Field of study in Wageningen: Management and Consumer Studies
Study period exchange: 05/02/2023 – 30/06/2023
Country (exchange): Spain
City (exchange): Barcelona
University (exchange): University of Barcelona
Faculty (exchange): Business and Economics
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I wanted to broaden my perspective and be more independent. I like travelling and wanted to see more of the world.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
I already spoke a bit of Spanish, and I wanted to improve my Spanish. Also, I really like the city of Barcelona and wanted to live there for a longer period of time.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
I went by plane, but I heard there will soon be a better train connection between Paris and Barcelona. So, in the future, we will be able to go by train to Barcelona much easier!
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
I thought the academic level was quite high. I expected it to be easier than in the Netherlands, but this was not the case. The workload was doable. However, it was quite hard to find fitting courses, because a lot of courses overlapped in the planning, so I could only follow one of them. Check this before applying!
What is the culture of the university?
Some lecturers were really nice, but others were not very proficient in their English level, which made it hard to understand the lectures or even examination questions. Engaging with local students was hard, because they all already had their own group of friends. However, I did not really mind this, because I engaged with other international students.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
Sport facilities are offered by the university, but I did not use these facilities, because the university was kind of far from my apartment. Furthermore, I did not really make use of any facilities of the university (and I don’t know about them).
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
Finding a room is quite doable, because Barcelona is a big city with many available rooms. However, the buildings are often quite old and outdated. I don’t know about any campus housing.
What is the culture of the country like?
I really liked the culture in Catalonia, because everyone is very warm en welcoming. The local cuisine is amazing (tapas, crema catalana, etc.). I also really liked to see some of the traditions Spain and Catalonia have during my time there.
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
If you are under 30 years old, you can apply for a public transport card which gives you unlimited travel opportunities within the 6 zones of the city (bus, train, metro, etc.). This costs 40 euros for three months. Beware that you have to sign up for this in advance. I travelled to the university by subway, which I could use with this public transport card.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Catalunya is the province in which Barcelona lies, which has a whole culture of itself. Special (Spanish or Catalonian) holidays are ……… Montserrat is also worth a visit. You can even visit Madrid with the high velocity trains going from Barcelona to Madrid. A tip about seeing things in the area is to download the apps of several Erasmus Barcelona organizations. These organisations organize trips around Spain. You can sign up and then you go on this trip with other Erasmus students in the area. This is especially great if you do not know that many people yet. These organisations are a easy way to make new friends and see more of Barcelona. Also, there are many Instagram accounts (for example, @barcelona.travelers), gives great tips about things to do in Barcelona. For example, if there is a food festival this weekend, they will post this on their Instagram page. This way, you will be informed of all fun things happening in the environment!
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
I have A TON of recommendations, but it really depends on where in the city you live. I lived in the old city centre, and this was really fun, but also less quiet. Going out always starts around 1 or 2 a.m., so be prepared for a few long nights! But if you go to one of the clubs on the beach (Opium, Pacha, Shoko), you can watch the sunrise after the clubs close J. And if you are planning to go to a club, always check if you can get on a free guest list, so you don’t have to pay entrance!
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
I had a roommate who did not really meet my expectations. We could not really get along and we had completely different personalities, which made it hard to make compromises when it came to partying, cleaning and other things.
What was your best memory abroad?
It is hard to pick just one, but I went to a Coldplay concert on the Montjuic hill. This was really amazing. Also, I would recommend going stand up padelling by sunrise and taking some padel courses.