Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

Well, in advance I had to make a pre-declaration of courses but later I had the whole month (October)to make a final declaration. So I could talk to teachers, ask about everything, talk to students etc.I could pick the courses from the whole faculty of Business&Economics and also 2 subjects from different faculties of Complutense.So I picked some courses from Business Science, Economics, European Studies and also from Spanish and English Filology.I recommend to take time while choosing subjects, talk to teachers, students and take courses not only from your main field of study.

Well, to me everyting was OK, but compering to my University in Poland, the standard of courses and then the final exames at Complutense were "easier" then in Poland.But on the other hand in Madrid I was asked to do much more 'practical' proyects, presentations etc. So overall, I liked it.

I think that, particularly for Americans who study abroad through a program, it's best to arrange your own housing to better benefit from having to function completely independently. You choose the location and with whom you live, and also have the freedom that is lacking with homestays.

That studying in Madrid is not as easy as in the south of Spain. Most people will tell you that when you are in Erasmus, you don't have to study, it's not true. You might study less than in your country because you have less courses but the difficulty is to study in a language which is not your mother language, so it requires more time!

To choose your courses, don't base your decision only on the course description, try to ask other students which teacher to choose and ask to see how big it is first!

do a lot of research, i did and it made things a lot more smooth.

i would try it, i hear autonomia is good but it is more independent and can be more difficult.

Daily transport is more expensive than in Vienna as there are no student tickkets. Housing is more expensive. As Madrid is famous for its nightlife you go out more often and spend more.