It has almost been one month since I arrived in Spain, and I must say I really like it here. Life in Madrid feels exciting and full of new impressions. I have already met many people from different countries and nationalities, which makes the experience even richer. I enjoy the yet unknown daily life here, the little surprises that come with living in a new culture, and I am curious to see what comes next on my journey. Of course, not everything has been easy, and naturally there have been some difficulties along the way, but they are all part of the adventure.

One of the first things that struck me was the language. Naturally, almost everyone speaks Spanish, but what surprised me most was how many people, especially young people, also speak English really well. Some even study in English instead of Spanish, just so they can practice. This was very different from what I knew from France or Italy, where I always had the feeling that hardly anyone speaks English. Here, it feels so much easier to communicate. Still, I try to use Spanish whenever I can. Whether it’s ordering in a restaurant or making small talk, I really want to improve. I studied the language in school for a few years, and now I finally have the chance to use it in real life. 

What makes it even better is that people here really appreciate it when you try. They are patient, friendly, and never make you feel embarrassed if you make mistakes. Sometimes I have to admit, “Perdona, hablo español un poco,” but even then, people smile and help me out. That makes practicing fun, and every day I feel a little more confident. In general, the people here are friendly, open, and helpful. In the supermarket, for example, people have often helped me out or simply smiled at me, and small moments like these make me feel at home. This surprised me, because in Austria people are not always so open toward newcomers or foreigners.

Another big change is the eating culture. In Spain, people eat much later than in Austria. Many restaurants don’t open until eight in the evening, and at the beginning that was very unusual for me. At home I prefer eating earlier, because I sleep better that way, and I am simply used to it. But I notice that I am slowly adapting. Since I now get up later, it feels natural to also eat later. What still challenges me is the huge variety of food in Madrid. The city is so big, and the options are endless. But something I immediately liked was the tradition of tapas. With every drink, you get something small to eat, and I think it’s wonderful. In the afternoon it might be chips or some sausage, while in the evening it can even be patatas or fries. It makes every drink feel like a small occasion. The drink prices are also hard to believe. A tinto de verano or a glass of sangria costs only two to four euros, and they taste great. It has become a little routine for us to grab a drink after school or simply sit outside and enjoy the good weather. I can already tell that this Spanish habit has become part of my lifestyle.

University life here is another part of my new routine that feels very different from what I know at home. In Liechtenstein, the campus is small, and you hardly ever meet people outside of your own class. Here in Spain, it’s completely different. The campus is much larger and full of life. You see students from many different fields, sitting together, eating, drinking, or just talking. There are two cafeterias where you can order food directly, and the variety is much bigger. What really surprised me was that the campus has its own bank, you can open an account there and also just sit down to drink a coffee. In addition, there is a whole building for the library and even a fitness center. Compared to my home university, it feels almost like a small city, and I really like that. I have also noticed a big difference in how students approach their studies here compared to back home in Liechtenstein. Spanish students seem to live with much less stress. While in Liechtenstein many people are always focused on work, deadlines, and planning ahead, here everything feels a bit calmer and more relaxed. Students don’t appear to overthink or overstress themselves. Instead, they often do the opposite: they go out more, spend time socializing, and enjoy parties much more frequently than they study. For me, that was unusual at first, since I am used to a quieter, more study-focused environment, but it also shows how different the student lifestyle can be in another country.

Looking back at this first month, I realize how much I have already learned and experienced. From practicing Spanish and getting used to later dinners, to discovering university life and enjoying the friendliness of the people, every day has been full of new impressions. Not everything has been easy, but the challenges are part of the journey, and they make the good moments even more rewarding. I am excited to see what the next months will bring and how living in Madrid will continue to shape me.