Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by cansu

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I had always been interested in Spanish Culture before I went to Spain (still also :)) I had taken Spanish language courses that also affected my decision process. At the very beginning I had decided to go Madrid, however, when I was at decision stage I changed my mind and wrote Netherlands as first choice since the medium of education was Spanish in Spain. In order to graduate on time my university, I had to pass at least 2 or 3 courses. Anyway, my third choice came through which was Madrid! So, I behaved bravely, I thought I could do it and this was my dream, then I should go! I have never regretted to go to Madrid, it was one of the best things I have ever experienced.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

They gave me one time 80% of the total scholar when I went to Madrid, and the remaining 20 % part when I arrived to my university in my country and demonstrated that I really studied something there. I dont remember the exact amount right now, it was between 1500-2000 Euros. This was enough actually for maybe just acommodation and very basic needs. You will need extra money besides scholarship in big cities like Madrid.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

In general, the lifestyle in Madrid is very relaxed. I really enjoyed this. I also observed that the student life also is like in that manner, at least compared to my original country and university.

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

I strongly recommend the city to other student but with some remarks. Firstly, in Spain, it is difficult to find an English-speaker that even in the universities it is hard to find. I just observed in the university I attended which is Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. Maybe in other universities this could be different but I do not think if the medium of education is Spanish. So, I you do not have any Spanish knowledge, but you have concerns that I have like passing some courses, then it is almost impossible to manage. You should talk to some professors and arrange somthings like English writing in exams, English homeworks and such but it is risk and do not forget, resources for the courses will be in Spanish!

Also in the city, you should know some basic Spanish in order to move on and live by yourselves :)

Besides, Madrid is really enjoyable and awake city for 24 hours! Spanish people are very sweet and relaxed. They know totally how to enjoy their lives! Additionally, Spain is a very beatiful country. In historical, natural, architectural and such manners...
The weather does not get so cold.

All in all, just go and enjoy Madrid, Spain :)

What is the food like?

I rarely eat outside in my residence time. But in the supermarkets, all people can find anything they need and cook themselves. This way is much more cheaper than outside.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

Yes it cost. The best way to find a place for living in your Erasmus time is to see those places by your eyes. Therefore, at the very beginning, you can stay in hostels or hotels if you dont have friends in Madrid, then see some places and decide on one to live. I stayed in a hostel room by myself that has a common toilet but it was located in the center, by 25 Euros. 2 nights were enough for me but I was the lucky one, think pessimistic about this!

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

For acommodation I paid a bed in a shared room 300 Euros but the house was in the center, Calle Mayor. The room was really big, we could use all the facilities in the house and paid no more money.

Eating costs, as I mentioned above, if you cook by yourselves, then you don't spend much. 50 Euros is a good amount then for one week.

For transportation, I used monthly unlimited cards for zone 2 and since I was younger than 24, it was 36 Euros. So monthly 36 Euros was enough for all transportation costs for me.

So, the other expenses, just depends on people actually. It changes.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Spanish is not a difficult language and since almost noone speaks English it is a good chance to learn it in that time.

And yes, Autonoma de Madrid provided us Spanish courses in different levels.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Madrid from your city?

I live in Istanbul Turkey, so of course plain was the only choice :)

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Madrid?

Places are located generally around Square Sol. There are lot's of but mainly people go out around Sol.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Madrid?

Montaditos 100 :) that you can try 100 types of tapas !

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The places around Sol Square, palace, Gran Via, Retiro Park and such..

Just search for it, you will see lots to see!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Madrid in the future?

I mainly mentioned about basic but vital things above. If you want to have a deeper knowledge, my email address is [email protected] just write me your questions!