My Exchange at Esade Law School
Accommodation in Barcelona was incredibly hard. I worked for 4 months to find accommodation. In the last month before I left, I woke up every morning to rejection emails from landlords. The housing crisis is no joke. It is easier to secure flats once you are physically there, so prepare to book an airbnb/hostel while you search for 1/2/3 weeks. Get organised ahead of time.
Rent can be extremely expensive (my friends were paying 1,000 euros/1,800 NZD per month – I paid much less but their rent is not uncommon). Try not to book directly on Airbnb because there are fees. Spotahome and Idealista are the best platforms in my opinion.
Barcelona is much safer than people describe. I didn’t hear of any pick pocketing of exchange students, nor any other criminal behaviour. It is highly populated and busy, and feels super safe even late at night.
There wasn’t much of an exchange community at Esade – the organiser does little (if anything) to facilitate a community culture. You have to put yourself out there with fellow students in your classes. HIGHLY recommend the intensive Spanish language course (free) the week before Semester starts – it’s where I found my flatmates and best friends!
Highlights included the beautiful Barcelona culture. People take time to enjoy every day. It’s a nice change from the hustle of Auckland city. Food is also amazing in Barcelona.
I didn’t take part in many extracurricular activities – just travelling with friends on weekends a few times! Honestly I would recommend not travelling a ton while in Barcelona – there’s so much to do, and I’m so glad I took the time to truly “live” there (and not just use it as a base to travel to lots of different countries). But if that’s your vibe then it’s also in the perfect geographic position to help you do that!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Learning about the differences across cultures and international laws, and where they converge (the similarities between such different countries). Learning from professors who were extremely passionate and well-lived.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
See a Barca football match! Do the Montserrat hike, go to Tibidabo, Montjuic look out. Do day trips to Sitges, Casteldelfells, etc!
What are your top tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Organise accommodation ahead of time, as soon as possible. Find like-minded students on Facebook Barcelona student flat groups if you are struggling to find people to flat with.
- Only book flats through credible websites. Idealista, Spotahome and Airbnb are good.
- Do NOT flat in El Raval – a dangerous area renound for bed bugs! I would personally avoid Gothic Quarter as well (to flat in – to visit it’s lovely) – but that’s just my personal vibe!
- Be organised with Visa process – the Spanish embassy is disorganised and slow.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I budgeted generously and used every penny. I underestimated the cost of accommodation. I moved over without a flat because I got denied, so stayed on a friend’s couch, and then accepted the first accommodation I was offered (which was 750 euros per month excluding utilities, deposit, etc). And flights were also the most expensive I’ve seen them – book a return flight and book it ahead of time! Book flexi if you’re nervous about dates with Visas etc.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
How cultures can be so different but reflect beautiful parts of New Zealand at the same time. It took no time at all to feel at home in Barcelona. It’s obviously insanely different from NZ, but still has such beautiful qualities that mirror NZ in my opinion (the people,the nature, etc).
Is there any advice you could share about accommodation options at your host university and/or in the local area?
Esade provides no on-campus accommodation. Use Idealista and Spotahome, and Airbnb if you get desperate.
Do you have any advice on what mobile phone apps and/or phone plans that were useful in your host country?
City Mapper for public transport – don’t use apple/google maps!
Wise card for money.
I bought a 10-euro per month Vodafone e-sim (or you could also get a physical sim). Highly recommend – cheapest option I could find.