Erasmus experience in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Why did you choose to go to Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain?

I was placed to study at Alfonso X, which was nearby Villanueva. The town was a bit small for me, but it was close enough to Madrid if I wanted to go out and see the city.

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

I received 650euros monthly from February to June.

What is the student lifestyle like in Villanueva de la Cañada?

The student lifestyle was pretty bland, but considering we were in such a small city, we had a great time.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Villanueva de la Cañada to other students?

I would recommend to read up about the university before you go. I attend a 30,000 student university, which was the size of Villanueva. I'm not used to small towns and small schools, so it was a big shock to attend UAX. I was displeased with the International Office's help and with the learning environment in the classes. Weekends were my favorite part because I was able to go out and relax with friends.

What is the food like?

Spanish! Chicken, potatoes, ham, arroz con leche (YUM)

How did you find your accommodation?

I found a host family before I left and e-mailed them to set up my accommocations. About half way through, I moved to an apartment with 5 other Spanish students and I found the landlord online. It wasn't difficult, acutally.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

I paid 650euros monthly to stay with my host family; it included meals, weekly cleaning of my room, laundry service with ironing, the family had a bike i was able to use, and all my water and electricity. At my apartment, I paid 350euros monthly which included water and electricity and my room. With my extra money from my scholarship, i was able to buy food. Overall, things are very expensive in Spain (compared to the states). It was uncommon to find dinner for anything less than 15euros, and drinks (even water) are about 3euros each.

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

I am completely fluent with the language, so it wasn't difficult for me to adapt. I took the only language courses available and i was unsatisfied with the language course. All international students were required to take a language placement test which put them in a specific level class with other international students. that was my favorite class and i felt like i really benefited from the course.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Villanueva de la Cañada from your city?

bus!

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Villanueva de la Cañada?

kapital dance club! 100 montaditos (1euro for everything on wednesdays).

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Villanueva de la Cañada?

i can't really remember the names, but anywhere on gran via!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

the prado museum, reina sofia museum, templo de debod, chueca, fountains and arches! and visit all over the country!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Villanueva de la Cañada in the future?

it's a small city! but super cute and real close to madrid.