Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

It´s an ideal place for international students wanting to explore the culture of learning, free from hassles of doing daily chores like cooking and laundry. Room assignments are properly arranged in such a way that no two or three people from the same country are located in the same floor - providing each one the opportunity to mingle with other nationalities. There´s a library with complete and impressive collection of books. Plus the computer room with internet connection that gives us the mental peace of not having to compute computer rentals and where we can do our research papers 24 hours a day. Likewise we have a gymn and a football/tennis court for sports buff. In summer, we can take a plunge in the properly maintained swimming pool. Meals are served and we have a good choice from mediterranean recipes to continental cuisines. Staying here doesn´t give anyone an excuse to fail in his studies.

I am not actually a nocturnal creature but when I do go out, I frequently go to the movies. Bars failed to captivate my interest although I´ve been there more than once or twice. The Circulo de Bellas Artes, where experimental films are shown, is also a good find. Lately though, I discovered a cozy watering hole in Starbucks where I can read undisturbed and enjoy the international ambiance. The place is conducive to cerebral activities while savoring the tempting smell of coffee beans. I think it´s a haven for bookworms who wants to take life a little slower.

Spanish is exciting to learn aside from the fact that you have about millions of them speaking the language. It´s not difficult to communicate with Spaniards either so long as you know the present and past tenses. It takes practice, speaking and listening, to master it. The key is to have spanish friends to keep you talking and thinking in their terms. At first, it was confusing but as you get along, it´s like communicating in your native language.

1. I don´t spend much on cellular calls. 2. I only visit places of great importance and interest. 3. I avoid impulsive buying. 4. I don´t maintain a credit card. 5. I go to libraries to save me from buying too many books.

For future international students, the most important is learning the culture as much as possible before going into a certain country. Life abroad is like eating fish, you eat the meat and you throw the bone. That simply means, you accept the good and you reject the bad. Forget about your domestic habits and learn to adapt - love the country for what it is and you´ll start to realize everything is a journey of the heart not of the mind. Lastly, don´t fill your luggages too much. When you arrive, you´ll realize you don´t need some of those.