<p>So, I applied for a summer study abroad program through Duke University and was accepted (<em>really happy</em>). It will be held in Madrid, Spain in May and June. Is there anything I should know about that city (before I’m there)?</p>
<p>Madridians (sp) eat dinner very late. Like 9:00 pm would be early.</p>
<p>Spaniards are excellent drivers, really. I am not sure about students, but most dress far nicer than Americans. By june it will be hot in Madrid. Madrid is a wonderfully vibrant city and you should have a great time there. And try to get to Barcelona at least once.</p>
<p>My D was there last May. Had a ball. 3 story clubs, clubs in old museums, clubs…hey …wait just a minute… LuuuuCEEEE! You got some 'splaining to do. ;)</p>
<p>Lots of students from all over. D met kids from everywhere. Quite the trip. The hours were wild as was the home stay. Her “mom” lived 25 minutes and 3 transfers away from school but she never said it was a problem. She went as a language immersion, ostensibly anyway. ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies!</p>
<p>Curmudgeon-You are right about the clubs and night life. I am IMing with my daughter last night around 10:30 in Madrid. She doesn’t respond for a while, but then comes back on to say sorry she was trying to get ready to go out. A few friends were heading out to a Hookah Bar as some of them do not have class until afternoon. Nightlife does not start until close to midnight in Madrid, so the kids have dinner at home around 9:30, do a bit of homework, and then head out. A very different life than a home!</p>
<p>Reese, how long will you be in Madrid? Will you be with a host family? I know students that have attended the Duke program during the school year, but don’t know if your summer program is the same.</p>
<p>One think to know, many homes do not have air conditioning.</p>
<p>I have a nice guide to Madrid that my daughter and I found online. If you would like the link, PM me and I will send it to you. </p>
<p>Have a great time in Madrid.</p>
<p>Here is the information about the program:</p>
<p>[Study</a> Abroad: Summer Programs: Spain](<a href=“http://studyabroad.duke.edu/summer/spain.php]Study”>http://studyabroad.duke.edu/summer/spain.php)</p>
<p>I’ll be there for approx. 6 weeks.</p>
<p>reeses, the one thing I’ll counsel you on is $. It will get away from you. You don’t need to buy everyone you know something in Spain, and if you do - please make it a trinket. A bauble. A couple of bucks at most. Don’t come back with an armload of $20 T-shirts, $30 U of Salamanca hoodies, and of course the $50+ Real Madrid jerseys, knife from Toledo, wallet from wherever. The photos and your big smile will be enough for the folks back home. Promise. </p>
<p>D was aghast when she saw how much she spent. At one “gift” every few days, she had no idea what the total was going to be.</p>
<p>The food is good, the people are friendly, and the cab drivers are thieves. Not only do the people eat late, restaurants don’t even open until 9, at least when I was there. Pay the cab driver from outside the car, and announce how much you are giving them. Watch their hands. Double check the rates before using a cab. At least one cab driver pretended not to understand my California Spanish numbers while trying to rip me off for an extra $20. I don’t really speak much Spanish, but, come on, the way the numbers are pronounced aren’t *that *different.</p>
<p>Reeses, I lived in Madrid for a year when I studied abroad last year and known the city quite well. Feel free to PM me with any specific questions or places to visit, like restaurants.</p>
<p>I would recommend comfortable shoes, not sneakers. It is a great walking city filled with loads to do and see. Like most cities it has areas to avoid no matter what time dinner is served. Have a great time and take loads of pictures!</p>
<p>Supposedly pickpockets are a problem. Be careful, just as in any other major city. Great city, wonderful food, terrific museums. Enjoy!!</p>