A year in Madrid will change your life!

Why did you decide to go to Madrid, Spain?

Because, seeing as I study foreign languages for international trade in my home university, I think that this city (as a European capital) offers a whole lot of opportunities to learn not only Spanish, but also about many other cultures and people that in the future will undoubtedly represent a valuable addition to my experiences, as opposed to other students who haven't had this extraordinary experience.

How long does the scolarship last? What about financial aid?

My scolarship is 10 months long; the monthly fund amounts to 370€: 230€ from the EU + 140€ from my university.

What is student life like in Madrid?

Here in Madrid, I have the opportunity to get to know people from truly all over the world. The diversity of nationalities is incredible (it's probably due to the city's key position in Europe, as well as its being a reference point for various fields regarding Latin America and the hispanic population at large), the structure is generally well-organized, and the professors are competent and charismatic.

Madrid is very different from any Italian city, both in terms of the type of work that is expected from the students, and in terms of the structure of the classes. Just like everything else in life, there are pros and cons, but overall I'm happy in this new environment.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Madrid to other students?

Yes, without a doubt. I'm currently studying at the Universidad Autonoma of Madrid (UAM) and I'm getting on very well (apart from the location, which is not close to the city center). The first semester went quite well, and it seems that the second will also go well.

Even though I'm the only Erasmus student in many classes, with the help of my classmates, I've been able to find my bearings.

The Erasmus Student Network is extremely active every week and offers many cultural and entertaining activities; moreover, I've become good friends with many ESN collaborators.

What is the food like?

If I could only use two words to describe Spanish food, I would simply say: lavish and quick! As opposed to a typical Italian meal, I would say that it is meant to be eaten rapidly, maybe sitting in a tapas bar; nevertheless, this is not to say that it isn't as high quality as any other Mediterranean dish - quite the opposite, in fact.

Although Madrid is quite far from the sea, like many Spanish cities, seafood is always plentiful, and lots of onion and garlic are commonly used... at the table as well as in life, the essence of the experience is sharing and being together; I would say it is not suitable for etiquette aficionados.

How did you find an accommodation?

In order to find an accomodation, I've really had to sweat my guts out. Together with a girl I had met on the Internet, as well as two other guys we met by chance, we focused our research in the areas close to the city center and, at last, through a real estate agency, we rented a lovely apartment.

There are two halls of residence for university students on campus, but the price and the distance from city life are both disadvantages; in my opinion living close to the city, even though it takes longer to get to class, offers more benefits than living close to the university, which basically means being cut off from social life.

How much is rent? And how much are living expenses?

Overall, rentals close to the center of Madrid are quite expensive considering what they offer. While we were searching for our apartment, I think I've seen it all, but in general rentals are around 400 to 450 euros per person for those looking to live close to the Sol area and its surroundings. With a little effort, nevertheless, it is possible to find cheaper apartments in good condition in the outer areas of the city. In my apartment, for example, we each pay 260€ per month (not including Internet connection, water, gas and electricity, which cost around 30-40€ per month per person).

How's it going with the language? Did you take any language courses while at university?

Before travelling to Spain my language level corresponded with a B1, as certified by my university's Language Center. Because I study languages, and I'm currently living abroad and constantly speaking with people every single day, I think I've improved quite a bit. I can make myself understood and interact with other people with ease, even if my vocabulary cannot compete with a native's.

What is the cheapest way to travel to Madrid from your home?

If the question pertains the cheapest mode of transport in Madrid (seeing as the city itself is huge, and I live close to the center), the answer is the metro, without a doubt. A single route ticket enables me to travel on every metro line, as well as on the bus. To reach the university, however, I have to take the train as well (Cercanías RENFE), which is slightly more expensive.

Where are the best nightlife spots in Madrid?

Nightlife in Madrid is very diverse, ranging from the largest clubs to the noisiest tapas bars. As they say, the world is your oyster - but usually my friends and I get a drink together, we do the "botellón", then we go clubbing. My favorite clubs would be Joy, Riviera, and Sala Heineken.

What about eating in Madrid? What are your favourite places?

When it comes to going out to eat, tapas bars are ideal because they're fairly inexpensive and always lively. These types of bars can be found around every corner, but in my opinion the best is El Tigre in the Chueca area, which is renowned for its party scene.

Are there any must-see cultural spots?

Also when it comes to cultural spot, one is spoiled for choice. The top museums (at international level) are the Reina Sofia Museum, the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza, and the Caixa Forum. In the city center and its surroundings there are plenty of interesting place to visit, among them the Templo del Debod, Calle de Huertas, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España, and many more. If one wants to spend a few hours relaxing from the busy city life the Parque del Buen Retiro must make your list of places to visit.

If you could give some advice to future students in Madrid, what would you tell them?

Even though I've probably already mentioned this, get ready for a long time in bureaucracy hell for the Learning Agreement, and generally communicating with your university's International Office. Also, when you'll be searching for your apartment, don't despair and stay strong because, the more you look and the more initiative you take, the better results you will have. Finally, try to maintain a healthy balance between studying and partying.

And good luck to everyone!