Molertolga
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As a city Barcelona is much better: cosmopolitan, alive, nice weather, beaches, arty, cool, funny, historical, wonderful architecture, mediterranean and so many good things.
Madrid it's the capital and it's quite bigger than Barcelona but maybe that is the problem (too big). It can be noisy, chaotic and even dangerous sometimes, the weather is very cold in winter (0º C) and very hot in summer (40ºC). Obviously you can have fun there: parks, museums, nightlife, etc. but it ain't easy living in Madrid. Oh! And the nearest beach is 500 Km away from Madrid!
Although you can learn spanish in both cities, maybe Madrid is more appropiate for that purpose because in Barcelona people are bilingual, besides spanish they speak catalan also and maybe you'll need to learn both to live there.
Anyway, I would choose Barcelona.
Good luck! |
SUE
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I, like bdeez, studied in Seville. I went to learn to speak. I learned to speak. And understand. The thing about Seville and language is that...It's harder to learn, but once you've got it, you can understand pretty much any accent, precisely because of that. My friends and I likened it to having studied the Queen's English, or Etonian, and then winding up in Texas to polish it off. It's very different, and a challenge, but once you get it, you get it.
One thing I would caution you about. Many schools recommend that you only take a semester away from the home campus. They are gypping you. Wherever you go, you need to stay for the full year. After one semester, you will only be beginning to get the speaking down well. It becomes MUCH MUCH MUCH more solidified in the next semester (that is, of course, if your focus is learning to speak the language, which I assume, is the most prominent reason for studying in Spain).
Madrid or Barcelona? Those are the only two options? My biggest weighing factor was the actual schools that were offered from my University. At Madrid, we were offered classes at an Institute of languages. There are TONS of these institutes around the country (as there are in many countries), and they have good programs, and the classes are taught in Spanish, by Spanish professors, etc. The only thing was, I saw myself walking out of class with a bunch of Americans, and immediately switching into English, not having much contact with the Spaniards. The two programs that were offered at my University that actually put us in classes AT the Universities in Spain, immersed and integrated with the Spanish students, were at Salamanca, which has an incredible history, as the oldest University in Spain, but is kind of far from everything else one might be interested in visiting, and a bit isolated, kind of a small city, and Sevilla, on many major train lines, and in the middle of a lot of interesting historical activity.
I chose Seville because of its actual history, as the middle of several changes in culture, and the most beautiful city in Spain (That was my impression before I went, and THAT never wavered).
Barcelona has a disadvantage linguistically, in that they don't speak as much Spanish there. They prefer, by and large, to speak Catalán. So, if you wish to learn to use both languages, you would find this an advantage, but if your interest is Spanish, then this might not be your best choice.
While what is in Barcelona is lovely and fun and wonderful, it is NOT truly Spanish...it is Catalán. You will find a distinct difference between what you think of as Spanish is not as much represented there. The people like to think of themselves as a bit different from the rest of the country, and you will probably note the difference when you leave Catalunya. Not that there is anything wrog with that. I loved Barcelona, too. Just you should understand that it´s different. If what you want is bullfights, and flamenco, and moorish art/architecture, you'll see more of it in Madrid and Seville, and any towns in between.
Other popular cities for exchange that you don´t mention, may not be offered through your school: Alicante, Granada, Oviedo, Santander. Each city has a different personality.
Madrid is a great city, too. Quite cosmopolitan, but less modern than Barcelona. More Spanish, as the capital. I love the people everywhere, by the way. Had great experiences in every place we went on a trip this past Spring.
Whatever you choose, have a terrific time! Be sure to enjoy and disfrútate de todo! |
Lnaho
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I lived in Barcelona for one year but have spent a few weeks in Madrid as well. They are really quite different in several ways.
To start, Madrid is much larger, so subject to more urban sprawl and tall buildings. I equate Madrid to a more Manhattan sort of vibe.
Barcelona is still a large city, just about half the size (1.6 million to Madrid's 3.2). Being smaller, you have a better opportunity to absorb its sites and truly get to know the city and the varying neighborhoods. You can get from one side of the city to the other more easily as well.
You shouldn't worry about not learning castillian spanish just because catalan is the official language. Most courses are taught in castellano, and everyone understands castillian. Also, more than likely you will be living with people who aren't catalans, because most young people who are from barcelona live with their parents. My roommates were from south america. Finally, catalan is not that hard to understand once you get used to hearing it. It's quite common to speak to people in castellano and have them respond in catalan. It's normal practice, they aren't just being "rude catalans."
That said, catalans are notorious for being a little harder to get to know than folks in the rest of spain. I have madrileño friends who roll their eyes at any mention of "cold catalans." In that sense, it might be easier to get to know spanish people in madrid than in Barcelona. But catalans are very loyal, great friends once you have broken through.
I'm of course voting for Barcelona because
1. Not as cold as Madrid/more sun
2. Being able to walk home from most places in the city was a huge plus for me when you often go out until 8 a.m.
3. Unique to be in Spain yet be in another country (Catalunya!) as well
Good luck choosing, either way you'll have a blast. |
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