Details

• Spain
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

The Complutense University of Madrid was my first choice, which is why I specifically tailored my application and motivation letter to this university. I informed myself thoroughly about the academic offer, the language requirements, and the overall structure of the exchange program in advance. In addition, I spent a lot of time familiarizing myself with the city of Madrid and Spanish culture. This preparation helped me clearly explain my motivation for choosing Spain as my exchange destination and was directly reflected in my motivation letter. I also carefully researched which courses I would be able to take at the Complutense University and how they would fit into my curriculum at WU, which allowed me to present a well-prepared and realistic study plan. Regarding language requirements, I paid particular attention to the necessary certificates. The Complutense University requires a minimum level of B1 in Spanish and B2 in English, which aligned well with my existing language skills and academic goals. When preparing for the semester abroad, I also considered the travel options to Madrid. There are convenient direct flights from Vienna to Madrid, making travel straightforward and efficient. From the airport, taxis are available to all parts of the city for a fixed standard fare of €33, which simplifies arrival and makes the start of the exchange semester more comfortable.

2. Accommodation

I found my shared apartment through Spotahome, and overall my accommodation experience was very positive. The move-in process went smoothly, and the apartment was exactly as presented in the pictures. It was very clean upon arrival and well equipped, which made settling in easy from the first day. The location of the apartment was ideal for me, especially in terms of commuting to the university. I lived in the Chamberí district, on Calle Hilarión Eslava, which I can highly recommend. It is a very lively and student-oriented area, while at the same time feeling safe at all times. The neighborhood offers many cafés, supermarkets, and restaurants, and has a strong student atmosphere. From my apartment, it was only about an eight-minute walk to the bus station at Moncloa, and from there approximately ten minutes by bus to the Somosaguas campus. This made commuting very convenient. Even though the campus is located outside the city, I would strongly recommend living in Madrid and commuting to the university. Somosaguas itself offers very little outside of university life, whereas living in the city provides a much richer social and cultural experience. One important point to be aware of is that Spotahome did not fully refund my security deposit. While the overall experience was still positive, I would advise future exchange students to be cautious regarding the deposit and to clarify the conditions in advance.

3. Academic life at host university

The academic level at the Complutense University of Madrid was demanding. The courses were challenging, mainly because the amount of material covered during the semester was very extensive. In my courses, the academic standard was high, and students were expected to engage deeply with the subject matter. The workload was high and included a significant number of group assignments, which required continuous coordination and preparation throughout the semester. Compared to WU Vienna, the teaching style was more traditional and content-focused. In addition, the relationship between professors and students was more hierarchical. Overall, although the courses were demanding and time-consuming, they offered a high academic standard and a valuable learning experience. I would recommend future exchange students to plan sufficient time for studying, actively participate in group work, and be prepared for a more hierarchical academic culture.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Madrid is very efficient and affordable. Students can get a monthly transport ticket for only €10 once it is personalized with a photo. Commuting to the university was very reliable overall. However, I would recommend relying more on the metro rather than buses, as the metro system is faster and more punctual, especially during peak hours. There are many sports and fitness opportunities available in Madrid. I trained at Holiday Gym, which I can highly recommend. I was able to get a special offer for €30 per month, which provided excellent value for money. In addition, I played tennis at Deportivo Canal de Isabel II and was very satisfied, especially with the quality of the coaching. Some of my flatmates also joined a boxing club for Muay Thai training and regularly did calisthenics workouts in the park near Canal de Isabel II. Social life in Madrid is very active and vibrant. There are daily events organized by the Erasmus program, especially at the beginning of the semester. I participated occasionally at the start, mainly to meet people and form a social group. Once we had established our own circle of friends, we usually organized activities independently. Bar culture is a central part of everyday life in Madrid. Especially in Chamberí, it is very common to see people drinking and socializing in the streets already from midday onwards. This lively atmosphere is also noticeable around the university. Overall, Madrid offers countless opportunities for social, cultural, and sports activities, and it is almost impossible to get bored.

6. Testimonial

What made my exchange truly unforgettable were the people I lived with. From the very first week, our shared apartment felt like home - weekly pre-drinks, shared routines and the feeling that everyone was on Erasmus for the same reason: to have fun, support each other, and face new challenges together, far away from home. This immediate sense of belonging brought us incredibly close. Experiencing Madrid through these friendships allowed me to see the city in a way I probably never would have in Vienna, making this exchange a beautiful and deeply meaningful experience shaped by culture and genuine connections.