My Exchange at Esade Law School
Prior to commencing my exchange, I would have liked to have confirmation of my place by my host university earlier so I could plan with more time as I felt like the time period between confirmation and departure was short. Nonetheless, everything went well all in all however, you need to be prepared for hiccups in accommodation and I highly recommend going to the university destination at least two weeks before your classes commence so you have the opportunity to explore your area and the city you will be living in with ease. This way you get familiar with your environment before studies commence and if you’re living in a shared living space you can get to know all your roommates well and do activities together without having any academic stresses. It prevents you feeling overwhelmed as when you go to your university orientation you will come across a lot of new friends and this experience in conjunction with you still trying to settle in yourself can be a lot to process.
I also would have like to be put in contact with someone that has completed an exchange in Barcelona and if not Barcelona then Spain because it is invaluable hearing tips from someone’s first hand experience rather than general tips applicable to exchange in general. Beyond housing tips things like cultural differences are key to be aware of and differences in general life. Do not expect that just because things are viewed as normal at home that it is the expected norm abroad.
For example all shops are closed on Sunday in Spain even the supermarket so little things like this should be noted so that you don’t leave yourself with no groceries on Sunday and are looking to top up. These things are important to note but also just as fun to learn as you experience it because it typically just makes you laugh and reminds you that you are in a different area which I personally love.
Research activities, traditional dishes, national holidays and festivities in your home country or neighbouring countries that interest you so you have an idea of places you may like to explore during your time abroad. I feel so lucky to have travelled so much during my exchange in Barcelona many of these trips unplanned as I knew I wanted to leave the opportunity to make plans with those new friends I was yet to met so did not have to have everything set in stone. In saying this I still had some cities/islands like Mallorca and the northern Spain Basque region that I wanted to visit and countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Take this incredible opportunity with both arms wide open because it flies by and will easily be one of if not the most memorable periods of your life. Be present during the period because it’s only when you look back on the period that you fully acknowledge how amazing that ‘small’ event was. Also take lots of photos and videos because so much happens that sometimes you forget those little moments that are equally important core memories so it is so nice to look back on and cherish. I truly had the best time on my exchange and all the admin, preparation and nitty grittys are totally worth it!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Getting to know all my classmates from all parts of the world. A majority were from the European region however there were also a lot from Canada and Singapore who ended up being some of my best friends. It was so fun sharing this experience together and we would motivate each other to study by holding each other accountable and going to the library together always indulging in a meal before or afterwards or making plans for an event we’d go together to motivate us.
It was nice to learn in a completely different academic environment from the University of Auckland and experience a different teaching style and structure. My class sizes were a maximum of 25 students so they consisted of a lot of discussions and interaction as part of the grade was based on class participation. Furthermore attendance was mandatory as to pass the course you required 80% attendance. This differs from UoA where lectures are recorded as it is easy to get into the bad habit of not going to lectures.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Research the public holidays within Spain as there are a lot and the Spanish know how to celebrate them. Sometimes I wouldn’t know one was on and would pleasantly stumble across a parade in the city and find all the different neighbourhoods decorated beautifully. The festival La Merce was definitely a highlight.
Unfortunately, the host university did not organise any activities which felt like a wasted opportunity so it was all up to you to organise catch ups with friends.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Start looking for accommodation now. There is significantly more demand than supply for rooms in Spain generally and particularly Barcelona given the number of international students and remote workers there.
- Learn the language (at least the basics). Learning some Spanish and Catalan phrases (if in Barcelona) will go a long way and the locals really appreciate the effort even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
- The hospitality workers are not like here. Be patient and do not expect fast service, it is actually considered rude if you try put pressure to hurry. That is just not how things work, they will come and take your order (eventually).
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 had $10,000 NZD saved and $2,500 NZD emergency savings. On top of this, I also received living cost payments from StudyLink. I had a rough budget per month but was never limiting my expenditures if I saw something I loved I allowed myself to buy it as this was an experience I have been waiting to take part in for so long and wanted to enjoy it without too many restrictions.
The more you save the better. In the event that you run out of funds have a plan of where you will get extra money from whether that’s a loan from parents or something so worst case scenario your budgeting doesn’t work you have money to continue living abroad.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
- Be open to new experiences and meeting new people
- Do not go in with presumptions about everything
- Be spontaneous
- Try new foods, fashion styles
- Make friends with locals as well as the international students
- You will never regret travelling to somewhere new
- Walk around the different neighbourhoods without any distractions and just observe
- Speak in the local language if you can