Spain - #BIMdannmalinBarcelona

Shownotes

When people hear "Erasmus", they usually think of a party semester in Spain - and actually, you' re not that wrong. In this episode, Elisa tells us about her "trimester abroad" at the nearby partner university of Barcelona - at the Tecnocampus in Mataró. In addition to lots of parties, pure sunshine and delicious food, Elisa took very practical courses at the very modern and well-equipped university and learned a lot for life. Elisa also gives some tips on finding a place to live, talks about her trips all over Spain and convinces almost everyone with her positive manner to spend a semester abroad in Barcelona. You're in the mood for tapas, beach parties and reggeaton? Then I would say: Let's start the journey!

Contact details:

E-Mail:  bimdannmalweg.fwiwi[at]thws.de

Instagram: @fwiwi.thws

Credits:

Moderated by Lara Yargiman

Produced by Lara Yargiman and Sonja Zügner in cooperation with the economics student body of THWS

Sound and editing by Sonja Zügner

Transcript

Lara: Hello and welcome to our THWS podcast #Bimdannmalweg. Yeah, in this podcast we talk about the experiences of students who have spent a semester abroad and this podcast is sponsored and supported by the Faculty of Business and Economics.

Today we have a new guest here with us in the studio and that is Elisa. Hello Elisa.

Elisa: Hello Lara, thank you for inviting me.

Lara: Of course, nice to have you here. Maybe you would like to introduce yourself briefly.

Elisa: That's right, I'm Elisa. I'm also in my 6th semester of BIM and I spent my 3rd semester abroad in Barcelona.

Lara: Yeah, that's right, Barcelona. I'll be going to Spain soon, but to Salamanca. Well, it's definitely a very beautiful city. I was even there once. Maybe you could tell me about it: How exactly did you decide to go to Barcelona? Did you have other cities you wanted to visit, or has it always been like this: "I have to go to Barcelona? I have to go to Barcelona?

Elisa: Exactly, I had never actually been to Barcelona before, but I had my heart set on Spain. Simply because it's also pretty cool in the winter semester, because it's warm there for quite a long time. So, until the end of November, actually, and then I actually wanted to go to Murcia. But unfortunately, it didn't work out. And then Barcelona was kind of my second choice. I hadn't really thought about the city at all, but then I thought, hey, that's cool, it's a big city by the sea, and then I applied for it because I knew that there were English courses there, and that worked out.

Lara: Very nice, but that was a partner university of ours or was that a freemover?

Elisa: Exactly, that was one of our partner universities. But I don't think it's offered every semester.

Lara: Yes, I didn't see it this semester.

Elisa: Exactly, so only the winter semester, I think.

Lara: Okay. Yes, very nice. And then you flew there in September? Or when was that approximately?

Elisa: Exactly, it was around the 15th of September and the 21st of September was the starting day and then the semester went until the 20th of December. So it was exactly 3 months. They are always trimesters. Not everywhere in Spain, but especially there. And that's why it was relatively short, exactly.

Lara: Okay, yes, could you tell us a little bit about the application process? Did everything go smoothly? Maybe also with the Learning Agreement and how you found your accommodation there?

Elisa: Exactly, I have to say that I was really thrilled with the university there, because I was already expecting it to be a bit chaotic, but the support from the university (from the International Office) was really great. They really did everything. If there were any arrangements or anything else. And I actually changed my learning agreement there, so I matched other courses with courses from here and it worked out really well. I was really, really happy. They more or less helped us find a place to live. There were no student halls of residence directly from the university. It was more like they suggested a few things where we could look for them, like shared flats here, there was a swimming pool there or other tools or sites. And then you actually had to take care of it yourself. I have to say, it wasn't easy. Barcelona is very expensive and really difficult to find a place. But in the end I booked my room through „Spotahome“.

Lara: Okay.

Elisa: But I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone else, because everything was a bit intransparent. I had booked a room somehow. You book it properly, like a hotel, and then it's fixed, so there's not much you can do about it. So it's actually a contract. But it was a room, practically a shared room. And I thought it was a shared flat, that was somehow a bit of a fail.

Lara: Oh no.

Lara: Oh no.

Elisa: But then I wrote to them and they said, yes, you can still get a room, but of course it was much more expensive. I think it was around 500 euros or so.

Lara: Wow.

Elisa: Well, it was a nice flat but the individual rooms were just super dark and sporadically furnished.

Lara: I've heard that before, that they often have very few windows in the flats. Was that the case for you too?

Elisa: Yes, actually, they have an inner courtyard, but it's really just a shaft and there are a thousand houses around it. If you are on the first floor and it has eight floors, then you can't see anything the whole day. So, my parents also visited me and my mum like that: Elisa, how can you live there? But luckily it wasn't too bad. I was on the road so much that it didn't really bother me. But in the long run I don't think I would have done that there.

Lara: And that was a shared flat?

Elisa: Exactly, that was another flat share with a French woman, an Italian, someone from Ecuador and someone else from South America. Exactly.

Lara: Totally cool, totally international in any case.

Elisa: Yes, that was really cool, and it worked out well. We also had a cleaning lady who came every two weeks. That was also part of it, and we had a really nice living room, which then just faced the street, but that was bright, the rest not so much. But exactly, as a small recommendation, I think a few of us did it that way, who first got together there, they didn't have any other accommodation before, they took an Airbnb together. It wasn't necessarily cheaper, but it was much much better, because you got a better price for three months and then you could get a nice flat. And you could live well there. That's why I think I would do it that way next time and not through "Spot a Home". But yes, it is really difficult to find a place in Barcelona.

Lara: Yes, of course it's a huge city. Was your accommodation near the university? Or how was it located overall? Where was the university? Was it in the centre of Barcelona or a bit outside?

Elisa: Exactly, you have to say that the university is in Mataro. That's actually another 20 or 30 kilometres away from Barcelona.

Lara: Oops, OK

Elisa: It sounds really gross, but I would still...well, a lot of people also lived in Mataro, but most of them just lived in Barcelona, because Mataro is a small town, Barcelona is just awesome. And that was actually really cool, because every morning there was a really cool bus that went over the motorway to Mataro and that only took 20-25 minutes or something and that was really no stress at all, because you never need half an hour to get from one end of the city to the other anyway.

Lara: Ah, OK.

Elisa: Then it was really full Okay... So, the bus always left from Plaza Cataluna, that's the Main Plaza and Plaza Tetuan. And it's really good to live near there. Then you walk there, get on, everything is easy.

Lara: Okay, yes, that sounds quite feasible in any case.

Elisa: But the good thing was that the university in Mataro was right on the beach. You walked out and could actually go straight to the beach.

Lara: Oh, that's right. I think you sent me a video or something.

Elisa: Yes, exactly, it was really cool. Partly during free time, we just went into the water, to swim. It's just cool somehow.

Lara: Oh, how nice!

Elisa: Well, that's why it didn't really put me off and I thought it was really okay.

Lara: Yeah, okay, so if there's a good bus connection, then that definitely sounds better. And the university? Was it modern or rather older? If you can describe it a bit, maybe also the professors you had there. Or how the courses were overall?

Elisa: Exactly, the university was very new, so everything was really rather high-tech, I have to say. And yes, the professors were just extremely cool. You were also on first-name terms with them and they were really interested in you. And you have to say, the teaching is completely different. It's really more like what we have in the specialisations now. Simply projects, applied things, we used tools for project management and things like that. I also used some of those in my internship or something like that. So maybe it wasn't as difficult as it is here. But I learned so much in the three months I was there. No shit, it was really cool, because part of our task was somehow to get our LinkedIn profile up to scratch, to get to grips with it and so on. And that also brings us benefits.

Lara: Yes, it's something for life.

Elisa: Yes, fully, and we were always able to connect with them on LinkedIn afterwards, and some people are still in contact with them now. Also, about professional things, where the professors still support us with projects. And I think that's so cool.

Lara: So, it's really great!

Elisa: Yes, really, because they really want us to learn something and that it's something we can really use in our careers.

Lara: Yes.

Elisa: And not somehow: Now calculate this for me and theoretically it would be like this and like that. But really "do". So, I also had a course called Technology Intensive Startups. And then we really had to find a company. So, we had to go through all the processes. And then it wasn't just theoretical, but you actually do it. And it has brought me a lot.

Lara: Honestly, I wouldn't have thought that much about a semester abroad in Spain. But it sounds great.

Elisa: Me neither. But it's probably not the same everywhere, but it was really great there. So, it was really good.

Lara: Yeah, great. Yes, Emilia also told me that before, in the Netherlands, how much she was able to take with her from such a semester abroad. And I think that's really nice to hear.

Elisa: Yes, yes, so I always think to myself that I wish it was partly like that in Germany, because this applied, although we are also at an applied university, it's just not like that.

Lara: Yes, definitely.

.

Lara: And in terms of languages, it wasn't Catalan, you mean, but Spanish and English?

Elisa: Exactly, I informed myself beforehand and the courses were in Spanish or English. And because I didn't have any Spanish at school, but only AWPFs, it was important because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do all that.

Lara: Yes.

Elisa: And you could really do enough courses in English, yes.

Lara: Okay. Yes, now we talked a lot about the university. Maybe now a little bit about the free time. I think you also like to party. Maybe you can give some tips on where to go to party or where to go out for a good meal. And what you should definitely not miss in Barcelona.

Elisa: Yes, Barcelona is so diverse. So, for partying: You can really go out and party very well. Especially as an Erasmus student. They have a lot of offers and the culture is very different. They don't go to the club at 12 o'clock. They just go to the club at 2. That means you sometimes get free entry before 1.30 a.m. or something like that and that's just really good. Because otherwise the entrance fee is like 20 euros or something. And there are these mainstream clubs where you probably wouldn't necessarily go if you were Spanish. The Pasha, for example. And I can't even think of the other names. But they're all on the beach and those are really the clubs that you know you can always go to, there's always good music. So Reggeton, if you like it, awesome. Exactly, and otherwise there are also many small bars in the city. They're also kind of student bars where a drink only costs a euro or something. But you have to look for them, because there are also more expensive clubs and bars and things like that. But apart from that, there's a huge offer in any case. Exactly and yes, apart from that there are also really cool things to do outside Barcelona. Like Tibidabo, that's a mountain you can go up. You have a really, really good view over the whole of Barcelona. Or, I can't think of all the names right now, but there are different viewing platforms where you can go, where people take sushi with them and have a picnic up there or something.

Lara: Okay. Watching the sunset.

Elisa: Exactly and just the beach, we always did that because it was just so cool, and the weather was really good.

Lara: Was your accommodation also near the beach?

Elisa: Where I lived, I actually lived right next to the Sagrada Familia.

Lara: Ah yes.

Elisa: Not directly, but I still drove the half hour to the sea. Right then with my friends.

Lara: Okay. And did you cook more often, or did you always go out for tapas every evening? Drink Sangria? Or how can I imagine that?

Elisa: Yes, I have to say, I spent a lot of money on food and beverages there. And it's not that cheap either. Somehow, I didn't manage to find a really cheap tapas bar in the three months I was there. But you have to say that tapas is more Spanish and Catalan is more like empanadas or something like that. So, it's not really the same cuisine.

Lara: Okay.

Elisa: But of course, it is offered because there are many tourists.

Lara: So, you really notice this cultural difference?

Elisa: Yes, actually I do. So, it's different from Spain again. For me, it's the real thing, the original Seville or something like that, where you really notice it. But the streets don't look like they do there. Yes, with the beautiful white buildings. No, that's different. Barcelona is also very international. A lot of different nations. Which is a bit of a shame, because then the culture gets lost a bit. But yes, you can definitely go out for a good meal. Exactly. We always had an app called "The Fork" and you could always go on it and there were discounts for different things every day. Then we went out for poke bowls and tapas or something. We just made sure that we could somehow save a little money. Yeah, and as I said, drinking in the bars is definitely good too.

Lara: What was it actually like, because you also mentioned saving money and it was partly expensive. How much Erasmus did you get and how much did you need per month?

Elisa: I think I got 395 euros a month for Erasmus. Between 300 and 400 euros, I think.

Lara: Mhm.

Elisa: And I think I've already paid six hundred euros myself with rent...

Lara: So, about a thousand euros a month?

Elisa: Maybe.

Lara: That's how I roughly calculated it.

Elisa: Yes. About a thousand euros a month. In the beginning, yes, because we also took a lot of weekend trips. Once we went to Valencia, once we even flew to Ibiza.

Lara: Oh that' s cool.

Elisa: Yes. That was really my absolute highlight of all the trips we did. Yeah, and once we went to a canyon and went hiking or something. That's where we left a lot of money. But somehow we also wanted to take it all in.

Lara: Definitely.

Elisa: And then I really didn't care.

Lara: Yes.

Elisa: It was a perfect fit.

Lara: And were you more on the road with the internationals or did you also meet locals with whom you were on the road?

Elisa: Well, in the project groups you also had something to do with locals. But it was a complete Erasmus thing, I have to say. We only spoke English and that didn't help me either. I actually wanted to learn a bit of Spanish.

Lara: Yes.

Elisa: It didn't work out so well. But it was still good. I was mostly out and around with the Erasmus students. There were a lot of Germans, Austrians, Dutch and Finns. That's how it was.

Lara: As always.

Elisa: Yes exactly.

Lara: And you said that before you only had the AWPFs in the THWS with Spanish? Did you get on well in the Spanish courses? So I'm asking for myself because in Salamanca I'll also have Spanish courses.

Elisa: Yes, I didn't have any Spanish courses.

Lara: You only had English?

Elisa: Exactly, I only had courses in English. And a Spanish course as well.

Lara: I see. Oh okay.

Elisa: Yes, yes. Exactly. I don't know if I would have got away with it, to be honest. With the two AWPFs I don't think so, to be honest. Because there were also economics courses and I don't know.

Lara: Yes, that's what I asked myself.

Elisa: I don't know if I can do that in Spanish.

Lara: Okay. No, everything is fine. Did you have any particular expectations before the semester abroad? And did they come true?

Elisa: Not really at all. I really went in with zero expectations. I remember just before I didn't really want to go. I didn't really feel like it, because somehow it felt like I had just been in Australia 11 months before. Yeah, and that's why I didn't have any expectations, but they were exceeded a thousand times over. Because it was such a good time. It really was. I wish I could go back in time again; it was really cool.

Lara: Oh, how nice!

Elisa: I would definitely, definitely recommend it to everyone. Barcelona is definitely a good place to go, but probably many other semesters abroad as well. Guys go on a semester abroad! It's so cool!

Lara: Go on a semester abroad! This is what this podcast is for, to motivate you. On a scale of 1 to 10, would you give it a 10?

Elisa: Definitely, if not an 11.

Lara: And if you had three words to describe your semester abroad. What would they be?

Elisa: Adventurous, also a lot of partying and yes, just enjoying life. I would say that.

Lara: Yes, that's definitely something.

Elisa: Yes.

Lara: Was there somehow a story where you would say: You noticed that there was a total cultural difference?

Elisa: Now between Spain and here?

Lara: Yes, exactly, yes. So, you just noticed, okay, you're in a different country.

Elisa: Yes, probably also when going out to celebrate. Because they just celebrate much later, because...

Lara: They always eat much later than we do, right?

Elisa: Yes, exactly, and they dress very differently.

Lara: That means?

Elisa: The girls wear much tighter, fancier clothes. High shoes, always like that. I thought it was kind of cool because I actually like it when people get dressed up to go out, even if it's just for a quick meal. I really like the vibe.

Lara: Yes. And what was the temperature like? Was it Mediterranean warm all the time and did it get colder towards December?

Elisa: Until the end of October, I really didn't have a jacket to celebrate with, nothing. A dress or a top or something was completely sufficient. Then in November it was more like long trousers and a T-shirt or something. And in December I actually wore a coat or something. But only a light one. But it was always sunny and that's just so cool, because you never feel bad, because the weather is always good. And then you're actually already out of it again, and then it already feels like summer again in the direction of spring. Well, no: the temperature was really great! That's why I thought it was really good that I was there in the winter semester. Because you always think it would be cooler to be in a country like that in summer. No, because it's actually still summer half the time and afterwards it's still better than in grey Germany.

Lara: Yeah, totally. So, if you were playing I'm packing my suitcase, what would you pack?

Elisa: Yes, lots of bikinis.

Lara: Sunglasses.

Elisa: Yes sunglasses, I would pack short comfortable clothes for the beach or something like that. But also, something that you can go on a tour with. Like a canyon trip or something. Exactly. But also, not too many clothes, because Zara Pull and Bear, Stradivarius, Bershka, they' re all 20 percent cheaper. So, shop down there people, because it's really, really good for shopping yeah.

Lara: Okay, those were definitely good tips. Do you have any funny stories that happened to you there? A little anecdote for our listeners.

Elisa: Oh man, I never think of anything like that.

Lara: Don't worry if you can't think of anything.

Lara: Do you have any tips or to-dos that you would like to give to the students? Who would go to Barcelona.

Elisa: Yes, about the housing situation, I think I would really give that: Maybe check Airbnb beforehand. Get together. Try to connect with people before you even get there. Or go there a bit earlier. Yeah, move near Plaza Tetuan or Cataluna and definitely don't move to Mataro, because Barcelona is worth it. The nightlife, irreplaceable. Yeah, and don't get stressed if you're down there, I could only match three courses or something. That's enough, because you just need the free time to enjoy your life there. To maybe fly or drive somewhere on the weekend. Exactly.

Lara: Did you just rent cars for all your trips?

Elisa: Exactly, after Valencia we rented cars. I flew to Bilbao once. Then to Ibiza and I think somewhere else. To Madrid, too, actually.

Lara: Oh great, so you explored the whole of Spain.

Elisa: Yes, completely.  Because some people came from a bit further away and then it was okay: let's take a lot with us and then we were really motivated to make smaller trips. Yes.

Lara: Yeah, nice. You can definitely give us pictures. We would then publish them on Instagram so that everyone has a little insight into your semester abroad.

Elisa: I'd love to, I can definitely do that.

Lara: Yes, Elisa, that's actually it again. Thank you very much for your time.

Elisa: Yes, I'd love to, I had a lot of fun.

Lara: Then take a look at our Instagram channel: fwiwi.thws and you'll see pictures of Elisa from her semester abroad. And if you have any other questions, you can always contact us at the email address: Bimdannmalweg@fwiwi.thws.de. And on that note: Elisa, thank you very much.

Elisa: You're welcome.

Lara: And my dears, see you again soon. Bye!

Elisa: Ciao.

Lara: Take care.

Lara: Hello and welcome to our THWS podcast #Bimdannmalweg. Yeah, in this podcast we talk about the experiences of students who have spent a semester abroad and this podcast is sponsored and supported by the Faculty of Business and Economics.

Today we have a new guest here with us in the studio and that is Elisa. Hello Elisa.

Elisa: Hello Lara, thank you for inviting me.

Lara: Of course, nice to have you here. Maybe you would like to introduce yourself briefly.

Elisa: That's right, I'm Elisa. I'm also in my 6th semester of BIM and I spent my 3rd semester abroad in Barcelona.

Lara: Yeah, that's right, Barcelona. I'll be going to Spain soon, but to Salamanca. Well, it's definitely a very beautiful city. I was even there once. Maybe you could tell me about it: How exactly did you decide to go to Barcelona? Did you have other cities you wanted to visit, or has it always been like this: "I have to go to Barcelona? I have to go to Barcelona?

Elisa: Exactly, I had never actually been to Barcelona before, but I had my heart set on Spain. Simply because it's also pretty cool in the winter semester, because it's warm there for quite a long time. So, until the end of November, actually, and then I actually wanted to go to Murcia. But unfortunately, it didn't work out. And then Barcelona was kind of my second choice. I hadn't really thought about the city at all, but then I thought, hey, that's cool, it's a big city by the sea, and then I applied for it because I knew that there were English courses there, and that worked out.

Lara: Very nice, but that was a partner university of ours or was that a freemover?

Elisa: Exactly, that was one of our partner universities. But I don't think it's offered every semester.

Lara: Yes, I didn't see it this semester.

Elisa: Exactly, so only the winter semester, I think.

Lara: Okay. Yes, very nice. And then you flew there in September? Or when was that approximately?

Elisa: Exactly, it was around the 15th of September and the 21st of September was the starting day and then the semester went until the 20th of December. So it was exactly 3 months. They are always trimesters. Not everywhere in Spain, but especially there. And that's why it was relatively short, exactly.

Lara: Okay, yes, could you tell us a little bit about the application process? Did everything go smoothly? Maybe also with the Learning Agreement and how you found your accommodation there?

Elisa: Exactly, I have to say that I was really thrilled with the university there, because I was already expecting it to be a bit chaotic, but the support from the university (from the International Office) was really great. They really did everything. If there were any arrangements or anything else. And I actually changed my learning agreement there, so I matched other courses with courses from here and it worked out really well. I was really, really happy. They more or less helped us find a place to live. There were no student halls of residence directly from the university. It was more like they suggested a few things where we could look for them, like shared flats here, there was a swimming pool there or other tools or sites. And then you actually had to take care of it yourself. I have to say, it wasn't easy. Barcelona is very expensive and really difficult to find a place. But in the end I booked my room through „Spotahome“.

Lara: Okay.

Elisa: But I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone else, because everything was a bit intransparent. I had booked a room somehow. You book it properly, like a hotel, and then it's fixed, so there's not much you can do about it. So it's actually a contract. But it was a room, practically a shared room. And I thought it was a shared flat, that was somehow a bit of a fail.

Lara: Oh no.

Lara: Oh no.

Elisa: But then I wrote to them and they said, yes, you can still get a room, but of course it was much more expensive. I think it was around 500 euros or so.

Lara: Wow.

Elisa: Well, it was a nice flat but the individual rooms were just super dark and sporadically furnished.

Lara: I've heard that before, that they often have very few windows in the flats. Was that the case for you too?

Elisa: Yes, actually, they have an inner courtyard, but it's really just a shaft and there are a thousand houses around it. If you are on the first floor and it has eight floors, then you can't see anything the whole day. So, my parents also visited me and my mum like that: Elisa, how can you live there? But luckily it wasn't too bad. I was on the road so much that it didn't really bother me. But in the long run I don't think I would have done that there.

Lara: And that was a shared flat?

Elisa: Exactly, that was another flat share with a French woman, an Italian, someone from Ecuador and someone else from South America. Exactly.

Lara: Totally cool, totally international in any case.

Elisa: Yes, that was really cool, and it worked out well. We also had a cleaning lady who came every two weeks. That was also part of it, and we had a really nice living room, which then just faced the street, but that was bright, the rest not so much. But exactly, as a small recommendation, I think a few of us did it that way, who first got together there, they didn't have any other accommodation before, they took an Airbnb together. It wasn't necessarily cheaper, but it was much much better, because you got a better price for three months and then you could get a nice flat. And you could live well there. That's why I think I would do it that way next time and not through "Spot a Home". But yes, it is really difficult to find a place in Barcelona.

Lara: Yes, of course it's a huge city. Was your accommodation near the university? Or how was it located overall? Where was the university? Was it in the centre of Barcelona or a bit outside?

Elisa: Exactly, you have to say that the university is in Mataro. That's actually another 20 or 30 kilometres away from Barcelona.

Lara: Oops, OK

Elisa: It sounds really gross, but I would still...well, a lot of people also lived in Mataro, but most of them just lived in Barcelona, because Mataro is a small town, Barcelona is just awesome. And that was actually really cool, because every morning there was a really cool bus that went over the motorway to Mataro and that only took 20-25 minutes or something and that was really no stress at all, because you never need half an hour to get from one end of the city to the other anyway.

Lara: Ah, OK.

Elisa: Then it was really full Okay... So, the bus always left from Plaza Cataluna, that's the Main Plaza and Plaza Tetuan. And it's really good to live near there. Then you walk there, get on, everything is easy.

Lara: Okay, yes, that sounds quite feasible in any case.

Elisa: But the good thing was that the university in Mataro was right on the beach. You walked out and could actually go straight to the beach.

Lara: Oh, that's right. I think you sent me a video or something.

Elisa: Yes, exactly, it was really cool. Partly during free time, we just went into the water, to swim. It's just cool somehow.

Lara: Oh, how nice!

Elisa: Well, that's why it didn't really put me off and I thought it was really okay.

Lara: Yeah, okay, so if there's a good bus connection, then that definitely sounds better. And the university? Was it modern or rather older? If you can describe it a bit, maybe also the professors you had there. Or how the courses were overall?

Elisa: Exactly, the university was very new, so everything was really rather high-tech, I have to say. And yes, the professors were just extremely cool. You were also on first-name terms with them and they were really interested in you. And you have to say, the teaching is completely different. It's really more like what we have in the specialisations now. Simply projects, applied things, we used tools for project management and things like that. I also used some of those in my internship or something like that. So maybe it wasn't as difficult as it is here. But I learned so much in the three months I was there. No shit, it was really cool, because part of our task was somehow to get our LinkedIn profile up to scratch, to get to grips with it and so on. And that also brings us benefits.

Lara: Yes, it's something for life.

Elisa: Yes, fully, and we were always able to connect with them on LinkedIn afterwards, and some people are still in contact with them now. Also, about professional things, where the professors still support us with projects. And I think that's so cool.

Lara: So, it's really great!

Elisa: Yes, really, because they really want us to learn something and that it's something we can really use in our careers.

Lara: Yes.

Elisa: And not somehow: Now calculate this for me and theoretically it would be like this and like that. But really "do". So, I also had a course called Technology Intensive Startups. And then we really had to find a company. So, we had to go through all the processes. And then it wasn't just theoretical, but you actually do it. And it has brought me a lot.

Lara: Honestly, I wouldn't have thought that much about a semester abroad in Spain. But it sounds great.

Elisa: Me neither. But it's probably not the same everywhere, but it was really great there. So, it was really good.

Lara: Yeah, great. Yes, Emilia also told me that before, in the Netherlands, how much she was able to take with her from such a semester abroad. And I think that's really nice to hear.

Elisa: Yes, yes, so I always think to myself that I wish it was partly like that in Germany, because this applied, although we are also at an applied university, it's just not like that.

Lara: Yes, definitely.

.

Lara: And in terms of languages, it wasn't Catalan, you mean, but Spanish and English?

Elisa: Exactly, I informed myself beforehand and the courses were in Spanish or English. And because I didn't have any Spanish at school, but only AWPFs, it was important because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do all that.

Lara: Yes.

Elisa: And you could really do enough courses in English, yes.

Lara: Okay. Yes, now we talked a lot about the university. Maybe now a little bit about the free time. I think you also like to party. Maybe you can give some tips on where to go to party or where to go out for a good meal. And what you should definitely not miss in Barcelona.

Elisa: Yes, Barcelona is so diverse. So, for partying: You can really go out and party very well. Especially as an Erasmus student. They have a lot of offers and the culture is very different. They don't go to the club at 12 o'clock. They just go to the club at 2. That means you sometimes get free entry before 1.30 a.m. or something like that and that's just really good. Because otherwise the entrance fee is like 20 euros or something. And there are these mainstream clubs where you probably wouldn't necessarily go if you were Spanish. The Pasha, for example. And I can't even think of the other names. But they're all on the beach and those are really the clubs that you know you can always go to, there's always good music. So Reggeton, if you like it, awesome. Exactly, and otherwise there are also many small bars in the city. They're also kind of student bars where a drink only costs a euro or something. But you have to look for them, because there are also more expensive clubs and bars and things like that. But apart from that, there's a huge offer in any case. Exactly and yes, apart from that there are also really cool things to do outside Barcelona. Like Tibidabo, that's a mountain you can go up. You have a really, really good view over the whole of Barcelona. Or, I can't think of all the names right now, but there are different viewing platforms where you can go, where people take sushi with them and have a picnic up there or something.

Lara: Okay. Watching the sunset.

Elisa: Exactly and just the beach, we always did that because it was just so cool, and the weather was really good.

Lara: Was your accommodation also near the beach?

Elisa: Where I lived, I actually lived right next to the Sagrada Familia.

Lara: Ah yes.

Elisa: Not directly, but I still drove the half hour to the sea. Right then with my friends.

Lara: Okay. And did you cook more often, or did you always go out for tapas every evening? Drink Sangria? Or how can I imagine that?

Elisa: Yes, I have to say, I spent a lot of money on food and beverages there. And it's not that cheap either. Somehow, I didn't manage to find a really cheap tapas bar in the three months I was there. But you have to say that tapas is more Spanish and Catalan is more like empanadas or something like that. So, it's not really the same cuisine.

Lara: Okay.

Elisa: But of course, it is offered because there are many tourists.

Lara: So, you really notice this cultural difference?

Elisa: Yes, actually I do. So, it's different from Spain again. For me, it's the real thing, the original Seville or something like that, where you really notice it. But the streets don't look like they do there. Yes, with the beautiful white buildings. No, that's different. Barcelona is also very international. A lot of different nations. Which is a bit of a shame, because then the culture gets lost a bit. But yes, you can definitely go out for a good meal. Exactly. We always had an app called "The Fork" and you could always go on it and there were discounts for different things every day. Then we went out for poke bowls and tapas or something. We just made sure that we could somehow save a little money. Yeah, and as I said, drinking in the bars is definitely good too.

Lara: What was it actually like, because you also mentioned saving money and it was partly expensive. How much Erasmus did you get and how much did you need per month?

Elisa: I think I got 395 euros a month for Erasmus. Between 300 and 400 euros, I think.

Lara: Mhm.

Elisa: And I think I've already paid six hundred euros myself with rent...

Lara: So, about a thousand euros a month?

Elisa: Maybe.

Lara: That's how I roughly calculated it.

Elisa: Yes. About a thousand euros a month. In the beginning, yes, because we also took a lot of weekend trips. Once we went to Valencia, once we even flew to Ibiza.

Lara: Oh that' s cool.

Elisa: Yes. That was really my absolute highlight of all the trips we did. Yeah, and once we went to a canyon and went hiking or something. That's where we left a lot of money. But somehow we also wanted to take it all in.

Lara: Definitely.

Elisa: And then I really didn't care.

Lara: Yes.

Elisa: It was a perfect fit.

Lara: And were you more on the road with the internationals or did you also meet locals with whom you were on the road?

Elisa: Well, in the project groups you also had something to do with locals. But it was a complete Erasmus thing, I have to say. We only spoke English and that didn't help me either. I actually wanted to learn a bit of Spanish.

Lara: Yes.

Elisa: It didn't work out so well. But it was still good. I was mostly out and around with the Erasmus students. There were a lot of Germans, Austrians, Dutch and Finns. That's how it was.

Lara: As always.

Elisa: Yes exactly.

Lara: And you said that before you only had the AWPFs in the THWS with Spanish? Did you get on well in the Spanish courses? So I'm asking for myself because in Salamanca I'll also have Spanish courses.

Elisa: Yes, I didn't have any Spanish courses.

Lara: You only had English?

Elisa: Exactly, I only had courses in English. And a Spanish course as well.

Lara: I see. Oh okay.

Elisa: Yes, yes. Exactly. I don't know if I would have got away with it, to be honest. With the two AWPFs I don't think so, to be honest. Because there were also economics courses and I don't know.

Lara: Yes, that's what I asked myself.

Elisa: I don't know if I can do that in Spanish.

Lara: Okay. No, everything is fine. Did you have any particular expectations before the semester abroad? And did they come true?

Elisa: Not really at all. I really went in with zero expectations. I remember just before I didn't really want to go. I didn't really feel like it, because somehow it felt like I had just been in Australia 11 months before. Yeah, and that's why I didn't have any expectations, but they were exceeded a thousand times over. Because it was such a good time. It really was. I wish I could go back in time again; it was really cool.

Lara: Oh, how nice!

Elisa: I would definitely, definitely recommend it to everyone. Barcelona is definitely a good place to go, but probably many other semesters abroad as well. Guys go on a semester abroad! It's so cool!

Lara: Go on a semester abroad! This is what this podcast is for, to motivate you. On a scale of 1 to 10, would you give it a 10?

Elisa: Definitely, if not an 11.

Lara: And if you had three words to describe your semester abroad. What would they be?

Elisa: Adventurous, also a lot of partying and yes, just enjoying life. I would say that.

Lara: Yes, that's definitely something.

Elisa: Yes.

Lara: Was there somehow a story where you would say: You noticed that there was a total cultural difference?

Elisa: Now between Spain and here?

Lara: Yes, exactly, yes. So, you just noticed, okay, you're in a different country.

Elisa: Yes, probably also when going out to celebrate. Because they just celebrate much later, because...

Lara: They always eat much later than we do, right?

Elisa: Yes, exactly, and they dress very differently.

Lara: That means?

Elisa: The girls wear much tighter, fancier clothes. High shoes, always like that. I thought it was kind of cool because I actually like it when people get dressed up to go out, even if it's just for a quick meal. I really like the vibe.

Lara: Yes. And what was the temperature like? Was it Mediterranean warm all the time and did it get colder towards December?

Elisa: Until the end of October, I really didn't have a jacket to celebrate with, nothing. A dress or a top or something was completely sufficient. Then in November it was more like long trousers and a T-shirt or something. And in December I actually wore a coat or something. But only a light one. But it was always sunny and that's just so cool, because you never feel bad, because the weather is always good. And then you're actually already out of it again, and then it already feels like summer again in the direction of spring. Well, no: the temperature was really great! That's why I thought it was really good that I was there in the winter semester. Because you always think it would be cooler to be in a country like that in summer. No, because it's actually still summer half the time and afterwards it's still better than in grey Germany.

Lara: Yeah, totally. So, if you were playing I'm packing my suitcase, what would you pack?

Elisa: Yes, lots of bikinis.

Lara: Sunglasses.

Elisa: Yes sunglasses, I would pack short comfortable clothes for the beach or something like that. But also, something that you can go on a tour with. Like a canyon trip or something. Exactly. But also, not too many clothes, because Zara Pull and Bear, Stradivarius, Bershka, they' re all 20 percent cheaper. So, shop down there people, because it's really, really good for shopping yeah.

Lara: Okay, those were definitely good tips. Do you have any funny stories that happened to you there? A little anecdote for our listeners.

Elisa: Oh man, I never think of anything like that.

Lara: Don't worry if you can't think of anything.

Lara: Do you have any tips or to-dos that you would like to give to the students? Who would go to Barcelona.

Elisa: Yes, about the housing situation, I think I would really give that: Maybe check Airbnb beforehand. Get together. Try to connect with people before you even get there. Or go there a bit earlier. Yeah, move near Plaza Tetuan or Cataluna and definitely don't move to Mataro, because Barcelona is worth it. The nightlife, irreplaceable. Yeah, and don't get stressed if you're down there, I could only match three courses or something. That's enough, because you just need the free time to enjoy your life there. To maybe fly or drive somewhere on the weekend. Exactly.

Lara: Did you just rent cars for all your trips?

Elisa: Exactly, after Valencia we rented cars. I flew to Bilbao once. Then to Ibiza and I think somewhere else. To Madrid, too, actually.

Lara: Oh great, so you explored the whole of Spain.

Elisa: Yes, completely.  Because some people came from a bit further away and then it was okay: let's take a lot with us and then we were really motivated to make smaller trips. Yes.

Lara: Yeah, nice. You can definitely give us pictures. We would then publish them on Instagram so that everyone has a little insight into your semester abroad.

Elisa: I'd love to, I can definitely do that.

Lara: Yes, Elisa, that's actually it again. Thank you very much for your time.

Elisa: Yes, I'd love to, I had a lot of fun.

Lara: Then take a look at our Instagram channel: fwiwi.thws and you'll see pictures of Elisa from her semester abroad. And if you have any other questions, you can always contact us at the email address: Bimdannmalweg@fwiwi.thws.de. And on that note: Elisa, thank you very much.

Elisa: You're welcome.

Lara: And my dears, see you again soon. Bye!

Elisa: Ciao.

Lara: Take care.