Details

• Spain
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Preparation for the exchange was relatively straightforward. The main things I had to organize were choosing my courses, finding accommodation, and booking flights. I would definitely recommend starting the accommodation search early and informing yourself well about the different housing platforms available in Madrid.

2. Accommodation

I found my accommodation through Spotahome and lived in a shared apartment (WG). Overall, the experience was fine, but I would also recommend checking other platforms such as Idealista, as there are usually more options available there. I was not very familiar with all the available platforms before arriving, so my advice would be to spend enough time researching accommodation possibilities in advance.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid is quite different from WU. The classes are generally much smaller and feel more personal. In many courses, there are quizzes and continuous assessments during the semester. Overall, it feels less like a large university and more similar to school because of the smaller class sizes and the closer interaction with professors.

5. Every day life in the host country

Life in Madrid is very lively and enjoyable. There is always something happening in the city, whether it is restaurants, cafés, parks, cultural events, or nightlife. The atmosphere is very social and people spend a lot of time outside, especially in the evenings. The weather is also a big advantage, as there are many sunny days throughout the year. Madrid is a very international city, so it is easy to meet people from different countries and make new friends.

6. Testimonial

Overall, my exchange experience was amazing. I met many people from different countries and built friendships that will hopefully last for a long time. Living in Madrid allowed me to improve my Spanish and become much more independent. The city has incredible energy, great weather, and a very international atmosphere. It was definitely an experience that helped me grow personally and culturally.