Modern Madrid

I did very little travelling in Spain, but a group of us did go to the Cadiz carnival - we paid €130 for 3 nights in a 5 star hotel with trips and buses organised by a company called European Vibe, run by a guy called Scott Edwards. He ran a few nights around town, all for Erasmus students and American students there for the semester. There were trips on offer to all the carnivals around Spain, as well as trips to Portugal and Morocco (unfortunately my Erasmus grant couldn’t quite cover ALL the other trips!).

Useful local words: 'Qué pasa tío?', 'chaval'.

What not to pack: A large dictionary - you pick up the lingo as you go along.

What to pack: All documents proving who you are (passport, copy of your birth certificate etc).

Couldn't have done without: My Spanish phone and my sleeping bag.

Word of advice: The Spanish authorities don't necessarily speak great English, make sure you research work contracts before you go. Choose a place big enough to meet people and have an enjoyable social life. Don't fool yourself into thinking that by avoiding English Erasmus students like yourself you'll make lots of Spanish friends ASAP; you'll only alienate yourself from people who are just like you. If you're there for a year, just let it happen, especially if you're working. Say yes to everything, even if you're tired - you'll be glad you did in the end.

Seb, French and Spanish with Management Studies, Newcastle University