Details

• Spain
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

You don't have to know exactly which courses you're going to take. The most important thing is to show why you want to go to Madrid and how you can get to know the culture better or maybe even get in touch with locals.

2. Accommodation

Luckily, I found a room in a shared apartment through a friend. Shared apartments here are much larger, so I lived with four other people in one. Of course, it always depends on whether you get along with them, but actually, the size isn't a problem. You just have to keep in mind that rent in Madrid is higher than in Vienna, but the rooms are smaller. I lived in Chamberí, on the border with Malasana, and I think the neighborhood is really great. It was also only two minutes away from my university.

3. Academic life at host university

Unfortunately, the university doesn't have a campus; it feels more like a high school. The professors know you, so it's noticeable if you don't go to class. That was a bit annoying. Also, there isn't a real library, so you have to look for other places to study. It's a lot smaller than WU, but the classes aren't as anonymous. Especially since you'll be in a class with almost only exchange students, everyone is incredibly open and it's easy to make friends. There's also a lot more group work and many cases in class. But it's not that bad and not that difficult. It actually helps you get along better with your fellow students.

5. Every day life in the host country

The infrastructure in Madrid is very good, as is the security. Since it's the capital city, there are lots of police cars around and you actually feel safe. Of course, you should still keep an eye on your belongings. Some of my friends have had their cell phones, backpacks, etc. stolen. So don't leave anything unattended anywhere. Otherwise, there's a lot to do in Madrid: from padel to going out in the evening, there's something for everyone. Especially since it stays warm for a relatively long time in Madrid, you can stay outside longer, which greatly improves the quality of life. There are also quite a few events; it is one of the largest cities in Europe, and the Spanish love to party.

6. Testimonial

The university made me feel like I was back in high school. You have such a close relationship with the professors that you actually think of them as teachers. Pontificia is especially nice because not many Germans go there, so you're forced to make international friends, and that's exactly what's so cool about it. On the one hand, you can improve your English or Spanish (and unlearn German), but you also make new friends here that you wouldn't be able to make so quickly in Vienna. It's also very interesting to see that even though we all come from different cultures, we all tick the same way somehow. Whether you're American, Italian, Mexican, or Palestinian. In the end, we all sit in 100 Mondatitos (a popular beer chain in Madrid) and drink a beer. Of course, Madrid doesn't have a beach like Valencia, but it does offer a number of things to pass the time, from the Santiago Bernabue to the Temple de Debod.