Updated July 2025

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Welcome to Tufts in Madrid. My Madrid-based team and I are delighted to support your student as they embark on this transformative journey abroad. Our priority is to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and growth—academically, culturally, and personally.

This page is intended to offer key information about your student’s upcoming experience abroad.

HOUSING INFORMATION:

Homestays

All host families are thoroughly vetted, many with years of experience supporting Tufts in Madrid students. Hosts receive ongoing training in student health and wellness, intercultural communication, and anti-oppression practices. Students are matched with families based on detailed housing surveys and Zoom interviews. Each student receives breakfast and dinner at home, along with a daily stipend for lunch.

If a student feels uncomfortable in their homestay, they may request a change.

Student Residences

Students in our STEM-Engineering track live in comfortable, modern residence halls with Spanish and international students. Rooms are single or double occupancy and include a microwave, small fridge, and private bathroom. A full meal plan is provided.

Staying in Touch

• Students have internet access at their homestay or residence, the program center, and the university.

• Most students bring their phones from the U.S. and activate a Spanish eSIM upon arrival.

• Apps like WhatsApp and Signal are commonly used and free for international messaging.

• You may also call the host family’s landline (please no later than 10pm local time).

• Spain is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (7–9 hours ahead of other U.S. time zones).

Visiting Your Student in Spain

If you’re planning to visit Madrid while your student is abroad, we recommend timing your trip for the end of the semester or during academic breaks. By that point, your student will be well-adjusted to their new environment and better able to enjoy your visit without the added stress of coursework and exams. Giving your student time and space to acclimate supports their academic success and cultural integration.

We strongly discourage visits during the first few weeks of the program or during midterms and finals, as these can be emotionally and academically demanding times. Giving your student time and space to acclimate supports their successful integration into the program and Spanish life.

If you do visit Madrid, we warmly welcome you to stop by our Program Center to meet our team in person. We’re always happy to connect with families and answer any questions you may have.

Safety in Madrid

• Spain is one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is rare, and private firearm ownership is tightly restricted. Still, as in any major city, students should be alert to petty theft, especially in crowded areas.

• All students receive safety training from both program staff and the U.S. Embassy.

• The program maintains detailed emergency protocols and tracks student travel outside Madrid through mandatory travel disclosure forms.

• Students are pre-registered with the U.S. Embassy and encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) when traveling.

Alcohol & Drug Policy

Our drug and alcohol policy reflects our deep commitment to student well-being. Excessive alcohol use is the leading cause of injury and emergency abroad, and drug use is strictly prohibited. We enforce a zero-tolerance policy for serious infractions to protect your student and our community.

We encourage you to speak openly with your student about making healthy, respectful, and informed choices while abroad. Honest conversations now can help set expectations and support their success in navigating the freedoms and responsibilities of life in another culture.

Health & Insurance

Spain poses no unusual health risks. All students are covered by a Spanish medical insurance policy (ADESLAS), which includes full coverage with no co-pays or exclusions. English-speaking doctors are readily available. Tufts students are also covered by OnCall International for medical and mental health services.

If your student takes prescription medication, please notify our Student Care Coordinator prior to departure to ensure continuity of care. This information may be shared through the pre-departure Qualtrics survey or by email.

Financial Support

Students are provided with extensive financial resources to support full participation in academic, cultural, and social life.

• Homestay students receive two daily meals at home and a stipend for lunch.

• Residence hall students are provided with three daily meals.

• All students receive a transportation pass for metro, buses, and commuter trains.

• The program offers partial reimbursements for local travel, cultural activities, and wellness-related pursuits (e.g., fitness classes, art workshops).

• Additional support is available in case of financial emergencies.

Banking

A Spanish bank account is opened through the program prior to arrival. Families may wire funds directly to this account if needed.

Students must have a Spanish bank account in order to receive reimbursements and stipends.

Orientation

Our two-week orientation is designed to help students feel grounded, informed, and connected. Sessions include safety training, intercultural adaptation, academic advising, mindfulness, and community-building. Students will also attend university site orientations, walking tours, and cultural events.

Sending Mail to Madrid

Packages can be sent to the Program Center or directly to your student’s homestay. When shipping from the U.S., declare contents as “used personal items” to avoid customs fees. We recommend using European vendors (like Amazon.es) when possible.

To Mail Items to the Tufts in Madrid Program Center:

Student’s Name
Tufts in Madrid
C/ Fuencarral 123-3º
28010, Madrid, Spain
Tel: +34 91 702 4513

Academic Calendar

• Fall semester: Late August or early September – third week of December
• Spring semester: Late January – third week of May

Students will receive a detailed calendar prior to departure, including dates for orientation, excursions, university classes, and finals.

We’d Love to Meet You in Madrid

If you plan to visit Madrid while your student is abroad, we warmly welcome you to stop by our Program Center to meet the team.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are honored to support your student through this life-changing experience and deeply appreciate your trust in us. It’s an honor to be part of their journey.

Warm wishes,

Dr. Susan Sánchez Casal, Director