Sponsored by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM).
Studying abroad can be a wonderful experience if you arrange your trip and stay well before arriving in the host country. If you have chosen to study in Spain as part of the Erasmus program, it may be interesting to choose a university from Madrid because of the city’s great climate, culture, public transport, numerous national and international travel connections, and the diverse range of sights and services a city like Madrid has to offer.
The Autonomous University of Madrid (known by the Spanish acronym UAM, for Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) has received the Campus of International Excellence quality recognition. Public, modern, student-centered and internationally recognized, UAM is ranked within the top 200 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings®. Having hosted students from the Erasmus program since 1989, UAM has extensive experience in providing all the support and services exchange students need.
The university’s Cantoblanco Campus is located in a privileged area of easy access and connections with Madrid's public transport system. In fact, it has its own Cercanías (commuter train) station, Cantoblanco Universidad, which connects with Puerta del Sol in 20 minutes. The Cantoblanco Campus also has numerous educational, cultural and sports facilities.
1. Don't get lost!
The Oficina de Acogida Internacional, located on campus, is responsible for offering assistance to international students, researchers and academic staff, providing them with academic and administrative information, and helping them find answers to all their questions. There you will also learn about the process to obtain the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (ID card for foreigners, known as NIE), which should be started during the first month of stay in Spain. This office will also help you with contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Spanish Consulates and Embassies abroad, to solve potential problems with student visas, return authorizations, or travel documents during your stay in Spain.
This office will also inform you about the functioning and structure of UAM and its services (university card, website, location, accommodation), and give you advice on finding scholarships.
2. Arrange your accommodation
The UAM offers student accommodation within the Colegio Mayor Juan Luis Vives and the Residencia Universitaria Erasmo, both located on campus. In addition, the webpage aluni.net offers information about student housing in shared furnished apartments or studios with internet service. Thanks to collaboration agreements, UAM students can receive a 40% discount on contract preparation, upon presentation of a Aluni brochure stamped by the university. For more information visit www.aluni.net or send an email to instituciones@aluni.net.
3. Sort out your health insurance and banking
To apply for a residence permit for the first time and to renew it, you must provide a certificate indicating that you have acquired health and accident insurance. There are many insurance companies that offer policies covering these requirements, with different prices and therefore with different medical coverage. It is advised to obtain insurance that covers surgical and emergency services.
It is also recommended that upon arrival in Spain you open a bank account within the country. The presentation of a bank statement from this account showing financial solvency is an indispensable requirement to renew your identity number, called the NIE. In order to open a bank account, and regardless of your nationality, you must offer proof of your status as resident (EU or non-EU) or non-resident.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Due to constant changes affecting policies and the implementation of the new Immigration Law, we recommend that before starting any procedure you get in touch with UAM by sending an email to oficina.acogida@uam.es, for us to help you with your travel arrangements. You can also use this email address to share any information you consider useful for other Erasmus exchange students, and send us comments and suggestions.
5. Make international friends and learn a new language
A large part of the appeal of participating in the Erasmus exchange program is the chance to make lasting friendships with students from diverse backgrounds, and also boost your language skills. There are students from all over the world studying at UAM. To help you communicate easily, while at the same time learning and enjoying yourself, the university gives you the possibility to study six different languages (English, French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish for foreigners). If you need more information, you can visit the Language Service (Servicio de Idiomas).
Erasmus exchange opportunities at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
UAM offers a wide range of programs that facilitate student mobility by allowing the transfer of course credits within the European Union, as well as a system of mentorship throughout bachelor’s programs consisting of academic guidance and the support of a professor during the student's academic career. UAM offers 12 master's degrees fully taught in English and several bachelor’s programs in which the number of courses taught in English exceeds 75%.
