Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Marketa

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I choose to go to Madrid because I wanted to go to Spain and it was the best choice I did. I could choose Valencia or Valladolid, but madrid is the capital and I wanted to know about this city more then informations from the internet

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

my scholarship was for 10 months. About money - I have receieved money from erasmus program and also from my faculty, but I had to pay more then this cause living, food and parties is a bit expensive.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

Student lifestyle is very diverse - lot of new things - city, people, friends, language and you have to do everything to enjoy this time :-) but it is the best of erasmus program or every scholarship...

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

I would really recommend. I studiet at the university - Alfonso X El Sabio in Villanueva de la Cañanada at the faculty of physical education and it was awesome.

What is the food like?

food is not as different as the food in other countries of Europe...but paella, jamon cerrano and all of these delicious food - you are gonna love it. And when you will come back home, you are gonna cry because you dont have some jamon cerrano in the kitchen :D :D

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

I lived in Villanueva de la Canada and I found my house in one day...it is not difficult, in one day you can find a place where to live without problem....depends on what amount of money you want to spend and what luxury you need ;-)

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

it cost a lot. I am from Czech reppublic and the living here in Madrid cost about 350-400 euros/month - almost all my money from erasmus program :-/ but for this amount of money you can find a flat in the center od Madrid ;-)

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

at my university we had clases of spanish. Now I speak spanish with my friends without problems :-)

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

dont know which city do you mean O:) :-)

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

Kapitol, El Tigre, it is not bad at - centro universitario, cassette on Sunday :-P.....every bar has its own history :-P

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

almost everytime we cooked in the flat but in the center you can find really nice and good restaurants ;-) ...or el tigre .-P

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

el palacio,todo el centro es historico, las montanas cerca de Madrid,

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

enjoy every day when you will be in Madrid. It is the unique oportunity to live in the city like Madrid, without parents, without your live at home, so you have to enjoy it ;-)