As an international student in Boston, and currently studying in Madrid, I have been able to spot major differences between both cities. Aside from the basics, like language and weather, my life has changed in four main areas: schedules, interactions, shopping/dining experience, and school. If you are a student in Boston and you are planning to study in Madrid, I hope this quick list helps you paint a mental picture of how life changes here. Keep in mind that “different” is a good thing. I have learned wonderful things by being open to changes and embracing a new way of life abroad. So, while I hope this serves as a guide, be ready to experiment and explore!
1. Time Management / Schedule: Aside from being six hours ahead of Eastern Time, how life is scheduled here in Madrid is way different than in Boston. For instance, in Madrid, people eat a later time. Here, we sit down for dinner at around 9:30 p.m., whereas in Boston, I remember sitting down at a packed dining hall at 5:40 p.m.! Madrid’s nightlife also starts later than usual (even as late as 1:00 a.m). Moreover, “siesta” (nap/rest time) is a big deal here, and it consists of a period in which businesses close while workers take a little break after lunchtime. Lastly, while back in Boston, I was used to seeing most local shops and retail stores open on Sundays, here, almost every store is closed for the day or closes earlier than usual. Businesses also take Holidays very seriously. For instance, I arrived in Madrid on Saturday, January 5, and I was advised to buy all my groceries and essentials that same day since the next day (Sunday, January 6), known as “Día de Reyes” (Three Kings’ Day), everything would be closed. But, overall, I have been able to adapt quickly to the “Madrid” time, as I considered myself a night-owl, and I am surely not a morning person. However, I must also admit that, after studying in Boston for almost three years, I do miss the “fast-paced” way of working around my day.
2. Conversation style: Despite how I am a native Spanish speaker, it still took me some time to get used to how people converse in Madrid. If someone is addressing you as a friend, they would say “tía” (for women) and “tío” (for men). “Tía” and “tío” are directly translated as “aunt” and “uncle.” But, for a reason (which still remains unknown, at least to my local friends and me), those words are used to refer to almost everyone here. Also, back in Boston, students will refer to most professors as “Mrs./Mr.,” “Professor,” or “Dr.” Hence, it took me a while to get used to calling my professors by their first name here in Madrid. Regarding greetings, back in Boston, a hug will suffice when it comes to a friendly “hello,” and a handshake for formal ones. In most Latin American countries, people will greet you with only one kiss on the cheek; here, everyone says hello with two. It is very common to be greeted with two kisses on the cheeks as a causal “hello” (even if you do not know the other person that well, and even on business/ formal settings).
3. Shopping/ dining: I must admit that the first time I walked into a supermarket here in Madrid, it took me more than an hour to find the basic things I was looking for. My home country, Panama, sells thousands of U.S. brands in supermarkets and retail stores, so I knew what and where to look for things in Boston. However, most supermarkets here prioritize local brands and import very little American brands. In other words, I had to find replacements for my favorite munchies (but, honestly, no complaints so far!). I must highlight that the food quality in Madrid is spotless, despite how it might take me a few minutes to understand the menu. Thus, I also had to get used to the different names for basic things (like “waffles,” for instance). Back in Panama, like in almost all Latin American countries, we call them “waffles,” too; but, after a month of unsuccessful search for waffles, I learned they are called “gofres” here. When it comes to shopping and retail, it is clear that large department stores predominate, especially one called “El Corte Inglés,” found all over Madrid. Similar to Boston, Madrid also houses everything related to fashion, from big high-end brands, to fast-fashion ones. However, if you ever were to spend a day out in Madrid, you will be amazed by the price of everything. Shopping for home essentials, doing groceries, and dining out (or the cost of living in general) is extremely cheaper here. Despite how my Spanish friends say Madrid might be considered expensive when compared to the rest of Spain, coming from Boston has been a huge upgrade regarding expenses.
4. School: I am currently studying at I.E. University here in Madrid. This university is very different from other traditional Spanish universities as it is private and very international. I say this because, if you are reading this and probably considering studying in a traditional Spanish university, this information might not relate to your case. But, if you are considering I.E., you must be pleased to know that it is very much like Northeastern in how global and innovation-oriented it is. Their facilities are modern and technology-driven, and their campus is spread in the middle of Madrid, just like Northeastern is in Boston. However, one thing you must know is that most classes here consist of weekly three-hour blocks, with fifteen-minute breaks. So, you usually will have each class only one time per week. Honestly, after two years of being used to quick, hour-and-a-half blocks back at Northeastern, it was hard focusing for three hours straight (those fifteen-minute coffee breaks are essential!). Moreover, classes here are segmented by major. Meaning that every Communication Studies major, for instance, belongs to the same class or group for the four years (which is very common in most public and private schools in Spain). I was a little worried about this since, back in Boston, we are used to choosing our classes and, therefore, used to seeing different groups of people every day. However, after a month in, it is quite relieving to know a large group of students that are navigating through the same courses and handling the same workload as you are.
This list includes the most prominent changes I have noted so far. I am sure that, soon enough, more differences will come to my attention. I must admit that, before my trip, I was quite relaxed because I thought, “I am a native Spanish-speaker, so I’m all set.” However, once I arrived, I realized that there is a lot more that comes with adapting to a new place aside from speaking its native language. I would, for sure, have liked to read this list before my trip! But, do not get me wrong, I have tons of friends at the university that do not speak Spanish, and they are enjoying Madrid as much as I am. So far, I believe adapting to this city (and any place in general) is all a matter of finding a balance between preparedness and openness: research, read blogs and learn as much as you can before your travel, but be open to unexpected changes and gaining completely new perspectives– see it with your own eyes!
