My 18 year old daughter wants to spend 3 mo.s in Madrid...

Question

and work as a nanny and attend school there this fall. I have a concern regarding the safety of Madrid and how Americans are viewed there.

Answer 1

Madrid is much safer than any american city you can think of. People don't carry guns over here, so probably the worst thing that can happen to her is someone pickpocketing her wallet in the city centre.

Regarding the anti-americanism issue, well this is not Yemen, you know. I'd say it's just like anywhere else in Europe. Some people might think of her as a ******** yankee, but that's only a very small bunch of a******s who do not represent the overwhelming majority of the spanish people who will welcome her. And she will be just fine. Of course, very much depends on her as well, if she behaves like a hillbilly redneck, she'll probably get some telling off and stuff like that, but that's all. No hangings, beatings or anything like that, you know.  

Answer 2

I have 2 friends who live in Madrid and my husband and I live in Sevilla. Plenty of Americans live and work happily in Spain. We have always been welcomed in every part of Spain. Your daughter has an opportunity to live and learn in a different country, speak a different language, and grow to appreciate a whole culture. I think its a chance of a lifetime and she would be crazy to pass it up.

Answer 3

If she is trying to assimilate, and leearning the langauge, and being friendly, she should be welcomed heartily.  I, as a lover of all things Spanish, have felt very warmly accepted there.  

She should be safe.  It's a pretty safe place.  One needs to use common sense, as anywhere, and stay away from places like the Gran Vía and Plaza Mayor after dark during heavy touristy times.  Lots of pickpockets.  Not terribly dangerous otherwise, for someone who uses common sense... be aware of surroundings, don't go anywhere with complete strangers, etc.  

Plus, if she's working as a nanny and living with a family, she has the extra protection of being among people who will automatically care enough about her to keep some tabs.  And she will surely look back on this adventure as one of the best times of her life.

Answer 4

Safety is not an issue.  

There are a couple of 'unsafe' areas  for petty crime. I'm sure the family will let her know about these.

Sounds like a wonderful experience.  There are hundreds  of international students in Madrid, not only from the US, but from all of Europe which usually love the experience.

Regarding the view of Americans:  they are not unfriendly or rude due to this.  Some people might disagree strongly with American Interantional policies, but if it does come up in conversation/discussion, even that seems like a good educational experience.

Answer 5

You are going to have some anti-American anywhere you go. You can't protect her from that forever. Spain is generally warm towards Americans.

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Madrid is not anywhere near as dangerous as most American cities. Of course it has its bad spots, and pickpockets are commonplace.

Answer 6

I lived in Madrid for 11 months and had visited there several times before living there.

I never once felt unsafe in the city centre.  Yes, there are some pickpockets but there are pickpockets everywhere.  If you confront someone they will go away.  I would avoid walking through Retiro Park at night alone and also some places around Atocha, Lavapies, Embajadores, but these are not really city centre and it's mostly safe.

Americans are tourists and treated as such by the general public.  I agree with another answerer that spanish friends she meets will likely wish to discuss international policies, economy etc.