“Take a chance, because you’ll never know how absolutely perfect something could turn out to be”. 

We are back with the expats’ diary and our today’s storyteller is Nizar, a 24 years-old guy from Morocco that lived in Madrid experiencing a unique adventure abroad, that made him grow and change for good.

He shared one of the helpHousing flats with other young internationals, living literally in the heart of Madrid - few steps away from Puerta del Sol and Plaza Callao - and enjoying the citylife and the night entertainment of this amazing destination at the fullest.

We asked Nizar to share his unforgettable experience of life in Madrid. Check out his interview!

¡Hola Nizar! Thank you for joining us in this project! 

1. Let’s talk about the feeling before the arrival, the expectation and the very first impressions once you arrived.

I was so excited! I even have booked my room 3 months before the arrival. I was waiting since September for Christmas with a countdown. But, once arrived, I was very disappointed and I had to deal with so many problems with another rental agency (that also change the names), cause I have been scammed. I had terrible experience with them.

But then I found helpHousing and I am very satisfied with the professionalism: best housing company so far in Madrid!

2. Was it your first time to live in a shared flat with other young internationals? Tell us your experience in your new home abroad.

It wasn’t the first time for me to share a flat with international people, since I have been based in Madrid for 6 years. I chose on purpose this type of accomodation to live at the fullest my life in Madrid and the whole experience here. I wanted to Improve my language skills, make my cultural knowledge richer and wider. That background helped me to become more responsible and committed to do things in the apartment, such as cleaning tasks and still enjoying the experience but in respect of the other flatmates. 

3. Tell us a funny anecdote (but nothing illegal!) about your life in Madrid.

I really couldn't pick one, I don't know what to choose! Fun is key for happiness and enjoy life. 

4. Do you feel different? If you do, what helped you the most to change?

Of course, I feel different, I feel blessed and grateful that I had the chance to get to know people from all around the world, live in the heart of the city in one of the best capitals of Europe. I’m glad I allowed myself to dream and fight for any goal I could set. What truly changed me was opening myself to the world and learning from my mistakes. Exchanging programs or living abroad definitely are one of the best experiences any student should live at least once in life.

I also suggested and pushed my friends to do the same and rent with this company. 

5. Which is your favourite memory about Madrid?

Well, what about my life in Madrid...it's not easy to resume 6 years in a memory. Madrid itself is the most important memory. The whole experience and I wouldn't change anything. Before coming here, I was in doubt to choose Malaga instead, but definitely was worth to take this decision. I would say the whole living experience here is an amazing journey; just like a train that never stops. 

6. Would you leave your country again for a new adventure abroad? 

I love Madrid. I'm currently based here. But I learnt not to say “no” and not to set any limit to new adventures. I’m always ready for the future opportunities: changes are part of growth and life.

Madrid truly became my home, with the full meaning of this important word.

But who knows, maybe Paris or Germany could be someday my next destinations.