Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain?

Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain

  • Seville. The capital of Andalucía and home to the ornate Alcázar castle complex, the Plaza de Espana, the 18th-century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring and the Gothic Seville Cathedral, Seville is a mecca of well-preserved Spanish culture.
  • Barcelona.
  • Madrid.
  • Granada.
  • Valencia.
  • Salamanca.
  • San Sebastián.
  • Alicante.

Meer items.

Is Spain good for Erasmus?

Spain is one of the best places to study abroad in Europe and many of the most requested universities in the Erasmus programme are in Spain. It’s the country that receives more foreign students than any other, and studying abroad in Spain isn’t getting any less popular.

Where is the best place for Erasmus?

Where do most Erasmus students go?

Spain, Germany and France are still the most popular destinations for Erasmus students to study or train abroad, according to data from the European Commission. According to the  report   Erasmus: Facts, Figures and Trends , Spain received the most Erasmus students (39,277) in 2013-14, followed by Germany (30,964), France (29,621), the UK (27,401) and Italy (20,204).

These countries also sent the most students abroad, led again by Spain (37,235). The UK received almost twice as many students as it sent (15,610). However, France is top when only the number of students doing work placements is considered, while the top destination for students on work placements is the UK.

Overall, a record number of students (272,497) from 3,456 higher education institutions travelled to another European country to study or train through Erasmus in 2013-14, representing a year-on-year increase of 2 per cent. Three-fifths (60. 5 per cent) of these students were women.

Students studying social sciences, business and law made up the biggest share (41 per cent) of those on exchanges, followed by those studying humanities and arts subjects (22 per cent). The figures are based on the number of students who took part in the final academic year (2013-14) of the Erasmus programme for higher education.

This has since been replaced by Erasmus+, which provides a wider range of opportunities for students and staff. Regarding staff mobility through Erasmus, 57,488 staff exchanges were supported in 2013-14, a year-on-year rise of 9. 2 per cent. Two-thirds of these (66.

  1. 3 per cent) were for teaching assignments, while staff training accounted for the rest;
  2. This latter share has more than doubled since 2007-08, when it only made up 15 per cent of the total figure;
  3. The average duration of a staff mobility period in 2013-14 was 5;

5 days. Poland sent the most staff abroad, followed by Turkey, Spain, Germany and Romania, while the five most popular destinations for staff were Spain, Germany, Italy, the UK and France.

Which city is best for international students in Spain?

Is Madrid good for Erasmus?

If we look at statistics, Spain is the most popular Erasmus destination country. And now, Madrid has won the title of the best Erasmus city.

How hard is it to get Erasmus?

Erasmus Mundus Scholar ’21| Environmentalist | MSc Student in Marine Environment and Resources – Published Aug 22, 2021 In this write-up, I intend to journey you through the application process, give you a brief background on the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, share tips to making a successful application while chipping in some of my scholarship application experiences.

I will focus on five essential items. Another application session is here, and I hope this can assist someone. At the end of this article, I shared a list of some compiled scholarship resources. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees Scholarship is one of the prestigious scholarships in the world.

It is a full-ride scholarship funded by the European Union (EU) and awarded yearly to the top and high-achieving students from the EU countries (Programme countries) and non-EU countries (Partner countries). The above mentioned will inform you that the scholarship is very intensive and highly competitive as applicants will be competing with other top students with excellent profiles from all over the world.

As an applicant, you are only allowed to apply to a maximum of three programmes per cycle at present. The application deadlines vary depending on the programme. The scholarship body awards more grant/scholarship slots to Non-EU students with a maximum of three slots per country at present.

Do not worry, I will explain. So, for instance, in a particular Erasmus Mundus programme, you cannot have more than three scholars from the same country in the programme. However, sometimes, there could be exceptions to this. There could exist a maximum of four scholars from a particular country. FIVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS ====== ===== ==== ==== ===== ===== ========

  • Academic Requirement: Generally, candidates with a First Class or Second Class Upper grade in their Bachelor’s degree can apply to the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Candidates with a Second Class lower degree in their Bachelor’s degree and with excellent grades in a postgraduate study – an MSc can also apply. Additionally, applicants having a Higher National Diploma (HND) with excellent grades are also eligible to apply.

    It is rare, but it happens. However, this is dependent upon the programme. Do well to check with the secretariat or coordinator of the proposed programme if an HND is accepted. If the diploma is accepted, you can also do a World Education Services (WES) evaluation to show that your diploma is equivalent to a BSc degree and thus, bolster your chances.

    Read the success story of a Scholar with an HND and PGD here; Winning the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship with an HND and the remarks of a Scholar with an ND and HND here; Remarks by an Erasmus Scholar with an HND.

  • Motivation Letter/Statement of Purpose: Let’s begin. In the words of Dr (in view) Gideon Olarenwaju (@LanreShaper), “It is first words before awards”. Another one by Dr Godwin Mark says, “The difference between who wins and who does not win (all other things being equal) is simply words – the words that they each write”.
    1. Writing an award-winning letter/statement is no easy task at all;
    2. It takes a lot of planning and deep introspection;
    3. Although perfect essays do not exist, you can always write an award-winning one with a constant consciousness of key items to note;

    These items will reflect in your letter and will make you stand out. Therefore writing a game-changing, award-winning 200-1000 words is worth all the effort.

  • The Statement of Purpose(SoP)/Motivation Letter(LoM) is one of the essential documents in your application file. It is what distinguish you from the rest of the pack. What to write, how to write it, and the word/character limit varies depending on the programme. Your SoP should show a good understanding of your proposed field and a strong desire to learn, your capacity to carry out research, work and volunteering experiences (if any), your choice of mobility track/pathway and your short and long term goals.

    It is your letter, so let it properly reflect who you are. Read the programme website you want to apply to thoroughly. Take as much time as you need to understand in depth what the programme is all about. The programmes each have a website of their own, detailing some of which includes; the aims and objectives of the programme, catalogue of courses, programme pathways/mobility tracks, academic degree compatibility, their long-term goals, application requirements, academic and industrial partners, thesis topics done by the previous students, their alumni and so on.

    You want to familiarize yourself with all of these first before you think of applying. Ensure proper formatting, font usage, word/character limit for the SoP/LoM. Make sure that your motivation to study the programme is clear. Pass a clear message with each sentence that connects to form paragraphs.

    • Do not keep restating what is already evident on your CV;
    • Avoid redundancies;
    • Avoid sounding vague or desperate;
    • Employ the use of correct but straightforward grammar while avoiding run-on sentences;
    • Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action and Result) Technique to describe your experiences;

    There should be a nexus between your motivation letter and your CV and Reference Letter(s). You cannot lay claim to something in your SoP while your reference letter(s) is/are saying the exact opposite.

  • Always follow the instructions given by your proposed programme. Adhere strictly to the word/character limit, do not exceed the limit given. Always have it at the back of your mind that less is more. I will explain. For instance, you can conveniently pass your message in a 1000 words SoP using between 750-850 words. The ability to convey your points using few words are essential.
    • There are many things the reviewers are looking at but are not officially requesting in your letter;
    • Imagine an SoP that does not properly reflect your motivation, is not correctly formatted and is full of incorrect use of grammar? You do not want to have your file tossed aside, right? So dedicate enough time to write this particular letter and ensure you write it well;

    You want to catch your reviewer’s attention right from the first sentence and leave a long-lasting positive impression in your reviewer’s mind regarding your SoP with a strong closing statement. Start writing your letter early as it gives you the advantage of having enough time to write, rewrite, edit, and review before you submit.

  • For programmes that do not require an interview, consider your Statement of Purpose as an introduction of you in absentia before the reviewing panel. Ensure you give it your all, and you can send it out for review(s). No one reviewed my motivation letter for this particular programme. However, colleagues/scholars have previously reviewed my letter for other scholarship applications, so I am pretty familiar with the process.
    1. Therefore, send your letter early for a review, especially if you are just beginning your scholarship application journey;
    2. You need all the help you can get;
    3. Kindly ensure you send your letter to those you trust can give you critical and honest feedback;

    Be open to the constructive criticism your letter receives when you get feedback from your reviewer(s), it is mostly an effort to help you improve your letter. Given that there is no interview, you want to give that SoP the best possible shot that you can.

  • The Europass CV: Your CV should be detailed. There are no hard and fast rules regarding the number of pages. However, some programmes will give you a page limit, so follow the programme instruction. A 1-3 page CV is usually okay if the page limit is not specified, but 2pages is recommended. The reason for this is because reviewers are very busy.
    • I remember a scholar told me, Mujeeb, “write that SoP like this is your last chance to convince a jury, make sure it is one of the best pieces you have ever written!”;
    • They have tons of other applications to read, so you want to present yourself using the best possible available space limit properly;

    Use numbers and percentages to quantify your experiences. Use ‘I’ instead of ‘We’ to explain your roles in volunteering activities. The Europass CV gives you the flexibility to include proofs for every claim made on the CV. You can add links, images and video links, but do not overdo this.

  • Recommendation/Reference Letter: Identify your referees early. Ensure your referees are people who know you well enough to write positively about you. For instance, they should be able to explain how they know you and the duration of your relationship with them, your academic strength, your attitude to work/work ethic and your work and volunteering experience (if any).

    Some programmes will toss out your application, especially when your application files are too heavy. Some will even give you a maximum megabyte per file, so again, adhere strictly to instructions. Your referees should be people who have an online presence.

    A well-written reference letter can be a game-changer. It can sometimes make up for deficits in an academic profile (case-specific). Therefore, it is essential that you choose your referees wisely. I have attached a link to a post in Nature Briefing in the compiled list on writing a solid recommendation/reference letter.

  • Research Proposal: Some programmes will ask you to write a short research proposal to give convincing scientific reasons to pursue your proposed topic and justify the reason(s) for your preferred place of research. Remember, it is a proposal, and it is not definitive. To successfully navigate this, again, you need to read and understand what the programme is all about, check out the thesis done by previous students of the programme, who the associated academic and industrial partners are, current ongoing research in the programme and the research interests of professors in the programme.
  • Additional Tips: The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) scholarship is competitive, and you need to put your best foot forward. Remember, you are competing globally! The ranking is merit-based. A maximum of the top three applicants is selected per country. In addition, a few applicants are placed on the reserve list depending on the programme. Finally, connect your personal story with your motivation to study in the programme.

    When writing your proposal, do not be overly technical. I have also attached links to some posts on writing a research proposal in the compiled list section. Attend relevant conferences, sign up for relevant Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

    List your awards and patents (if any). Publish research papers, intern and volunteer in relevant organizations, and attend relevant summer schools (I attended many of them). Understand your programme requirements and the allocated percentages/numbers/scores for each application documents. It is possible!

THE COMPILED LIST As the Erasmus Masters application season gets closer, here are the documents you need to have for your application; Mandatory Documents:

  1. International passport
  2. BSc Certificate/Statement of Result
  3. Unofficial Transcript (unless stated otherwise)
  4. SoP/LoM
  5. EUROPASS CV
  6. Proof of residency (dated within the last 12 months before the deadline date)
  7. Recommendation/Reference letter

Additional docs: Case-by-Case

  • Official ranking letter (Best graduating, Top 2% of your set)
  • PG eligibility certificate (showing that your BSc qualifies you for a PG program)
  • Description of Undergrad. Course modules (e. departmental prospectus).
  • A short proposal on a planned MSc. thesis topic of choice
  • Portfolio

The application period is almost here. Start making deliberate moves

  • Jamaticulus Post

Link to Pinned Tweet 1 (Application Guide):

  • Pinned Post

Interview Tips (PART A):

  • Interview Tips Part A

Interview Tips (PART B):

  • Interview Tips PART B

Video Guides on Erasmus Mundus Scholarship:

  • How to win the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
  • How to win the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship II
  • Men’s PRO- The EMJMD Full Ride Scholarship
  • Men’s PRO- The EMJMD Full Ride Scholarship II
  • Men’s PRO- The EMJMD Full Ride Scholarship III
  • 11 Steps to Winning the EMJMD Scholarship
  • Study on Scholarship in Europe
  • Jennifer Confidence – Acing the EMJMD Interviews I
  • Jennifer Confidence: 5 Tips To Ace your EMJMD interviews

Bonus:

  • Follow the Erasmus-Mundus Nigeria page on Facebook, check out the pinned post; almost everything you need to get started is there. On the pinned post, you will see a handbook on the scholarship; download and read it. Also, read through the profile of past winners. Doing this will give you an idea of what to do in readiness for your application and what your proposed programme is possibly looking for in their scholars.
  • The catalogue is updated yearly with new or renewed programmes, so be on the lookout for this announcement. Access the catalogue here
  • The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship by Muhammad Shoaib Niazi: The EMJMD plus sample SoP, LoR, and LoM
  • Writing a competitive SoP for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship application for Fresh graduates: SoP for Fresh Graduates
  • Writing A Scholarship-Awarding CV-Being a Fresh-Graduate: CV for Fresh Graduates
  • Scholarship Resources: Scholarship Resources
  • Writing a captivating SoP: Captivating SoP
  • Writing a Research Proposal: Tips on Writing a Research Proposal ; McGill University: Tips on Writing a Research Proposal
  • The STAR Techniques: STAR Guide
  • Writing the Perfect Recommendation Letter: Nature Briefing
  • FAQ on Erasmus Mundus Application: EMJMD FAQ

meilleures salutations See you in Europe

  • Mujeeb Balogun © 2021

What is the point of Erasmus?

What is Erasmus+? – Erasmus+ is an EU programme that can help you travel to experience work, study or train in another country. Your time abroad on Erasmus+ can be from 2 days to 30 days or from 2 weeks to a year depending on the type of project you are on. Erasmus+ is open to many people including:

  • Pupils in school
  • Students in higher education
  • Students in vocational education and training
  • Young people in youth organisations
  • Adult learners

Staff in educational settings and youth workers can also access Erasmus+. You cannot apply directly to Erasmus+. You must apply through a participating organisation such as your school or college or place of work. If the application is successful, you will get funding that usually covers your travel costs and the cost of living abroad.

  1. You may get funding to cover other costs too;
  2. You can also get Online Linguistic Support to help you learn the language you will use when you are abroad with Erasmus+;
  3. The year you turn 18 years old you can apply for a DiscoverEU rail pass as part of Erasmus+, if you are an EU citizen;

You can find out more about Erasmus+ on the website, erasmusplus. ie.

What is Erasmus destination?

This exchange program, for students and teachers from universities and European high schools, allows hundreds of thousands of students (more than 200,000 a year) to discover new horizons and new cultures. We selected for you the best Erasmus destinations in Europe.

How does the Erasmus program work?

Free movement presents Opportunity – The Erasmus Program works to provide students with the opportunity to experience a global education. There are currently over 5,000 higher institutions participating in the Erasmus Program across the 37 countries involved in providing the program to students.

6 million students have been a part of it since it was introduced in 1987. Erasmus works by providing free movement and education exchange between registered universities and institutions for eligible students.

Erasmus can go for 3 months to a year. It could be a requirement to do Erasmus as part of your course or degree, or you do it to experience another country. It  will look amazing on your Resume or CV, assist in shaping you to be more motivated, increase your independence, massively improve your English (and other!) language skills plus provide an unique angle to get some work experience.

Can I apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarship without ielts?

English Requirements – What are the English requirements I need to fulfill? You need to fulfill two different criteria for two different purposes. The criteria you need to fulfill to be admitted to the programme is the one you can read about at the University Admissions website.

Read more about this in the application checklist. For the visa requirements, you need to fulfill the requirements stated on the gov. uk website. The programme I studied was in English, do I need to submit proof of English proficiency? Please refer to the instructions available on the University Admissions website.

Which English Test is valid to apply for a UK visa? Students only need an academic IELTS/Other valid English proficiency certificate to apply for this programme. However, since a work placement forms part of one of the Roehampton modules the student will need to apply for a General student visa, as the short-term study visa doesn’t allow for any work.

Which city is best for international students in Germany?

Is Barcelona or Madrid better for students?

Spain is known for its unique cities, late nights, reputable universities, endless paella, and exceptional quality of life. Spain consistently ranks as one of the most popular places to study abroad. So if you’re thinking of studying abroad in Spain, you’ve made the right decision.

  1. But that’s just the beginning; now you need to decide which city you want to start your journey;
  2. So, what’s it going to be – are you going to study in Madrid or Barcelona? Both Madrid and Barcelona are full of character and unique charms;

It’s up to you to choose which scene aligns more with your style; studying in an energized technology creative hub surrounded by sunny beaches? Or in a bustling city known for its style and flair of the art scene?  We’ve broken down the details to help you decide whether to study in Madrid or Barcelona.

Outlined are the cultural characteristics of each city including living costs, languages, desired places to see, popular international programs, and what life looks like after your studies. Madrid Madrid is the capital of Spain, located at the geographic heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

Unlike many European Capitals, Madrid has a mountain environment an hour away from the city center. The proximity to the mountain range Sierra de Guadarrama is responsible for the capital’s dynamic weather patterns. This mountain range makes Madrid undergo cold crisp winters while the summer is hot and dry.

But this also means you get the best of both worlds; you can enjoy winters skiing Madrid’s mini alps , and have an amazing summer experiencing open-air cinemas. But above all, the people and arts make Madrid the cosmopolitan city it is today, holding and absorbing all who live there.

Newcomers once came for jobs in the financial center. But now, the city’s endowed artistic masterpieces have inspired novice artists to share the wealth of modern film, theater, and music. This imperial art scene is evident in Madrid’s new contemporary culture. Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain Tourist Map of Madrid, Spain by ES Madrid Barcelona Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region, located on the Mediterranean coast. It’s the second most populated city in Spain and one of the more compact cities in Europe. This makes Barcelona’s flux of international neighborhoods easily accessible without a car – you can get from the old quarters of Gothic to the tech hub of Poblenou within a matter of minutes via public transportation.

Madrid is the cosmopolitan city where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. As an international student, you will be charmed by the city’s contrasting styles and expressions of its own identity. You won’t be the only one, as 17,000 international students call Madrid home every year.

As Barcelona holds this universal identity, it also takes first as the leading spirit and attraction for the Catalan culture. This culture is unique to the Catalonia region of Spain. But as the intersection of influences, wealth, and political differences grew within the area, so did the venture of locals wanting independence from Spain.

  • Catalans stand proud of their culture;
  • You see that spirit in the Catalan flags hanging off balconies in narrow streets;
  • And you feel that energy in locals’ smiles as they drink Estrella Damm and eat pan con tomate at 9 am;

That same determination and energy follow with the hustle of international travelers looking for opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Barcelona has created its framework for digital companies, making the city the most active startup hub in Spain. Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain Barcelona Startup Ecosystem by Apiumhub Barcelona has become the place where imagination flourishes, turning dreams into reality. As an international student, you can breathe the city’s startup culture while enjoying the sunny beaches. You won’t be the only one – Barcelona is home to some of the most prestigious business schools, which attract high-potential fresh talent to the city’s shores.

Spanish, also known as Castilian Spanish or written as Castellano, is the official language of Spain. This Spanish is similar to Latin Americans’ mother tongue, with a few key differences. The biggest standout is the accent, but you will also notice different uses of vocabulary and grammar.

Living in Madrid, you hear locals speak Castilian Spanish, but this is different in Barcelona. In the region of Catalunya, where Barcelona is located, locals also speak the Catalan language. Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain Don’t let this difference determine where to live – Barcelona locals you interact with will also know Castilian Spanish. If you’re new to the language or want to speak conversational Spanish before the end of your studies, learn Castilian Spanish. The Spanish language has the second most native speakers in the world, after Mandarin Chinese, and is the official language in 21 countries.

Learning this skill is valuable as it enables you to gain meaningful insight and makes you competitive in the workforce. But how easy is traveling and living without knowing the language?  As a tourist, everyone has a different experience with the level of English spoken.

Barcelona is a more prominent travel destination than Madrid, making English more common at unmissable landmarks in the city, in the streets, and smaller restaurants and cafés. However, living in Madrid or Barcelona is a different story. Both cities have many expats and immigrants who come for university or job opportunities and end up staying because of the rich quality of life.

  1. In addition to the Spanish language, there are large foreign communities where English and Arabic are very popular;
  2. But, let’s not forget that Spain is home to the Spanish dialect;
  3. So, even though locals may know English, they always love it when newcomers make an effort to learn the language;

It’s essential to know how much money you will need as an international student for daily and monthly costs. This can vary depending on your lifestyle, but we want to put forth all expectations to help you make the best choice. Housing in Madrid and Barcelona The average cost of housing in Madrid and Barcelona is anywhere between €350-600/per room for a student.

This cost depends on the neighborhood and size of the apartment. Note that the limitation of flats cuts short around September due to the wave of students arriving. So, your best chance for finding a good deal is planning ahead.

The bills in Madrid and Barcelona favor students when it comes to Wi-Fi. You can cut a deal for €30/per household with unlimited bandwidth (depending on the company) when you present your acceptance letter. Bills for your flat can vary from €80-150/per house.

However, you can find housing with bills included in the price, making things easier. Groceries in Madrid and Barcelona There are plenty of grocery options in Madrid and Barcelona that will help you save costs while eating fresh food.

Those include Condis, Lidl, and Mercadona. Other, fancier markets such as Carrefour have a bigger selection, especially for western produce, but come with a higher price. Another option is the local farmers’ markets. They are well known among tourists and popular among locals for their fresh selection. The most popular markets in Madrid include: 

  • El Rastro 
  • Mercado San Miguel
  • Mercado De La Paz

The most popular markets in Barcelona include: 

  • Mercado de La Boqueria
  • Mercat de la Concepcio Barcelona
  • Mercat dels Encants de Barcelona

On an average, plan to spend anywhere from €150-220/per month on groceries in either city. Transportation in Madrid and Barcelona Transportation in Madrid and Barcelona has many options. For example, you will notice different scooters on the street you can rent through an app. The good side, these scooters are easily attainable and will get you anywhere quickly. Madrid’s popular transportation methods:

  • Metro – 10-journey pass for the metro (single zone): €12. 20
  • Biking – Annual BiciMAD subscription: €25

Barcelona’s popular transportation methods:

  • Metro – 10-journey pass for the metro (single zone): €11. 35
  • Biking – Annual Bicing subscription: €50 or €35 (depends on the plan)

Depending on your length of stay, you can also choose to invest in a scooter or bike. Just be mindful to invest in proper locks to prevent theft. Living in Madrid or Barcelona costs about the same. On average, Madrid is a little more expensive when it comes to the monthly rent. However, Barcelona has higher expenses when it comes to leisure activities.

  1. The downfall is they’re only available to those with an EU or international driver’s license;
  2. Lucky for you, the two biggest transportation options in Madrid and Barcelona are still easily accessible and affordable;

Again, the amount of money you spend is dependent on your lifestyle. So below, we listed the basic breakdown of the average student monthly costs. Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain Every year Spain opens borders to about 600,000 international students seeking higher education. Spain alone positions nine out of 10 in the world to study abroad in 2020, and for good reason. Education. com conducted a survey with 30K international students about the Top 10 Places in the World to Study Abroad. The results showed that students actually pick the country before the program while considering these factors:

  • Achieve career goals
  • Develop personally
  • Experience a new culture or lifestyle
  • Access higher quality teaching
  • Have an adventure
  • Make new friends or widen my professional network
  • Learn a new language

From this survey, Spain ranked sixth amongst all European countries , third for adventure, and first for experiencing a new culture or lifestyle. So as Spain is famous amongst internationals looking for these factors, what programs do Madrid and Barcelona offer?  Both cities offer programs for all industries and in English. But, both attract an international audience for different reasons. Madrid’s world-famous art and cosmopolitan modernism persuade international students to come for the impressive universities.

  • Some of Madrid’s most sought-out programs are focused on business, communication, liberal arts, and humanities;
  • Barcelona’s cultural diversity and digital ecosystem attract prospects worldwide;
  • International students come eager to learn from innovative educators and collaborate with like-minded individuals;

Popular programs Barcelona offers are usually in the fields of design, entrepreneurship, and technology. The best place to filter through your search involving different programs, price range and preferences is through these portals: 

  • Masterstudies  
  • Bachelorstudies  

Madrid The Spanish Capital is a pleasure to explore, from world-class art and historical gems to the fantastic food scene. But a real treasure for art lovers is the infamous “The Golden Triangle of Art. ” These three unmissable landmarks are a must-see when visiting Madrid :  

  • Prado Museum
  • Reina Sofía Museum 
  • Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

However, as a student, you have time to get familiar with Madrid’s art scene. So, let’s talk about lesser-known hidden gems of Madrid.

  • Listen to local artists in the central park of El Retiro.
  • Enjoy the sunset from an Egyptian temple at, Templo de Debod.
  • Get in the rhythm of the Spanish culture at La Latina while drinking a beer.

El Retiro Park brings Madrid to life, literally. Some call it the lungs of the city because the park is a mix of culture, leisure, and sports. It’s also the place where you find some of the city’s most important architectural and historical elements. Where To Go On Erasmus In SpainEl Retiro Park from Canva Pro Video Surrounded by gardens and beautiful fountains, you find the Egyptian temple from the second century, Templo de Debod. This temple is a great place to hang out at sunset while enjoying a panoramic view of the Manzanares river banks. Templo de Debod from Canva Pro Video La Latina is the synonym for drinking in Madrid. This barrio is jam-packed with Spanish culture, locals, and tourists, especially on the weekends. Prowl the night grounds enjoying music and specialty drinks with classmates. Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain La Latina from © Catarine Belova/ Shutterstock Barcelona You can’t mention sights in Barcelona without discussing the city’s most prized possession – Gaudi’s art. The Spanish architect is known for his one-of-a-kind style that’s often imitated but never matched. So, if you want to experience some of the city’s unusual but iconic landmarks, here are three popular places for Gaudi’s work : 

  • Sagrada Familia 
  • Casa Mila 
  • Park Güell

But you don’t want to spend all your weekends waiting in tourist lines – let’s talk about the hidden treasures Barcelona offers all year round.

  • Take a short nature hike to see epic panoramic views of BCN from Bunkers.
  • Explore all nine beaches that stretch across the mediterranean sea.
  • Hangout at the grungy street scene of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The old Spanish Civil War bunkers are a real hidden gem in Barcelona. A quick bus ride and a short, uphill walk are worth the awesome panoramic views overlooking the city and its major landmarks. Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain Bunkers from Canva Pro Images Barcelona has nine beaches full of sand-artists, young adults playing beach volleyball, and singing beer salesmen. It’s the most active stretch of sand you will see along the Mediterranean coast. Where To Go On Erasmus In Spain Beach in Barcelona from Canva Pro Images The Museum of Contemporary Art, MACBA, embodies the Barcelona Skate scene. While you can purchase a €5 ticket for the arts inside, the real action is outside. Grab a slice from Pizza Circus and enjoy the gnarly vibes. MACBA GIF taken by Harbour. Space Interaction Design student, Roee Cohen Spain is a favorite study abroad destination. However, the potential of a fantastic future is what might drive you to extend your stay. If you happen to end up in this position (which is likely), one of the most fundamental questions you’ll ask is, how easy is it to obtain a job in Madrid or Barcelona?  Something important to take into consideration is that obtaining a work visa means accepting a job position.

  1. If you’re a non-EU citizen, it may be harder, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible;
  2. You just need to have better credentials than your competition;
  3. Don’t worry – you are fresh to the market as a newly graduated student, which makes you a standout;

The best way of looking is by searching LinkedIn, joining one of the 150+ coworking spaces in Barcelona and Madrid, or downloading the app, Meetup. All three of these cater to all tastes and professional dispositions in the cities. You are bound to come across an opportunity suited for you.

  • However, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school and teachers for recommendations;
  • For this reason, many universities have partnerships with companies to recruit top talent;
  • Also, your teachers have connections, if not their own company, but networks from past work experiences;

There’s a life after university. The best guidance is networking and using the city to your advantage. Let’s explore the advantages of working in Madrid or Barcelona: Madrid As the capital of Spain, Madrid attracts foreign investment and is the main headquarters for multinational corporations.

Though the city’s largest economic sector is the service industry, the best performing sectors are corporate services, transport, communications, real estate, and financial services. And more popular for expats employees, these industries include IT, finance, skilled labor, and engineering.

On average, expats are likely to find more job opportunities in Madrid, but competition is much higher. So candidates who can speak Spanish or are willing to learn will find themselves at an advantage. Barcelona Barcelona has a vast startup scene, so it’s not uncommon to find more English-speaking jobs in Barcelona than Madrid.

Barcelona also has a greater number of jobs in technology, as it holds the second-highest number of professional developers in European cities. The total adds up to 72,500 developers. Because the demand is high, competitive salaries start annually in Barcelona at €40,000.

To put it in perspective, locals and expats live comfortably even at €15,000 annually. The relatively low rent prices and access to high-quality tech talents, business and marketing gurus are a hit for startup founders. This means if you have an  entrepreneurial spirit, Barcelona is the place for you.

Of course, these areas of work are not the only ones in the city- like any metropolis, the fields of work are endless. These recommendations are more accessible and popular amongst big companies in both cities.

Choosing to live in Spain is the easy part. But, choosing to live in Madrid or Barcelona comes down to what lifestyle suits you more. Both cities have plenty to offer, but where can you see yourself immersed for a semester to a year abroad?  Let’s bring together all the details to help you decide. Study in Madrid if you:

  • Want to spend weekends hiking the Cercedilla trail
  • Don’t mind crisp winter air
  • Picture yourself going on day trips to Toledo and Salamanca 
  • Can immerse yourself in the modern contemporary architecture
  • Favor famous art museums
  • See yourself living amongst traditional imperial art that brings out the vibrant atmosphere of Madrid.
  • Want to cheer on Real Madrid

Study in Barcelona if you :

  • Enjoy taking a dip in the Mediterranean 
  • Don’t mind 300 days of sunny weather
  • Picture yourself going on day trips to Sitges and Girona
  • Fancy impressive Gaudi architecture
  • Want to spend summer weekends at beach festivals
  • See yourself living amongst the free spirits and creative art scenes that bring Barcelona to life.
  • Want to cheer on FC Barcelona 

What are our thoughts about living in Madrid or Barcelona? Let us know what you think! Please leave your thoughts, comments, and feedback below.

Is Spain good for international students?

Spain is a popular choice for foreign students seeking high quality university education at a very reasonable price. The Western European country offers many study options for Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates.

Is Madrid safe for students?

Safety – Ranked as eighth in the 100 Safest European Cities for International Students list of 2018, if there is something many people truly enjoy about Madrid is the safety with which they can walk its streets and use its public transport, both by day and night.

Which city is best for international students in Germany?

Can I apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarship without ielts?

English Requirements – What are the English requirements I need to fulfill? You need to fulfill two different criteria for two different purposes. The criteria you need to fulfill to be admitted to the programme is the one you can read about at the University Admissions website.

Read more about this in the application checklist. For the visa requirements, you need to fulfill the requirements stated on the gov. uk website. The programme I studied was in English, do I need to submit proof of English proficiency? Please refer to the instructions available on the University Admissions website.

Which English Test is valid to apply for a UK visa? Students only need an academic IELTS/Other valid English proficiency certificate to apply for this programme. However, since a work placement forms part of one of the Roehampton modules the student will need to apply for a General student visa, as the short-term study visa doesn’t allow for any work.