Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Joseph

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, España?

I chose to go to Madrid for my Erasmus year as it was an experience I couldn't turn down. Not only was it a chance to develop Spanish as a second language but it gave me the chance to immerse myself in a new and exciting culture.

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

About 8-9 months. We received student finance as well as an Erasmus grant which helped to pay for rent.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

It is easy to meet new people especially those similar to Erasmus. Everyone is friendly and Madrid offers a cheap and fun student lifestyle.

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

Yes most definitely. The University was amazing and Madrid was such a vibrant city.

What is the food like?

It was typical Spanish food you could get in restaurants such as tapas, which is like peppers, Spanish ham, and eggs, etc. These also offered lunch menus with 3 courses at a very cheap price of 7 euros. The food at most of the bars was incredible. Shopping wise you could get pretty much any food you wanted at the supermarkets.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

I paid 10 euros to the University accommodation team for their help to provide me with accommodations to go visit and decide where I wanted to stay. However, I found accommodation in the end from a fellow Erasmus student I had met offering a spare room at their flat.

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

Having done a bit of Spanish in earlier years it was easy to pick up. However, it is fairly easy to learn Spanish once you put yourself in a situation where it is needed. Yes the University offered us a 2-week crash course in Spanish.

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

By plane.

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

Joy Eslava, Cibeles, Zoologico, Pacha. Pretty much around the center of Madrid, there are so many different places you can go to.

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

• Fatigas del Querer,
• Chocolatería San Ginés,
• Taberna Alhambra

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• The Royal Palace
• Parque Retiro
• Museo del prado
• The Santiago Bernabau

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

Be willing to put yourself into the culture and learn a new language.