Amherst Adventures Abroad: Madison Rabb ’26

Madison Rabb ’26, a political science major and member of the track and field team who spent last fall studying in Madrid. Through the Syracuse Abroad Madrid program, she explored political science and sociology while immersing herself in Spanish culture; indulging in tapas, browsing the latest fashion at El Rastro, and finding a home away from home.

For Rabb, studying abroad was a long-awaited opportunity to practice Spanish in a real-world setting. “I’ve been taking Spanish for basically all my life, but I never had the chance to use it in a real-life situation,” she said. Madrid, with its vibrant culture and location, was her perfect choice.

While she had heard of other Amherst students who had done the program before, Rabb didn’t personally know anyone in her cohort. “It was kind of a leap of faith,” she admitted. However, she quickly found her place, and now encourages more Amherst students to consider the program for future semesters.

Rabb’s program followed a liberal arts model, offering a broad range of diverse courses. She took a political science class on political conflict, two sociology classes — one on Spanish pop culture and another on migration — an English course on Ernest Hemingway’s works in Spain, and a mandatory Spanish language course.

Unlike direct enrollment programs, all her classes were taught by professors affiliated with Syracuse Madrid, and were housed in a shared academic building with other American institutions.

Rabb opted for a residence hall rather than a host family, living in a building called The Social Hub. While some of her peers lived with host families, she found the independence of the residence hall appealing. Still, she admitted that, given the chance to do it again, she might have considered a homestay for a more immersive experience.

One of the most memorable aspects of Rabb’s experience was immersing herself in Spanish cuisine and culture. Initially, she experienced a culture shock due to the country’s late-night meals.

“Meal times were definitely an adjustment,” Rabb recalled. “Breakfast is just coffee, lunch isn’t until around 2 p.m., and dinner doesn’t happen until 9 or 10 at night.”

But as she adapted to Spain’s dining customs, she also discovered a love for the food. Initially skeptical of the country’s renowned tapas, Rabb soon grew to appreciate them. “At first, I thought tapas weren’t for me, but then I discovered pan con tomate — just bread with grated tomato, olive oil, and salt — and I had it for breakfast every day.” Other favorites included croquetas and churros with thick hot chocolate. “The bakeries in Madrid were insane,” she recalled, reminiscing about post-class pastry runs with friends.

Over time, she came to embrace Spain’s leisurely approach to meals — especially the tradition of “sobremesa,” the custom of lingering at the table for conversation after eating.

Rabb explained that “sobremesa” was more than just talking. “It’s a moment of connection, a time to slow down and enjoy the company of others, such a contrast to the [on-the-go lifestyle] in the States.”

Sundays in Spain also held a special place in her heart. “It’s a day for family and community,” she said. “I loved going to El Rastro, this massive flea market where people just stroll, shop, and spend time together. You'll see parents and young children just walking around, not even just buying stuff, just enjoying the environment.”

Beyond the touristy spots, Rabb enjoyed discovering Madrid’s diverse neighborhoods. She often went to Chamberí, where her school was located, for its hidden gem bakeries. Her favorite area, however, was Malasaña. “It’s super young and trendy—great for shopping, food, and even nightlife,” she said.

For those interested in Madrid’s history, she recommended the Royal Palace and Madrid’s many museums. “Madrid is a young city, so a lot of historical sites are outside the city, but they’re easy to reach by train or bus.”

For Rabb, one of the biggest perks of studying abroad is the opportunity to travel. She visited Munich, Amsterdam, Florence, and Marrakech, among other destinations. With a four-day class schedule, she often traveled on long weekends, though she emphasized the importance of also spending time in Madrid. “Some students traveled so much they barely knew how to get to school by the end of the semester,” she joked.

Looking back, Rabb’s most cherished memories include bonding with new friends in the Syracuse program over croquetas, watching a beautiful sunset, and spending Thanksgiving in Paris with Amherst students, “That moment, sitting with my friends in Paris, I realized how grateful I was — for studying abroad, for the Amherst community, for everything.”

Her advice for future study abroad students? “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Even if you go alone, you’ll make new friends. Also, take time to appreciate where you are. It’s easy to get caught up in travel plans, but really immersing yourself in your host city makes all the difference.”

For anyone considering Madrid, Rabb wholeheartedly recommends it. “Spending four months in Madrid gave me such a deep connection to the city that I now feel confident enough to show others around when I return,” she said. “It’s truly an unforgettable experience.”