Personal Development
I embarked on my Erasmus/Exchange experience at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona with a multifaceted array of motivations. Primarily, I yearned to immerse myself fully in a different culture, exploring the rich tapestry of life that Europe offers in contrast to my Australian roots. The prospect of uncovering the subtle and profound differences between Australian and European ways of living was incredibly enticing. Additionally, the allure of traveling across Europe at a fraction of the cost compared to flying from Australia was too tempting to resist. Being in Barcelona, a vibrant and strategically located city, provided the perfect launchpad for weekend trips to various European destinations. Finally,delving into Spanish culture, with its unique blend of history, art, and gastronomy, was a dream come true. This exchange was not just about academic growth; it was a chance to expand my horizons, create unforgettable memories, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world's diverse cultures.
Academic Development
My experience at UPF was academically enriching and presented unique challenges. Adapting to a Spanish-speaking environment required me to quickly overcome the language barrier and adjust to the slower pace of Spanish society. UPF provided an excellent blend of exchange students and native Spaniards, offering me a deeper understanding of the local culture and academic environment. One of the initial struggles was making friends with Spanish students, as most were in their third or fourth year and had already formed close-knit groups. This required me to make a much greater effort to integrate into their community. However, this challenge ultimately enhanced my social skills and perseverance. Overall, this experience impacted me academically by enhancing my adaptability, time management, and social integration skills.
Professional Development
This experience has developed several skills and attributes that will contribute to my professional development and future employability. I have become more adaptable, able to go wit
h the flow, and handle unforeseen circumstances with ease. This adaptability is crucial in any professional setting, where unexpected challenges often arise. Additionally, overcoming the language barrier and integrating into a new academic and social environment has improved my communication skills and cultural empathy.
Budget
During my Erasmus/Exchange experience, I spent around 28,000 AUD. Accommodation at my student complex cost around 1,000 euros per month, but it's possible to find cheaper non-student residences for about 600 euros per month. Transportation was relatively inexpensive, costing around 20 euros per month for a metro/bus pass, which I obtained using my Spanish NIE number and Australian passport. Food expenses averaged around 125 euros per week, although you can get a substantial meal out for anywhere between 5 to 15 euros. I joined the ESN group upon arriving in Barcelona, which provided benefits like a free baggage allowance on Ryanair flights and a 10% discount. Since I traveled almost every weekend, the cost varied, but the average flight was around 45 euros, depending on how early I booked and the baggage options I chose. To manage my budget effectively, I made several strategic choices. For accommodation, I considered non-student residences, which can significantly reduce living costs without sacrificing too much comfort or location. Using the metro/bus pass was an economical way to handle daily transportation needs, and I ensured to get this sorted early using my NIE number. Balancing between cooking at home and eating out helped manage food expenses. While groceries could add up, affordable and hearty meals at local eateries provided a good balance.
The funding I received through both the grant and the HECS loan was instrumental in my exchange experience. It played a crucial role in ensuring I had the financial means to fully embrace the opportunities available without leaving with any regrets. This financial support allowed me to experience everything I wanted to during my time abroad. I utilised the funding in various ways, with a primary focus on covering airfares and travel costs. Traveling was a significant part of my exchange, and the financial assistance enabled me to explore numerous countries and cities, enriching my cultural understanding and broadening my horizons. Additionally, the funding helped cover day-to-day expenses, such as food and transportation, ensuring I could live comfortably and focus on my studies and experiences without financial stress. Overall, the financial support from the grant and HECS loan was a huge help in making my exchange experience fulfilling and memorable, allowing me to make the most of every opportunity that came my way.
Highlight
The biggest highlight of my experience was living in Barcelona and meeting so many new people from a variety of different cultures. The city itself was vibrant and full of life, offering endless opportunities for exploration and cultural immersion. Additionally, the accessibility of Europe meant I was able to travel to numerous destinations in a short time and at a much cheaper cost compared to flying domestically in Australia. This allowed me to see and experience so much more, making my time abroad incredibly enriching and memorable.
