumn months are very pleasant.
About Madrid
Spain's capital buzzes with a distinct energy that mixes Old World charm and a cosmopolitan vibe. The city's temperate daytime weather gives way to its night-owl rhythms with tapas bars, live music venues, and town squares bustling well past midnight. As the largest city in the country and one of the largest in the EU, Madrid is home to countless boutiques, restaurants, parks, monuments, museums, and so much more. The ease of travel throughout Europe is yet another benefit of choosing to study at Suffolk Madrid.
