Studying in Madrid
I’m studying at URJC and most of my courses are related to finance. The difficulty of a course really depends on a teacher. I have some really easy courses, but also some difficult ones that requires a lot of studying to pass. In the classes there are some Spaniards, but mostly other Erasmus students. I think that the professors are nice but also demanding.
Spare time
Madrid offers a lot of opportunities to explore. With my new friends we like to enjoy tapas nights, attend different Erasmus events, and just explore the city. It’s easy (and cheap) to travel from Madrid. During the exchange I have travelled to Valencia, Toledo, Mallorca, and Lisbon. The Spanish culture is really social, and I feel like I have done so much every day, but I really enjoy it. Also, the nightlife here is a way next level than back home – Spanish people really know how to party.
Comparing Spain and Finland
One major difference in studies is that in Spain all the exams are done with a paper and a pen. You also need a calculator as you can’t use Excel for example. Back in Finland almost every exam is done with a computer. The social aspect of university life in Madrid is also different – students often spend long hours together on campus, whereas in Finland, student life can be more individualistic.
The Spanish lifestyle is reflected even in the university – sometimes classes start late, or students attend late, so punctuality is not top priority. In fact, one of our courses didn’t even begin until two months into the semester because there was no assigned professor. It was a stark contrast to the structured and punctual approach I was used to in Finland, but it definitely taught me some patience and adaptability.
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