Learning Spanish in Madrid: Masha’s Experience at AIL
What happens when you move to Spain without a rigid plan, join an intensive Spanish course and commit to speaking even when it feels uncomfortable?
For Masha, a student from the United States, the result was much more than learning another language. Her six-month experience in Madrid gave her new friendships, cultural discoveries and the ability to communicate more deeply with members of her own family.
In her student testimonial, Masha shares the challenges she faced, the progress she made and why she recommends learning Spanish at AIL Madrid.
Why Masha decided to learn Spanish
Before coming to Madrid, Masha already spoke three languages. She chose Spanish because of its international importance and the number of Spanish speakers she meets in the United States.
She also wanted to communicate more effectively with people in her professional life.
“I really wanted to learn Spanish because it is a very popular language that a lot of people speak in the United States,” she explains.
Learning Spanish was therefore both a personal goal and a practical way to connect with more people.
For students with similar objectives, learning Spanish at AIL Madrid provides the opportunity to combine structured lessons with everyday immersion in Spain’s capital.
The importance of speaking from the beginning
Her biggest challenge in Madrid
When asked about her main challenge, Masha mentions finding housing.
She eventually found somewhere close by for a couple of months, but her experience shows why accommodation should be considered early when planning a study trip.
International students who want to simplify this part of their stay can explore the AIL Madrid student campus.
The residence is located in the same building as the school, allowing students to live, study and become part of an international community in one place.
A personal achievement that made everything worthwhile
Masha’s most meaningful achievement was not a test result or course certificate. It was being able to speak with her aunt.
Her aunt is from Peru and does not speak English. Before learning Spanish, Masha could only understand a few phrases and often needed her aunt’s husband to translate words and expressions.
After studying Spanish in Madrid, their relationship changed.
During a later four-hour visit, Masha only needed help with around five specific words. She could communicate directly with her aunt and form a much deeper connection.
This is a powerful example of what learning a language can achieve. Spanish gave Masha more than a new skill: it gave her access to a relationship that had previously depended on translation.
Would Masha recommend AIL Madrid?
Her answer is clear: yes.
“I would definitely recommend AIL,” she says, highlighting the people, teachers, courses and opportunities to use Spanish.
Her experience shows that successful language immersion combines several elements:
- Structured Spanish classes
- Teachers with different styles and personalities
- Regular speaking practice
- Cultural and social activities
- International friendships
- The confidence to make mistakes
- Real reasons to communicate
Together, these experiences helped Masha turn classroom knowledge into practical Spanish.
Start your own Spanish experience in Madrid
Every student arrives in Madrid with different motivations. You may want to improve your career opportunities, communicate with family, travel more confidently or simply begin a new adventure.
Whatever your reason, progress starts when you begin using the language.
AIL Madrid offers Spanish courses for different levels, schedules and learning objectives within an international student community.
Explore the Spanish courses at AIL Madrid and take the first step towards your own immersion experience.
Like Masha, you may arrive hoping to learn a language and leave with new friendships, greater confidence and connections that once seemed impossible.
