Following my dream to study in Spain, my semester abroad was different from the typical Erasmus semester, as I had to go as a Free Mover. The challenge was to find an accredited public university with suitable courses and to apply independently. Finally, in May 2023, it was confirmed: Madrid would be my place of study for the next winter semester starting in September 2023!

Madrid, a city with a rich history, a high quality of life and lively streets, welcomed me with open arms. The multitude of museums (free entry within the last two hours), restaurants and (rooftop) bars, as well as the numerous green spaces for picnics and walks, provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable semester beneath blue skies and sunshine. The well-connected metro and train network makes exploring the city and Spain easy and affordable. Despite being an internationally renowned capital, Madrid is not overly touristy in my opinion. This is mainly due to Spaniards, expats and people who want to live in Madrid for the long term, which gives the city an authentic atmosphere.

The international character of Madrid is also reflected at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), which I attended for my semester abroad. The extensive campuses in Madrid, Leganés and Getafe, not only offer an excellent academic environment, but also a wide range of sports facilities, from swimming and fitness centres to tennis and basketball courts. The university is international, both in terms of students and professors. Such as my professor for Human Resource Management who was Italian, and my Spanish Business Ethics professor who had spent some time in England himself. The diversity of students from all over the world contributed to a culturally diverse and inspiring learning environment. I took some Spanish lessons where I got to meet even more international students with whom I desperately repeated the Spanish subjunctive over and over again.

In addition to studying, Madrid and its surroundings also offer numerous opportunities for leisure activities. Hiking and skiing around Madrid, as well as city trips to neighbouring cities such as Salamanca, Toledo, Cordoba, and Segovia are easily accessible. Cities close to the beach such as Barcelona, Sevilla and Valencia are only a few hours away by train. Thanks to Madrid’s central location, I was able to get to know Spain as a country and its different regions during my semester abroad.

Even though I didn't go to Spain with Erasmus, I was able to take part in the regular events organised by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). Through this, I always met new people on city tours, pub crawls and karaoke evenings. There is also a wide range of third parties offering affordable trips, sports activities, cooking and dance courses. Networking takes place via various Facebook and WhatsApp groups, sharing information about daily events and creating guest lists for clubs (money saver!). The various groups also offer plenty of opportunities for socialising and meeting new people.

What do I take away from this Free Moving semester abroad, in addition to many cultural impressions and unforgettable memories? The ambition to realise my dreams, continue to improve my Spanish, maintain my new friendships through visits and return to Madrid! For anyone thinking about going abroad as a Free Mover, I can only say: ¡Hazlo! (Do it!)

My semester abroad as a Free Mover in Madrid was an adventure full of cultural discoveries, academic challenges, and unforgettable experiences.

¡Hasta la próxima, Madrid!

Text and photos: Sophie Mercedes Familia

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