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author
Betrice Borrelli
Betrice
Borrelli
faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
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author
Betrice
faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
Pompeu Fabra University
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
How does Betrice rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
I studied at UPF, Pompeu Fabra University. My study stay lasted 4 months. The courses were really interesting and the professors were great. The university offers many enriching opportunities, such as excursions and language courses. Overall, my experience was really positive with the hosting university. Moreover, the administrative office has been very responsive and helpful. The library was great, too: they are well equipped and modern.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
Differently from other universities, UPF has trimestral and not semestral courses, but the classes last three hours each. The timetable allows student to both enjoy their experience abroad and dedicate to their studies. The exams were really well organised and we had the right time window to deliver them in a successful way. I had three exams the first trimester from September to December the workload was feasible. UPF has an interesting teaching methodology because professors combines both theoretical knowledge with research skills: I found this very enriching.
What is student life like at university?
The Faculty of Social Sciences is in the Ciutadella Campus. The Campus offers everything a student might need: the library, the cafeteria, and an amazing patio. It is near the Ciutadella park and 10 minutes from the beach. It is equipped with everything. There are many students associations, I suggest checking the UPF website. There association that dedicates to politics. The university organises many languages courses, as well as trips around the country and city.
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
I communicated in English. Barcelona is a big city and very touristic. Everyone both at University and in the city speak English.
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
The city is cosmopolitan, I met many international students. The city is very energetic, the climate is amazing, and the food, too. It has the beach, many museums and breathtaking panoramic spots. Barcelona has an incredible history.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
My scholarship covered the basic expenses such as rent, house bills, and public transports. I could not cover groceries, medicines and extra expenses costs with scholarship, maybe half groceries.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
There are many supermarkets: Mercadona and Bonpreu have medium-high prices. They are the local supermarkets. On the other hand, there are alo cheaper supermarkets, such as Lidl. However, Spain is famous for the markets that sells fresh vegetables, fruits and fresh fish and meat, but they might be expensive. There are many vintage shops where to buy clothes. The public transport is cheap, but I suggest making a trimestral/ long-term subscriptions.
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about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
I lived in a private flat, I had my private double room, but I shared the flat with other two people. I would recommend living in a private flat. The price, however, could be very high. Moreover, most of the old apartments do not have air conditioning or heating.
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
Yes, I travelled a lot. The Voluntariat Linguistic and the ESN offers amazing travelling opportunities. Also, by train or renting a car it is easy to move around and inside the country in a cheap way.
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
The language of my study was English, I could easily communicate in English. However, I already know Spanish due to my BA studies in Spanish language and culture. I love both the language and the culture and as an Italian, I adapted quite easily.
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
I would really suggest Spain and UPF as hosting country and University. I really enjoyed my time there. Students, university courses, food, culture and life are great.
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
What surprised me most was that...
The hardest thing for me was...
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