My Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain. By Nicole.

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

In the first place, I chose Madrid because it's close to my home country and has similar living costs. Beyond this, I wanted to experience living in a capital city that is lively and full of culture like Madrid, where you can find every nationality and where there is a huge variety of entertaining things to do that never seem to end. I wanted to have this experience during my Erasmus student period, because Erasmus is so much more than just studying - it's getting to know new horizons, to enlarge our understanding of the world and to gain capacities in adapting to cultural differences.

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How long did the grant last? How much money do you receive as help?

The grant amount corresponds to the number of months spent on the Erasmus exchange. In my case it was five whole months. I received 200 euros for each month, a total of 1000 euros as help.

What is the student life like in Madrid?

Madrid is a very big city and so I wasn't only involved in the student life with the Spanish students. I think that there is an excellent atmosphere amongst Erasmus students, there are excellent organisations and events that help us to get to know students who are in the same situation, through parties and trips.

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

Yes.

What is the national cuisine like?

The food is very good but very calorific and not very healthy. The Spanish really like tapas which is generally fried. At home I liked to cook healthier dishes, but when I ate out I liked to go to 100 Montaditos.

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How easily did you find accommodation in Madrid?

For me it was very difficult because everyone demanded high rent prices and I wanted to try to live with students and not with families. In Madrid, there are many Dominicans who rent out rooms in their homes and it was very difficult for me to find a different option, especially since I did not want to be far from the centre or very far from the university.

On average, how much did you spend living in Madrid?

I think I spent about 2500 euros.

What is the language like? Did you attend a language course at the University?

I didn't attend any university course because I had already taken Spanish classes in Portugal. Since I am Portuguese, Castilian wasn't too difficult for me. However, I found it difficult when people spoke too fast and at first it was more complicated.

What is the cheapest way to get to Madrid from your city?

Airplane.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Madrid?

Kapital Theater, Gabana...

And eating out in Madrid? Can you name your favorite places?

100 Montaditos. And for churros with chocolate, I recommend San Guines.

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And what about cultural visits?

I would recommend all the art museums in the triangle, Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia. They are very good. You also have to visit the Royal Palace and I would also advise you to visit the many museums that have free entry at the weekends. In addition, there are always lots of exhibits that are also free and of great quality.

Do you have any advice you would like to give to future students in Madrid?

Take advantage of Madrid night and day, it has a lot to offer, and mix with the Erasmus community which is one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had in my life!