A month into Erasmus- activities and differences I’ve found in Madrid.
My landscape painting classroom
Just hit the month mark and wow! It has gone by so much faster than I expected. This first month has gone in the blink of an eye and felt eternal at the same time (if that even makes any sense…). As I’ve settled in, I’ve discovered so much to do in this city, but I’ve also come to realise just how different education is in different universities.
Another snippet of my landscape painting classroom
The first thing that stuck out to me were mandatory subjects and optional subjects (electives). The university I attend in London is very focused on individual learning, development, and investigation rather than following textbooks or learning theory, and as such we have no “subjects” as you would in high school. Imagine my shock at being told to choose subjects, with 3 hour classes! Not to mention 2 out of 3 hours are theory rather than actually making. My London university requires attendance for a weekly hour long lecture, seminar, and year meeting. Going from this amount of weekly contact time to a minimum of 4-6 daily hours of classes has been… well… interesting.
Nothing a coffee and a lemon muffin can’t sort.
As a student used to carrying out my own investigation and projects, the rigidity of what we must create here has been challenging. However, it has meant that I am carrying out a lot more practical work and churning out a lot more drawings, paintings, and sketches without overthinking or worrying. This has definitely improved the visual quality of my work-and, if you remember my last post (which you can read here) my drawings have definitely improved. Well, at least the professor has not made any more comments beyond a few confused looks- that’s progress to me!
Pose number two in my drawing class
Beyond academics, I’ve also been able to enjoy some of the really fun and funky stuff Madrid has to offer. A good friend of mine came to visit from London so we got to do some things together too. Visits from my loved ones are always a highlight for me, and I think sometimes we need those visits more than we realise, specially when you’ve uprooted to a completely different country- even if it’s just temporary.
So far I have gone to a projection of a documentary about the architect Lina Bo Bardi, which took place at the Roca Gallery, Madrid. This projection saw expert and collaborator Dr. Mara Sanchez Llorens, and Jacobo Sucari, the producer, as guests to debate and talk the short film over with post-screening. It was a surreal experience, where I was by far the youngest person in a room full of architects and engineers. I regret not taking my turn to ask a question, but being my first event of any sort in a new city I am not always going to feel my bravest and that is okay. I’m proud of myself for leaving my comfort zone and showing up regardless!
Projection of Lina Bo Bardi Documentary at Roca Gallery, Madrid
I was then also able to attend the 3rd charity catwalk for Libertiendas Madrid, an organisation who give women that have just come out of prison a place to stay and get back on their feet-whether they are alone or have children with them. The clothes used were clothes from the stores themselves with no cuts, sewing or alteration. This was to bring attention to the kind of items available. The models in the show were also in model school, meaning that young talents were also able to showcase themselves in a catwalk setting, which they did elegantly and without a single hiccup!
The last thing I did that I think you should all check out, are the boats in El Parque de El Retiro. 6 euros per boat, not per person, for up to 4 people (8 euros on weekends and bank holidays). This gives you 45 minutes to try your hand at rowing (you might struggle at first- I sure did), and also see the park from a completely different perspective. You can also do what my friend and I did, and pretend to be competitive rowers- completely out of synch and with questionable technique of course.
If any of you are planning to visit Madrid, I hope this has been a little bit helpful on the diversity of activities and events on offer!
I think what can be taken away from this week, even this entire month I’ve spent here, is that taking things a day at a time is the way to go. When I first moved I wanted everything to be in place straight away, I didn’t want to take time to settle I just wanted it done. I fell right on my ass because of it. Looking at how the rest of the month has panned out, all the cool things I’ve found, and the people I’m starting to meet, I realise it’s important to not rush, but also not lose sight of the bigger picture. Short term goals to fit into your long term goals, and make sure you enjoy the process! The journey and process are as important as the destination- they’re what build your experience, character, and prepare you for the end goal!
As always thank you all for reading and following along as I enjoy this new location and what it has to offer!
