Experience report
Name: Eva Neggers
E-mail: evaneggers@hotmail.com
Exchange semester: spring
Academic year:3
Host University: Pontificia Comillas
Country: Spain
TOPIC: Admission, arrival, housing
When I arrived at the airport, it was impossible to take my suitcases into the metro so I took a taxi. I
already knew where I was going to sleep, so that was comfortable thought. The university organized a
introduction day, but this wasn’t that interesting. But still it was important to go there. I found my
accommodation by the website idealista.es. I went to Spain few weeks before my exchange to check
the room and book the room. This is the best way to find a place to stay in Spain (at least Madrid).
The university didn’t provide accommodation.
TOPIC: Location of university/city
The city of Madrid is beautiful and not too big. I could walk to the university in half an hour or take the
metro which would take 15 minutes. Normally I would take the walk. The best place to work out is at
Retiro Park where there is a lot of space for exercise. As an exchange student in Madrid you probably
won’t miss out on 100 Montaditos and El Tigre as cheap places to eat and drink. The difference with
Tilburg is that people in Madrid stay out late and are very active until late.
TOPIC: Academics
The courses I took were International Relations, Criminal International Law, Public International Law,
Immigration and Refugee Law, Competition Law and a Spanish course. These subjects were great! I
was expecting university to be easier in Spain but this is not true. The workload is almost the same
and with the adaption to a new culture enough to keep you busy with. I am happy with what I learned
and I consider the campus of the university a nice, small and good place to be.
TOPIC: Social life
There were some student organizations, but mostly I took care of my social life myself, which was not
hard to find at all. Local students are not that easy to hang out with, but I am sure if you really want to,
it is possible. My social life was centered in the place where I lived, with my flat mates.
TOPIC: Living costs
Before my exchange I saved some money myself, also the Erasmus grant really helped me. I think
my average expenses were about 1000 euro each month. Living in Madrid is almost twice as
expensive as living in Tilburg, but it is also something completely different. Most money I spend on
having experiences like food, drinks, travels. My biggest expense was my accommodation, were I
paid 500 euro a month (it was a very beautiful place though).
TOPIC: Culture
The culture in Spain is different than here in Tilburg, I think people in Madrid enjoy life more and are
also active late in the evening. Spanish people are also more lazy and sometimes a little bit rude
according to our standards. But the solution that I found is kindness and patience. Not respecting their
culture is an insult and Spanish people get angry about this. For example when you go to a restaurant
don’t go sit somewhere, but wait until the waiter has the time to take you to a table. I learned from the
culture that there is nothing wrong with enjoying a moment and sometimes this means other people
have to wait.
TOPIC: Personal development
Personal development was my biggest reason to apply for exchange. And personal development I
got. The people you meet are open, inspiring and different than the people you normally meet.
Coming from different countries gives a certain interest in the other culture. Also it is easy to meet
open minded people as most of the people that go on an exchange are not very closed persons. It is
important to realize that it is easy to make friends, it is hard to make good friends.
TOPIC: Tips for future students
I would definitely recommend an exchange period. Whatever your situation or excuse is (relation,
money, fear), don’t let it stop you from allowing yourself to get to know yourself in a complete new
environment. I can recommend bringing half of the stuff you want to bring, and take the double of the
money. Money is very useful, stuff is most of the time not.