Experience in Madrid, Spain by Lily

What is it like to live in Madrid? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

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Madrid is a city where French bread conquers the people. A hot day where you don't feel like cooking in a sweating kitchen or having no time left to smack up a juicy snack for the kids or just plain lazy, the bread solves it all. Living in the Spain centre has its ups and downs such as needing to drive for long hours to get to the beach in the summer but, hey, if a navy battleship attacks, we'd be the ones that are at the head of the running away. Life here is slow and calm but fast and exciting at the same time. The sounds of beers clinking against the sound of football/soccer, it's the kind of life where you would want to have a quiet life with a spice every now and then.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

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Madrid has got public, private, the two combined, special, all kinds. It isn't stressful like in China. It's pretty laid back. They give you choices to choose for the 4th year of middle school, along with the first year of high school but for the 2nd year. the last one, of high school, you're stuck with what you chose. The teachers here don't really give family meetings like in China or even the USA, but there are definitely a lot more shows going on. There are festivals around every corner and that piece of news definitely makes most kids' eyes sparkle. The exams here are like every other countries, as long as you study hard for it, you'll pass.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Madrid? Is there any advice you can give?

Not really if you are an English speaker. There's AU positions in lots of households so you get work, food, and kids all in one nice package. If AU jobs doesn't interest you, there's tons of web pages and the real estates agencies here is more than likely to help you.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food here is original. Bread and milk and jamon takes up a huge part of there meals, ESPECIALLY bread. My favourite dish though, is called paella, fried rice or noodles with seafood. YUM!

What places would you recommend visiting in Madrid?

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There's the Royal Palace, the opera concerts, or maybe the nearest park. There are two amusement parks and both are worth going to for a crazy upside down spin.

Is it good to eat out in Madrid? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Most people like to eat out as a family or a date while the others like to buy some alcohol and chips, then turn on the football match and turn into potato couches with their friends/family. For me though, I like the Japanese restaurant just up the street.

Is the nightlife good in Madrid? Where is good to go?

The nightlife here is awesome in some parts and crazy in the others. On a night of when a football match is on, go to a bar. ANY bar. You'd be hyped up with just one step in. If there's no football ongoing, then a club to your taste is another choice.

What advice would you give future students heading to Madrid?

Get your Spanish to conversational level, or else you'd be finding yourself regretting.