Erasmus: ¡Hala Madrid!

You have two options: live in your own country or explore the whole of Europe. By doing an Erasmus exchange not only will force you to grow up, you will become a better person and have the most unforgettable adventure, both academically and personally. Having such a unique opportunity to live and study abroad changes people for the better and prepares them for the future. There is a whole new world to be discovered: new people (that become friends for life), new cultures, new places, a new language. When you come back, full of ‘saudades’ as we say in Portugal, and missing everything about your time abroad, you'll know deep down that you've brought back a part of the city you spent so much time in. You’ll have new skills and responsibilities to develop, more independence and a new air of maturity. The Erasmus exchange breaks boundaries and cultures, mixing them all together and giving it to us in a dream experience come true.

And Madrid, a place that breathes life and culture, the real cosmopolis. At the end of the day, there are more similarities than differences between most countries. I don’t just call Portugal my home now, but all of Europe. Like at L’Auberge Espagnole, “I’m not one, but many. I’m like Europe, I’m all that. ”

For everyone the first few weeks of an Erasmus exchange are confusing. Leaving behind all you know: arriving without somewhere to live, without your family or friends (by your side at least), and without a native tongue. But all these initial fears soon disappear and any expectations you may have had prior to the trip are nothing compared to the real thing.

To get involved with an Erasmus exchange you first need to go and speak to the International Relations Office at your respective university: good marks and at least some knowledge of the language are the main things required to apply. If you fit this criteria they will give you a list of universities that take students from your course and university. This is where you choose Madrid, of course. On top of this you’ll have to fill out loads of paperwork (which actually isn't that hard if you ask the International Office for help), and I’d recommend you polish up your knowledge about Spain and the Spanish culture, or of whichever country you chose to go. But don’t worry too much as the best way to learn is to go and experience it first hand.

In the Spanish capital you’ll find squares full of people, plenty of nights out and of course, tapas, so what better choice is there? As I said before, Madrid is very much a cosmopolitan city. The student community is massive and the city offers something for every student academically with various departments and courses to choose from. What’s more, when you’re not studying you can visit the rest of Spain, and maybe even some other countries as well.

So, you arrive in Madrid (what you paid to get there will of course depend where you came from). What’s next? Well, finding somewhere to live should be your primary concern and I think it’s better to share somewhere with people from all over the place: in the true Erasmus spirit.

To help you find the right place, here's is a link for the accommodation advertised on Erasmusu: accommodation in Madrid.

Also, when you arrive you can buy a newspaper called ‘Segunda Mano’ that has loads of offers inside. The average price you’ll pay is between €250 and €350 a month. If you still can’t find somewhere, the many universities dotted around the city will help you, all you have to do is ask.

After finding somewhere to live you’ll have loads of time to start getting to know the city. Madrid has tons of mythical looking buildings (like The Metropolis) as well as some more futuristic looking ones too. You’ll never get bored of walking down La Gran Vía, or tired of strolling through La Puerta del Sol or La Plaza Mayor, even passing La Cibeles or exploring Malasaña. You can visit the Royal Palace or the Bernabéu, or relax in El Templo de Debod. There are stunning theatres and cinemas throughout the city, the well known Callao to name just one. Even after all of this you have incredible museums, like El Prado, El Reina Sofía or El Thyssen.

The weather is good in Madrid, almost always bright and sunny. The food is delicious, from scrambled eggs to the famous Cocido Madrileño with some churros and hot chocolate in San Ginés for dessert. In terms of transport, the metro covers pretty much the whole city and is very reliable whilst you can always catch a bus or a taxi if you prefer.

There are so many parties in Madrid! The Spanish love to go out and the streets are always full of people, each with their own bottle of something or other at hand. From bar to bar, tequila shot to tequila shot, Madrid has a nightlife to suit everyone. ESN, as well as cultural activities and trips, organises loads of parties, a great way to meet new people. The most lively places are Sol, Huertas or Tribunal. You have your more general clubs as well as those dedicated to a specific genre of music and certain vibe. For example; Pacha Madrid, Kapital; Joy and Orange are the most well known clubs but you also have more alternative ones, like Chueca and Lavapiés. But, if it’s a Sunday, after a nice day in El Retiro Park, it has to be La Latina. (For some Tapas I’d recommend Casa Camu). As you can probably already tell, the Spanish are very much a social group of people. Staying at home is not an option.

The best part however is meeting other Erasmus students, and even though you all speak different languages or you have no idea who the other 10 people that just came in to your flat are, everyone is there for the same reason: to meet new people and experience different cultures. The benefits are endless: the experience you have living abroad, the language you learn (experts believe by 2050 there will be more than 530 million Spanish speakers) and the wonder of the international feel to it all. The opportunity to share the good times, and the bad, with people you never thought you would. It’s a great experience that opens your eyes to a completely different world to the one you knew before coming; a way of learning about yourself as well as everything else around you.

Now that I’m back on Portuguese soil I still think about all those people who helped make my Erasmus experience so special. The people, the city. Overcoming all the challenges moving to a new city throws at you: the new culture, the different way of life, the new surroundings (not going over the airline’s baggage limit despite having to pack for months, or even a year abroad! ) you are left missing all the things about Madrid and many fond memories of your time spent there. “Once an Erasmus, always an Erasmus. ”

For all those still with the opportunity to do something like this, don’t hesitate. It will be the best time of your life.

Exchange your life!