My Exchange at ESADE Law School
I found out about the 360 International exchange programme in my first year at one of their little pitch things. I also knew about it before I started uni and it was a reason why I picked Auckland University.
Your feelings/first impressions when you arrived at your host university/city/country: I had just been travelling two months so I was pretty shattered! I was nervous to begin uni but excited to be settled in one place.
What your accommodation was like: Getting accommodation was one of the biggest challenges of my whole exchange process. Esade didn’t offer university halls, so I had to find private housing, and with the language barrier and only needing accommodation for such a short period of time, it was extremely challenging.
Orientation at the host university: Esade’s orientation was great! I met lots of people, definitely worth going to.
What you thought of the courses/teaching at the host university: I would say it definitely wasn’t as challenging as studying law at Auckland is. But much more engaging, in tutorial style classes. Also offered a wider range so that was cool to be able to pick papers i couldnt otherwise take
What the host city/country was like: I love love love Barcelona. Best city in the world.
What the cost of living was like compared to Auckland: I would say groceries are generally cheaper, public transport is much cheaper, and eating out/drinks leans on the little bit more expensive side.
Extracurricular activities you took part in (travelling, clubs, sports, etc.): I did lots of travelling to nearby countries
Life on campus: It was a reasonably small amount of exchange students so we all got to know each other pretty well which was nice
Food: I love tapas and sangria
Highlights of your exchange: the city of Barcelona! & the people I met and lifelong friendships I’ll know have, and just all the incredible travelling and being able to study somewhere else was incredible.
Challenges of your exchange: Visa process and getting an apartment was an absolute nightmare
Any advice you would give to students thinking about the exchange programme: Do it!!!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Different class styles was cool, it was like a tutorial so it was much more engaging than just a lecture theatre.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
No, just get amongst it and travel as much as you can.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. Go to the orientation day, that’s where everyone makes friends
2. Don’t live up by Esade there’s not much in that area, everyone just commuted to uni and lived in the city
3. Enjoy and soak it up because it flies by!!
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 easily spent $10,000nzd on my exchange, which included travel and everything.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
How capable I am and just how amazing living overseas is!
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
Try travel as much as you can, just look at cheap flights and take an under the seat bag and go wherever!
Final Comments
How hard it is and all the admin in the lead up is all 10000% worth it, you will have the best time, learn so much about yourself, and it will be over so quickly so soak it all up.