By Lola Marks
Every academic year, CIS University welcomes students from the Boston area for one or two semesters. At the beginning of September, Endicott College students arrive eager, a little nervous, but overall excited to begin a new chapter in their university journey. They have the opportunity to study at the Madrid campus for a semester or even a full academic year. During their time here, they travel, try new foods, make lifelong friends, and experience new cultures.
One student, a third-year nursing major named Olivia Buckley, explained that she chose to come to Spain because Endicott College offered her an opportunity that many universities do not, especially in her field of study. “I always knew I wanted to study abroad because I love to travel. I like to see new things, and from a young age, my parents showed me new places and cultures,” she said. “I came to Spain because I traveled here in high school, and I just fell in love with Madrid—everything about it,” she added.
Since there is no nursing major at CIS University, Olivia is completing general elective credits during her time abroad. Alongside these, she is taking required courses such as Public Speaking, Spain Past and Present, and Intermediate Spanish.
Another third-year student, Cooper Horton, an entrepreneurship major, shares a similar experience. He is taking several electives while also completing communication courses required for his major. Cooper noted that “the professors are very engaging here and ask students a lot of questions.” He also highlighted the welcoming environment: “Everyone has been very friendly toward us Endicott students, even though many of us don’t speak Spanish,” he said.
A former Endicott College student, Martina Gala Cruz, a Business Management major, came to CIS University a year ago. After completing a year and a half at Endicott, she transferred and decided to stay. “I felt at home on the Beverly campus, even though I am from Spain. When I started studying at CIS University, I was nervous that I wouldn’t feel as comfortable or as welcome as I did in the U.S., but I was completely wrong.” She explained that returning to Spain felt natural and that CIS University welcomed her with open arms. Faculty and staff helped her feel comfortable in what was both a new and familiar environment.
All three students—Olivia, Cooper, and Martina—shared very positive feedback about their transition and overall experience moving from Boston to Madrid. They agree that, while there are clear differences from Endicott, there are many aspects of studying in a major city within a small campus environment that they value, including the slower pace of life, reliable public transportation, and exposure to new food and culture.
Olivia emphasized that the transition was made easier by the people around her. “You’re going to be pushed out of your comfort zone no matter what, and there will always be some culture shock. But having people around you—like my professors, Mar Gámez [Study Abroad Coordinator], and even the residence staff—makes a huge difference. They know all of us and really help you build a community,” she said.
Overall, Endicott students have a very positive outlook on their study abroad experience, embracing the opportunity to live and learn in a new city. These experiences not only expand their cultural understanding but also foster personal growth and independence. Students return home with a global mindset and a broader perspective that will benefit them both personally and professionally.