As I have a specific interest in Spanish language and culture I was very happy that I could do my exchange in Spain’s capital. However I did not leave for Spain planning on staying the entire year. I noticed during the first semester how fast the time past and asked if I could extend my stay and studied an extra semester at the autonoma. When arriving in Madrid I found out that housing in the centre is hard to find for Groningen- like prices, I used the website 'idealista' in search of a house and was very lucky t find a room in a house with 6 Spanish roommates who helped me improve my Spanish and introduced me to all their friends and included me in all their plans. I could really recommend living in a house with Spanish people, although most of my roommates had a job and therefore a different schedule, we made loads of plans during the weekends.
The University Autonoma is less modern then the RUG and some subject seem less academically thought then I was used from IRIO in the Netherlands, however, it touched upon certain themes they would not touch upon at the RUG. Especially specific subjects where really interesting such as, pueblos indigenas y mestizaje and historia y culutura de Latino America. Also fellow students are always willing to help you with explaining the material and can help you with some notes or anything you might not understand during the classes taught in Spanish! I would recommend everybody to choose as much subjects in Spanish as possible if you have B2 level or higher. In the beginning some lessons might be quite hard to keep up with but after a year of studying in Spanish I noticed I
improved a lot and have a wider vocabulary. Madrid is a really nice city to live in, the centre is always busy and it is safe. The city is culturally rich and is more 'Spanish' then Barcelona with less tourism and less expat culture. I will go back soon to visit my roommates and Spanish classmates and would definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to learn Spanish and enjoy Spanish culture!
