“it’s an amazing adventure for any student”
Eduardo and Álvaro
Stories of our Erasmus students
Andrea and Ema
Porto, PORTUGAL
“Porto, a city with charm in every corner, with warm people and landscapes that do not go unnoticed. Our Erasmus experience has been very good, the University of Maia (ISMAI) is a good place to learn in another language and with very dynamic teachers when giving classes. From this Erasmus we have made great friends from different cultures that have given us another vision of life. Besides, living in the center of the city has been a great step for our personal growth and an experience for life. If you are still thinking about it, we encourage you to do your Erasmus in Portugal”.
ANA
Stralsund, GERMANY
“I am in Stralsund, a small city in the north of Germany. This would be my first Erasmus experience and I have to say that it is not going badly… I have been received very warmly in the residences of the Uni, with barbecues, meetings where I met people from all over the world, and where the group of internationals was formed, with whom I share new experiences. In terms of language, I have to say that I threw myself into the adventure, but the people in the area are very understanding and will help you as long as you show commitment to learn. There are a few misunderstandings, but you can get by by being very friendly and respectful. In conclusion, I would like to encourage undecided people to dare to have Erasmus experiences like this…, and although you always miss the warmth of the island, it really is a luxury when you adapt.”
DANIEL
Bratislava, SLOVAKIA
“My Erasmus experience is being totally different from last year because of the Corona Virus. I am in Bratislava, a city where I came last year and I didn’t like it very much, however, this year I am getting to know it better and it doesn’t stop surprising me. We manage the best we can because of the restrictions, although the situation is better than in Spain. In fact, I have been able to travel to Austria, Croatia and Stockholm together with other Erasmus students, and I have also taken the opportunity to visit the Slovak national parks. As for the academic part, we started the term with face-to-face classes, but due to the outbreaks of Covid in the residences, we switched to online format, which increased the volume of exams and papers to be submitted. The city of Bratislava is very lively and has quite a lot of cultural heritage, its proximity to Vienna makes it easy to visit this city or travel from its airport. Although I am living an atypical Erasmus, I am much better off than in Spain.”
MAX
Stralsund, GERMANY
“My experience as an Erasmus student in Stralsund, Germany, has been as complete as possible, I have been able to meet wonderful people who have helped me and made me feel at home. I have always been interested in traveling and getting to know new places and with Erasmus I saw the perfect possibility to take advantage of those changes I was looking for. Despite the situation we are in and the bad weather we had at the beginning, I have always tried to take advantage of the days to make the most of my experience. Talking about the academic part, at Hochschule Stralsund, which was my university, we taught the classes as well as the exams and projects online. An Erasmus is full of new experiences that you will carry with you for life, as much as the people you shared it with.”
NATALIA
Zagreb, CROATIA
“My experience in Zagreb, Croatia, has been a success. The city is small but very beautiful, it has beautiful parks to go for a walk and buildings that you fall in love with at first sight. One of the positive aspects is how inexpensive the city is, which has allowed me to get to know other places in Europe such as Slovenia and Hungary. On the other hand, the university has welcomed me very well, the professors have offered me help at all times and their classes are quite dynamic, something that worried me before coming because of the language, however it has not been a problem, because here English is spoken to perfection. In short, Zagreb has surprised me for good, it seems to me a complete city, with a lot of university atmosphere, beautiful views, good prices, good transport connections and many things to do and to discover. Without a doubt, I recommend the Erasmus experience 100% and even more if it is in Zagreb.”
OLIVER
Salerno, ITALY
“This is my second stay within the Erasmus program, this time, I am in Italy at the University of Salerno, although I am currently in Bordeaux (France), as the classes are online I take the opportunity to learn about other places I have never been and enjoy this experience to the fullest. Going on Erasmus is undoubtedly one of the best experiences you can have as a student, not only for everything it brings you as a future tourism professional but also because it makes you grow as a person. Without a doubt, I would advise all my classmates at Iriarte to go for this unique experience.”
JUAN DAVID
Brno, CZECH
“This year, despite the circumstances we experienced with the pandemic, I decided to come on Erasmus to Brno in the Czech Republic. At first, I was quite worried about the idea of living in an environment different from my own where I wondered how it would be to live together despite the restrictions in place, but since I have arrived I feel at home. There are many students traveling during this semester and there has been no lack of good excursions, chats and laughs. Undoubtedly, what stands out the most is the possibility that this Erasmus has given me to meet people from all over the world. The teaching is being online, which allows us to organize ourselves much better. The teachers I have met are very good, very professional. I feel very fortunate to live this Erasmus totally different, but with the illusion of living the most exciting experiences as the situation improves. Without a doubt, going on Erasmus has been the best decision I could have made, because it has given me the opportunity to grow. Thanks to Iriarte for giving me this opportunity to keep improving, as a student and as a person.”
Isabel and Carolina
Brno, CZECH
“Here we are, Czech Republic has become our home since a few months ago, we are very happy to be here, to be part of it and to experience first hand what it means to go on Erasmus. This is much more than going abroad to study. It means being brave and daring to change everything, to leave the comfort to which many of us are accustomed, is to have the opportunity to live in another country, with another language, with people from different parts of the world, travel, share moments and above all learn and not just in books. From here we encourage all those who are thinking about doing Erasmus, do not hesitate for a second to dare to live it because you will not regret it. For us it is, without a doubt, the best decision we have ever made. Once Erasmus, always Erasmus”.
Daniel
Salerno, ITALY
“Choosing the Università degli Studi di Salerno for my Erasmus has been one of the best choices of my life. This experience is giving me great moments, great people, experiences, getting to know new places…. At the beginning, I was not sure if I had done the right thing in going to live in another country for a year, but today I do not regret anything and I am glad I chose this beautiful city. I recommend students to go for the Erasmus Program, not only for the experience you gain, but also because it is an opportunity to enrich your resume and learn another language.”
ALEJANDRO
Trollhättan, SWEDEN
“This Erasmus has definitely been a turning point in my academic and personal life. Fears that I had are overcome, I have improved my English a lot and I have learned to enrich myself with other cultures. West University is amazing, the faculty is wonderful and the people are very friendly. But what I love most about Sweden is its beautiful landscapes. All in all, I think this experience makes you appreciate many things and, above all, change your perspective on life.”
ALEJANDRO
Pescara, ITALY
“My Erasmus experience in Pescara has been amazing but at the same time very different from the rest, the city is very welcoming and quiet, the people are very friendly. The truth is that I have adapted faster than I thought, I have met many classmates who like me are adapting to the situation of an Erasmus with covid. Despite this, we have been able to cope with it, to enjoy the experience in the best way. In the end it is a unique experience, which you have to know how to take advantage of and value.”
CHRISTIAN, ANDREA, VÍCTOR AND SEBASTIÁN
Pescara, ITALY
“At the beginning, we had a hard time finding accommodation due to some problems on apartment websites. Thanks to the coordinator, Francesco, president of the ESN (Erasmus Student Network) in Pescara, we were able to find an affordable apartment close to the university. Pescara is located on the Adriatic coast east of Rome. When we arrived the temperature was around 22 degrees Celsius, but in December the winter was already beginning to show. The university faculty is flexible with schedules and the subjects have exams in Italian or English. As for food, the four of us are pretty well organized for shopping and cooking. We have traveled to cities like Rome, Bari, Naples, Florence and Bucharest. Generally almost every weekend we go out to a disco with fellow Erasmus students where there is usually a very good atmosphere. The truth is that we recommend this experience 100 x 100.”
DANIEL
Katowice, POLAND
“After two months in Katowice I couldn’t be happier with my decision, despite initial doubts about the city, it’s not very well known, it has turned out to be a much bigger and livelier city than I thought (as far as social life is concerned). Any day of the week you can go out to party or go for a drink. I have made a very good group of friends in my residence and I have already visited with them 5 different countries in these two months: Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Czech Republic, and of course other cities in Poland. I also have Spanish friends who stay in another residence, so I meet them to play soccer. On the academic side, I am not having any difficulties because all the subjects are passed in person or through presentations or papers. The teachers are very flexible with the absences, as long as you hand in the different activities in the established term. Erasmus students are given many facilities, since they understand that we want to study and travel in equal parts. At the University we are very few Spaniards and many Portuguese, so I am also getting to know this culture and its customs. In conclusion, I recommend Katowice because it is an economically good city to live, everything is very cheap compared to Spain; but above all, it is an ideal destination if you want to move around Europe both for its geographical location and its international airport. In addition, the city of Krakow, the most touristic city in Poland, is an hour’s drive away, which also makes it easy to move to other destinations.”
EDUARDO
Katowice, POLAND
“I knew that in this Erasmus experience I was going to meet people from other countries and cultures, but I did not know to what extent I would know other points of view…, and as Canarians we do not have so easy to move around the world. This experience has allowed me to make friends both internationally and nationally.”
JONATHAN
Primorska, SLOVENIA
“My stay as an Erasmus student in Slovenia is being wonderful. Waking up in another country, with other languages and getting to know new cultures is definitely an unforgettable experience. Being here is allowing me to meet so many people from different parts of Europe. Having everything close by, trip after trip, party after party, studying in another language with new people, everything is a great adventure that everyone should try once in their life as I am doing now. This experience is unique, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity given by the Erasmus Program. I chose Slovenia, what would you choose.”
ADÁN AND GABRIEL
Lille, FRANCE
“From the first moment we were offered the possibility of being able to study abroad, we have been very encouraged by the opportunity and the facilities that Iriarte has given us. Despite the circumstances that have led us to be confined to our residence, the Erasmus experience has been unique. The amount of people we have met, the places we have visited… make special those little moments that we have only been able to live here. We had always been told that the Erasmus experience was very special and unique, and without a doubt and despite the confinement, we can affirm that it is so.”
DIEGO
Iasi, ROMANIA
“The experience in Iasi is turning out to be very positive. This city, capital of the Romanian region of Moldova, has the second most important university in Romania. Being a university city it offers a lot of different options, you don’t get bored. For someone coming from a small island, this city has spectacular nearby areas. The welcome at the university has been very good, both from the teachers and the students, although the people here are a bit cold and dry. Without a doubt, I will take this experience with me in my backpack and I would like to repeat it.”
GINA
Budapest, HUNGARY
“This photo shows very well the Erasmus experience, at the beginning very few of us knew each other, however in the end we came out being a family. Being on Erasmus you meet people who want to learn, enjoy, travel and, above all, grow personally by opening your mind to everything different. I have improved my English a lot and I am in a city that is full of history. I have only been here for a few months and I already know that taking advantage of the Erasmus mobility was the best decision I could have made. As a conclusion I can say that daring to live this experience brings such a great reward, that very few people would be able to imagine.”
SAMUEL
Riga, LATVIA
“I chose Riga as my destination, perhaps an unusual city compared to the rest of European cities, however, it has been the best choice I could have made. This new experience not only forces you out of your comfort zone, but also allows you to meet new people, many of them from other countries and cultures. If you have the opportunity to go on Erasmus I wouldn’t think twice. I would definitely repeat.”
PAULA
Sopron, HUNGARY
“My experience in Sopron has been very positive so far, being a small city it is very easy to move around. Being in an international university I have had the opportunity to share classes with people from many countries such as Mexico, Jordan, Bosnia or Laos. Sopron is a city with a lot of history and places to get lost discovering, also being on the border with Austria I have had the opportunity to go several times to Vienna as there are daily trains that connect both cities. It has been quite a positive experience.”
PABLO AND ALEJANDRO
Iasi, ROMANIA
“This adventure is being very rewarding in many ways, getting to know the culture of a country is always a unique experience but we are also getting to know magical places. But that’s not the best thing, the best thing is meeting people you know you are going to take with you, exceptional people who help you every day to spend unforgettable moments. It is an adventure recommended for every student to explore new places and new challenges. Also to make a mention to the University of Iasi that is facilitating us everything to make the experience complete.”
ANDREA
Lille, FRANCE
“I’m already in my last year of my degree and I decided to do an Erasmus in Lille, I don’t know why I didn’t do it before. The stay in Lille is being unforgettable, the city is very big and picturesque, ideal to go out and travel. What I take from this Erasmus is the people I have met and from many countries! Although the classes require a lot of work, I would definitely recommend this destination, plus you get by in French.”
JOSÉ RAMÓN
Turin, ITALY
“At the beginning it was a bit difficult for me to adapt because here in Turin we are studying in the Faculty of Economics and most of the subjects are not very related to Tourism, also because the university system is all through an online platform and you have to be very aware of the deadlines to take exams, activities, etc … but after a while you get used to it and you get the hang of it and it is very easy. The city was not among my favorite destinations since I came to Turin because it was one of the last places left but I am surprised for good since there is a lot of Erasmus atmosphere and you end up meeting many people from all over the world but especially Spaniards, we are the ones who usually get together to make plans of all kinds (trips, excursions, parties). The city gives me a lot of facilities since it is located in a strategic point to travel around different parts of the world and although Italy is not one of my favorite destinations it is surprising me for good.”
Eduardo and Álvaro
Brno, CZECH
“It is an incredible adventure for any student, where we are living the best experiences. Brno is an ideal city for Erasmus, as it is very beautiful, cheap and above all university. Besides, the classes are in English. We are in a residence, where Erasmus students stay. The Czech Republic is located in the center of Europe and thanks to this we have been able to make many trips both within the Czech Republic and to other countries (Slovakia, Poland, Hungary). Life in Brno is very pleasant and from the first moment we have made great friends, creating a relationship that we consider practically like a family. Undoubtedly having created this relationship with all of them is what has marked our Erasmus and what has made it unique.”
GABRIEL
Budapest, HUNGARY
“I have always liked the idea of traveling to other countries, and doing an Erasmus seemed like the perfect opportunity to travel and experience what it would be like to live on my own in a country with a culture and environment totally opposite to what I was used to. Besides, I find it a perfect opportunity to learn more, not only about other traditions and customs, but also to meet new people. Actually this is the second Erasmus I do, this time in Budapest, Hungary. Despite the situation we are going through, the experiences are still memorable. Obviously you have to be careful, take precautions, etc., but I think you should not miss the opportunity that Iriarte offers us to go to another country to develop part of our academic itinerary. All the things that happen while on Erasmus, the people you meet and the experiences you have with them are unique, and should not be missed.”
AITOR
Satakunta, FINLAND
“Despite the situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I am so glad I decided to go on Erasmus. It is one of the best things you can experience. Having to make a living for yourself for the first time, and in a foreign country, is something that changes you for the better. Sweden is a wonderful country with breathtaking landscapes and a friendly and open-minded society. The language is a bit complicated, I’m not going to fool anyone, but here the vast majority is fluent in English, so there are no problems. But without a doubt, what I will take with me the most are all the people from different places that I am meeting during my stay, the cultural exchanges are what make us grow as people. It will never cease to amaze me how, despite all the cultural differences there may be between us, we always find more things in common and, ultimately, that bring us together.”
Carlos
Salerno, ITALY
“Going on Erasmus is not only about going abroad to study. Going on Erasmus is getting to know a new country from the inside, a new culture, different ways of seeing the world… but it also means meeting people, fellow travelers, who end up becoming your family here. However, the most important and undoubtedly the best contribution: Erasmus is getting to know yourself. To see that you are capable of doing things you never imagined. To lose your embarrassment, sometimes fear, but never the illusion or the desire to continue learning. To see yourself in a different context than usual, to face situations that at home do not even occur…. I am convinced that it is an experience that everyone should live. In short, Erasmus is to fill your backpack with thousands of experiences that only you can live”.
AITOR
Satakunta, FINLAND
“Probably the year you spend on Erasmus will be one of the ones you will remember most fondly for the rest of your life. I already knew that before choosing the destination, so I wanted to go further, I wanted to go alone and specifically 6,000 km away. And here I am, at the farthest university from my home, in Finland. I will never be able to answer the question of why I chose this country, but boy, did I get it right. Finland has an impressive variety of resources and is truly a country worth knowing in depth. Its culture and education, the cold and the northern lights, make this country a different but always a good place to go for Erasmus. Now after four months here I have realized that going on Erasmus is not only an experience, it changes your life. Getting used to a new country, improving your language or learning new ones, getting rid of a lot of prejudices, valuing what you have at home, studying in a foreign university, being completely independent and making friendships that will last you a lifetime.”
Isanyela
Salerno, ITALY
“Erasmus is a unique and unforgettable experience, in which you meet new destinations, new people and most importantly, you get to know yourself as a person, since you are exposed to new challenges every day, both in the academic world and in the routine. From my point of view, this year for me is a year of personal formation, it is a year in which you unconsciously mature and you already have clear what your priorities are and, above all, what kind of people you want to be surrounded by. With respect to our career in Tourism, doing this exchange is the best thing that can happen to us, since we get to know the mentality and culture of that country and we see how they approach tourism. And last but not least, we are learning a new language in the most fun way we can learn. I just don’t want Erasmus to end.”
DANA
Salerno, ITALY
“Without a doubt one of the best experiences I have had in my life has been going on Erasmus. With this experience I have learned more about life, I have matured and I have started to be more independent living in another country and leaving my comfort zone, although I have discovered that the city or the place is not the most important part of the experience but the people with whom you have shared laughter, tears, trips and a thousand unforgettable moments, those people who in that place are your family, your Erasmus family. As for the place, I chose Salerno because I have always loved Italy and I like living near the coast. It is a very beautiful city and it is located on the Amalfi coast which is one of my favorite places in Italy. The language was a bit difficult to speak at the beginning but with time we have all learned to defend ourselves with the basics. Despite the situation we are going through the little moments are the ones that have marked the best experience of my life.”
SILVIA
Trollhättan, SWEDEN
“I am developing my Erasmus stay in Sweden. Like any new experience, at the beginning, I had to face my own fears, every change implies a shake, and without a doubt, it has been the best shake of my life. Deciding to do an Erasmus is not easy, because it means leaving everything you know, your comfort zone, and going out into an unknown world to prove yourself. But with all the confidence, I encourage everyone who is thinking about it to have this Erasmus experience, it is unique and unrepeatable. I am working very hard, but I feel fulfilled. I have done things for myself that I never thought I would do, I have met incredible people and I have discovered that the world is not on an island. Thank you Iriarte for giving me this opportunity, I feel very proud to say that I study at Iriarte.”
ALEJANDRO
Riga, LATVIA
“My Erasmus experience in Riga, Latvia, is being very rewarding and enriching. From the first moment of my arrival I have met many people of different nationalities who are now my friends here. I am also getting to know the culture of the country where I live and many other cultures of the people I live with. It’s been two months since I arrived here, but it has gone by so fast…. I thought that the hardest part of my stay was going to be the cold, but even the cold I am coping well. I think the key is the adaptability of each person and this experience, without a doubt, helps you to develop it. I share with you the photo of the first heavy snowfall of the winter that has fallen in Riga.”
LUCÍA
Wroclaw, POLAND
“When you arrive in Poland and you meet people like Barbara, the Erasmus Coordinator in Wroclaw, who is willing to help you in everything she can to make your stay at this University as good as possible, it is a relief. It has been easy to find a residence, since the university itself offers residences. The truth is that they are very friendly and open with Erasmus students. The city Wroclaw, is very beautiful and potentially cultural and historical, it is easy to fall in love with it and enjoy all its attractions.”
LUIS
Porto, PORTUGAL
“These last five months I have been in Porto for Erasmus. My experience has been great, the city is wonderful, safe and has many places to visit as well as beautiful beaches. At the University where I am studying, Universidade Portucalense, they have treated me very well, for example, they have offered me Portuguese courses and free guided tours of the city. I have also had the opportunity to visit other cities in Portugal, such as Liboa, Sintra, Barcelos, Cascais and Coimbra (known for its famous university). I have made many friends of different nationalities, which has allowed me to learn many things from them and also to taste foods from their countries of origin. For all this and more, this experience has been unbeatable.”
ÁLVARO, MANUEL, GUILLERMO AND CARLOS
Tartu, ESTONIA
“Our Erasmus experience in Estonia is very good, since we arrived in Pärnu we have felt at home, at the beginning, it was a little difficult to move away from our family and friends, but after 2 weeks we had already got used to it very well. Due to the situation that we are living worldwide, especially here, that things have gotten much worse, we have not been able to attend any classes in person, so we have not been able to meet many people, although we have been able to meet and make friends with other Erasmus students. In the online classes, the teachers are very good and understanding, as they help us as much as they can. In general, the country is very good, and living the Erasmus experience is something unique and living it the 4 of us makes it even more special, although as I said before, due to this situation everything is closed and we can’t do anything but go shopping. In short, living the Erasmus experience is something unique, although this year we have not been very lucky.”
SERGIO
Riga, LATVIA
“This Erasmus experience, so far, has been a blast. The country is a diamond in the rough. We have met a lot of international people from a great diversity of countries and we have done a lot of sightseeing, both in the historic center and its capital, Riga, and in other places of the country, very striking visually, as “Ogre” and “Jurmala”, without a doubt next year I will opt for a new Erasmus experience.”
JAVIER
Porto, PORTUGAL
“Wanting to experience another Erasmus was something that not even the pandemic could take away from me and it was clear to me that, despite all the possible points against it, I would go ahead. After my past experience in Latvia, it was something that I knew would give me much more than it could take away and so it is being. When I arrived in Porto, the country was at its worst, yet another adventure was beginning, new apartment, new roommates to share it with and new university. Despite being confined, it was pleasant and we enjoyed living together. Once the de-escalation began, what was already going well has only gotten better, the city is beautiful, the people are friendly and the amount of things to do is endless. Without a doubt Porto is proving to be an amazing place for the Erasmus program, and more it is going to be more so with each passing day.”
RUBÉN
Salerno, ITALY
“My choice for my first Erasmus was Salerno in Italy. Given the situation due to the pandemic, I have been able to travel around very little, since we can only go out to do the relevant shopping and little else. The classes are online and, so far, I am doing well. I am learning Italian and meeting new people, for the moment, by cell phone until the situation improves. Coming accompanied by another Iriarte student, Oliver, has been very positive, it helps a lot to deal with this confinement situation.”
CARLA
Iasi, ROMANIA
“First I would like to thank Iriarte University for giving me the opportunity to do my Erasmus in Romania. The experience so far is being one of the best of my life. I have had the opportunity to meet people from Turkey, Italy and France thanks to the residency. Thanks to them I have been able to continue getting to know Romania, such as Brasov, Bucharest and Targun Neant. Besides doing activities that I had never done before, such as skiing. Erasmus is not only an opportunity to travel, but also to know yourself, you basically change the perspective of everything around you. I also have to say how easy everything is because Iriarte is always in contact with you, for any problem, he can always help you as a secretary”.
PAULA
Iasi, ROMANIA
“The truth is that coming to Romania for Erasmus has been one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks to this I have been able to meet a lot of people, visit different places and have many more opportunities for the future. I think that an experience like this should be lived by everyone at least once in life, I can simply say “Thank you Iriarte” for this opportunity.”
GINA KATHARINA
Pescara, ITALY
“This is my second Erasmus experience and although it is very different from the first one, I have to say that I don’t regret for a second that I took this opportunity. I wanted to take advantage of this Erasmus to travel and get to know better the country where I live and I have to say that Italy surprised me a lot. It is a country where people welcome you with open arms. Without knowing you at all they make you feel at home. It is a country that tells a story for every corner you pass, with its cultural heritage, each city I visited impressed me more than the other. Italy is a country that I have never had on my list, but thanks to the Erasmus experience it has become one of my favorites.”
ANA
Wroclaw, POLAND
“My Erasmus in Wroclaw is being a very enriching experience.I have met many people from different countries by whom I have felt very welcomed,as well as by the teachers despite the fact that this first month the classes have been online .I thought it was going to be much more difficult to adapt. But I’m glad I took the risk because it makes you much more independent and gives you the opportunity to open your mind to other cultures.”
ISAAC
Stralsund, GERMANY
“My Erasmus destination was Stralsund, Germany. A quiet, visually and humanely rich city that I envy for how beautiful and friendly it is. There is no difficulty to talk to people even if there are language barriers. You can ask them questions, or ask for help. They are all very friendly and reach out to you for whatever you need. The university also helps you a lot to adapt, giving you the possibility to contact students who volunteer to show you around the city, help you adapt, and complete all the necessary processes to study here in Stralsund. Overall, I am enjoying the place, the classes and most of all sharing experiences with the people here. Maybe the reception was a bit chaotic but thanks to everyone’s effort (both inside and outside the university) I have managed to overcome all the “handicaps” that have stood in my way, and it has given me confidence for the future. For me, Stralsund is like my second home.”
HÉCTOR, MAYORI, NOELIA, CARLOS AND MARÍA
Szczecin, POLAND
“Our experience in Szczecin at the moment is being very enriching, we are getting to know and learning about the city and its people. We also have the opportunity at our fingertips to get to know more parts of Europe which also motivates us to continue living the experience. Both the university and the residence give you support at all times and answer any questions. Erasmus has helped us to change our perspective and the way we appreciate the rest. Finally, I would like to highlight that Iriarte is always available, for any secretarial problem she can always help you.”
NICOLE
Brno, CZECH
“Choosing Czech Republic, specifically Brno, as my Erasmus destination has been one of the best decisions. Initially I was only going to stay for the first term, but I liked it so much that I felt it was not enough. It is a very economical destination where you have the possibility to travel to many places since it is located in the center of Europe. That is why since I arrived I have traveled to more than 16 countries. I have also met incredible people who have gradually become part of my family. Not to mention the university of Masaryk, I am very pleased with its organization and facilities, they are of very good quality, the classes are very dynamic and varied. Without a doubt it is an experience that you should live at least once in your life.”
Inés and Oliver
Cork, IRELAND
“Not knowing what could really be in store for us, we decided to go to Ireland together for Erasmus. And it turns out to be one of the best moments of our time as students. This full year stay in Ireland is allowing us to make great progress with English and, above all, to meet students from all over the world, creating new friendships. It is true that when it comes to studying we have to dedicate more time, because of the language barrier and because the educational system in Ireland is different from Spain, but when we think of all the incredible moments lived here, including all the trips around the country, we forget about all the hours of study and we look forward to all that we still have to live and enjoy.”
Adam
Lille, FRANCE
“This is my second stay as an Erasmus student in Lille, France. Last year I was here, but due to the pandemic things did not go as planned and I have decided to repeat in this destination. Lille is a charming city, not too big and not too small. When I arrived the weather was very cold but according to what they tell me, from April/May it will start to get warmer. Although we still have the pandemic, this stay is going better than the last one. The classes are online which does not allow us to interact with other fellow students. However, if you take the initiative you can contact the people you want to meet and get together, but before curfew time, which is between 6 and 7 pm. As I am psyched, if we are confined, I am lucky to be quite comfortable in the place where I am residing during this stay.”
Carla
Trollhättan, SWEDEN
“My Erasmus in Sweden has been the best moment of my life. Thanks to Iriarte I was able to fulfill my dream of doing it in a Nordic country. The city of Trollhättan is very well connected, close to Gothenburg and even Oslo, Norway. Although it is small, you are always looking for a new activity to do in company. I highly recommend this destination because I was able to see my first Northern Lights from Stockholm, which is something I have always wanted to see. Regarding the academic part, sometimes it is difficult to follow the classes in English but they even give you the option to follow them both online and in person. Before arriving I was afraid of not adapting to the environment, the food and the cold but little by little you get used to it, plus the company makes everything very pleasant. I did not think I would like Sweden so much but I think it has become one of my first favorite countries to do an Erasmus and even to live, despite the cold. The best thing I take away from this experience is having met many people from different places and being able to create new friendships.”
PABLO
Porto, PORTUGAL
“So far the Erasmus experience has been quite an adventure. Because of the current pandemic I have not yet been able to experience the city of Porto and what it has to offer to the fullest, but it is certainly being an unforgettable stage. Also thanks to having roommates it makes the time at home more enjoyable, it’s great to be able to share this experience. There are still many days ahead and this is getting better and better, I will arrive home again being a different person, this kind of study trip changes your life.”
PAOLA AND SILVIA
Pescara, ITALY
“Despite the situation we are in, our experience in Pescara, Italy is going very well. We have met amazing people from different parts of Europe and even though we have not known the city in depth or been able to visit the most known places in Italy, we are focusing on learning the language and getting to know our fellow Erasmus students even more, within the restrictions we are allowed. We hope the situation will improve and we will be able to enjoy 100% this unique experience.”
MÓNICA
Brno, CZECH
“This is my first experience of the adventure called Erasmus. Brno is a city where you can feel the student atmosphere, as there are three universities and several residences. The city is quiet and big enough to do all kinds of activities. Although there are many Spaniards, I have been able to meet wonderful people from different parts of the world, especially from Portugal. Thanks to that I have improved my English speaking skills, which was one of my main goals of this experience. On the other hand, traveling around Europe is another of the opportunities that Brno offers, since it is located in the center of the continent and the connections by train, plane and bus are excellent and quite cheap. As far as the language is concerned, Czech, I have had difficulties to communicate especially in Brno because it is not a tourist city. In Prague it is totally different, since practically in all the stores and supermarkets they speak very well English. However, the Czechs try to convince you to speak their language and in the end they succeed, because I have learned a few words. Without a doubt it has been and will continue to be an unforgettable experience. I encourage Iriarte students to take the Erasmus adventure.”
Valeria and Samuel
Wroclaw, POLAND
“During this first semester we will be living in the second largest city in Poland and the hottest one, Wroclaw. The first weeks were a bit hard, as we were a bit disoriented and the organization of the university where we are is completely different from Iriarte… and in Iriarte it’s like being with family, we miss it a lot…. As the weeks have gone by, everything has settled down. We are studying subjects of the Master Tourism and Hospitality and we share classes with a group of international students. There are people from all countries: Vietnam, India, Canada, Poland, Ukraine, Italy… that helps us a lot to learn in diversity and see how behaviors and thoughts can change so much from one country to another. For all that we have lived and for what we still have to live, we know that this experience is going to be unique and enriching.”
ANA AND LIDIA
Riga, LATVIA
“We are really enjoying our stay as Erasmus students in the city of Riga, capital of Latvia. This city is very beautiful, in fact it is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in it you can see the influences of the various peoples who have occupied it. This stay has given us the opportunity to meet new people from different parts of Spain and Europe. Our classes at the Is Management Institute (ISMA) are in English and we have subjects related to business administration, marketing and advertising. This experience is also allowing us to travel and get to know some countries like Iceland, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Croatia and Russia, as you can see in this picture. In short, it is being a great experience, enriching in every way, something that every young person should live once in their life.”
MARTA AND GORETI
Primorska, SLOVENIA
“The city where we are on Erasmus, Koper, is a coastal city bathed by the Adriatic Sea and very close to the Italian city of Trieste. This town has a history and a culture very influenced by Italy, as a result of its long Venetian past. For us, this Erasmus in Slovenia is not only allowing us to increase our level of English, but it is also being an experience that is allowing us to experience all kinds of emotions. This experience has given us the possibility to meet amazing people, new places and to grow on a personal level. The first week was the hardest, but then you adapt to the new environment and life becomes simpler and less complicated.”
Elena
Szczecin, POLAND
“My stay as an Erasmus student was in the city of Szczecin, in Poland, located very close to the border with Germany. I stayed in a residence where families, Poles and other Erasmus students lived, in fact there were two other Spanish girls. Before arriving, I was contacted by my “buddy”, a student in charge of helping and guiding the Erasmus students who picked me up at the station, helped me to settle in and I could count on her for any daily problem. Apart from the classes at the University, I went on several trips with other Erasmus students, visiting Warsaw, Copenhagen, Greece and Budapest. The experience has been incredible, I have learned to stand on my own feet, to relate to people from different parts of the world, to take responsibility and to have a greater vision for the future.”
MAGALI
Porto, PORTUGAL
“My Erasmus experience in Porto is being unforgettable, I had heard about this city but I did not imagine that I would like it so much. The beauty of its buildings, the delicious gastronomy, the kindness of the people and the wonderful life that revolves around the Douro River, are small characteristics that make this city stand out. As for the Universidade Portucalense, I can only speak of positive attributes. From the first day I felt supported by the head of International Relations and my Erasmus tutor, who were very nice. Also, to this experience we must add the number of people you meet, people with whom you live every adventure and with whom you fortunately share the same desire to live experiences. In short, languages, internationality, coexistence, learning… there are many values that you get through Erasmus and that will be valued in our professional future.”
DANIELA
Szczecin, POLAND
“To this day, I wouldn’t think twice about going on Erasmus again, and without hesitation, I would return to the destination where I am, because even though people in Poland itself don’t know where it is, this destination has the charm of a 100% Erasmus city. From Monday to Sunday there is always something to do, whether it’s going out for dinner, shopping or having a picnic by the lake…. I have met amazing people and made friends that I hope will last a lifetime. In the residence where I am, we are like a big family, I live with Spaniards, Italians and Portuguese, mainly. This variety of nationalities is allowing me to get to know other cultures. As for traveling, it has been incredible to be able to visit so much in such a short time and so cheaply. We plan to fly to Jordan and Iceland and as a farewell, we have in mind to do an Interrail. As for the academic part, university and subjects, they are not difficult. In addition, the university organizes many excursions so that we can get to know more about Polish culture. The teachers are tolerant and understand perfectly well when you can’t attend class. I am grateful that Iriarte was able to give me this unforgettable experience, and since it was very short, I decided to extend it and finish my third year here, in my second home for a long time, Szczecin, Poland.”
ADRIÁN
Salerno, ITALY
“From the beginning, Erasmus is something unique and new for a student. When I arrived in Salerno, I started looking for an apartment and for roommates who wanted to share it. Thanks to the ESN of Salerno, an organization that helps Erasmus students, I was able to meet other Spanish and international students and, in a short time, make good friends with them. Salerno is a coastal city and its climate is very similar to that of Tenerife. The University is in Fisciano, minutes away from Salerno, the campus is big and the professors and students help you a lot in terms of integration and finding classes. Thanks to ESN I have made several trips: Almalfitana coast (Amalfi, Minori and Positano); Matera, the third oldest city in the world; and soon I will go to Tuscany and Rome, where there will be a national Erasmus meeting. Life in Salerno is comfortable and with the friends I have made, we are already like a family, I do a lot of activities. The truth is that Erasmus is the perfect trip to find something new in your life.”
DAFNE
Wroclaw, POLAND
“The Erasmus experience is being wonderful, both for the people I am meeting and the place itself. This place is magical, photos cannot capture that magic that I am seeing and observing with all my senses. The people I am meeting are really great, there is no dictionary that can define them. Truly, this experience is being really special.”
JOEL
Salerno, ITALY
“Choosing Italy as an Erasmus destination has been a good choice. The University where I am, Universitá degli Studi di Salerno, is one of the oldest and most dynamic universities in Europe. Apart from the studies, being on Erasmus allows you to go sightseeing, I have been able to visit historical cities such as Pompeii (photo below), Rome, Naples? For my part I have to say that I recommend this destination to any student who wants to add to his resume one more language like Italian, since this country receives a lot of tourism and its hotels are looking for highly qualified staff with a good knowledge of their language.”
GUILLERMO
Iasi, ROMANIA
“In recounting my Erasmus experience, I especially like to remember the first month and a half in which I was able to live the true essence of this program: making trips (I only had time to make one), discovering the destination city…. Right now, with the confinement, the situation is completely different. Among all the areas affected by the current situation, I have to say that personally what has hurt me the most have been the farewells I have had to make much earlier, leaving endless experiences unfulfilled. Despite this, many other students like me have stayed in the residence and together we make the situation here more enjoyable and entertaining… and when they do not feel like making any plan… you can always play fornite. In conclusion, if someone were to ask me what I miss the most, my answer would undoubtedly be the people I mentioned before. Because in the end, I think what truly makes Erasmus an unforgettable experience is not the trips or the clubs you visit, it’s the people you share this experience with that make it unique and special.”
CARLA
Porto, PORTUGAL
“My Erasmus experience in Porto has been very pleasant. Since my country of birth, Venezuela, I was surrounded by many Portuguese friends who always talked to me and told me their stories about how beautiful and incredible Portugal was. For that reason, I decided to do my second Erasmus in the city of Porto and without a doubt it has exceeded my expectations. The food, the people, the weather and thousands of things that never cease to delight and surprise me in this city. They welcome you with open arms, I have made a large circle of Portuguese friends and thanks to them in three months I already know how to speak Portuguese. Thanks to this experience I have chosen Porto as the destination for my Master in Iriarte. I have fallen in love with this city, I recommend it a thousand times and I would invite everyone to have this same experience.”
PABLO
Lublin, POLAND
“About my Erasmus experience is being very positive, despite the circumstances of the pandemic. My choice of destination was Poland, Lublin, a city located in the east of Poland and one of the oldest cities in the country. I am staying in a residence for Spanish and international Erasmus students. This experience is being unique and unrepeatable, it gives you the option to open your mind and visit new places in the world with people from different cultures, besides being able to socialize and share very good experiences. As for the methodology of the online classes, it is very similar to how it works in Spain, the big difference is that the didactics of the classes are in English and they usually give you work in groups or individually. In general terms, I am very happy with my experience, for having lived multiple experiences that I will remember all my life.”
CRISTINA
Wroclaw, POLAND
“My stay in Poland (Wroclaw) has been most enjoyable. Once you are in the country of destination you realize that each culture is a world and that opens up your horizons when thinking. I have met fantastic people and have been able to adapt to things I never thought I would have to do. Personally, I recommend the Erasmus experience to anyone at least once in their life because it is indescribable: you meet international people, improve your language skills, explore different places than usual and a long etcetera. Although not everything is rosy because the fact that there will be problems is a reality, the important thing is to overcome them and face them by ourselves, which is also a fundamental part of Erasmus. All in all, the Erasmus experience is only going to happen once in our life, in most cases, and it is an opportunity that should not be wasted either, as it was in my case, because of the fear of the unknown or for any other reason.”
PABLO
Split, CROATIA
“My stay in the city of Split so far has delighted me. A coastal city on the Mediterranean with a lot to offer and several places to visit and plans to do. At the university of Aspira I have been very well received, among the other erasmus classmates there is always kindness and good vibes, the subjects seem very interesting and the teachers are very close and give great classes. Overall very happy for the moment, hoping to enjoy every day to the fullest in Croatia.”
MARITXELL
Lille, FRANCE
“My erasmus in Lille is being one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Lille is a beautiful and charming city. It borders Belgium and I have had the opportunity to visit several cities. The people I have met, their cultures, the places I have visited make special and unforgettable moments that I have only been able to live here. This experience has enriched me both personally and educationally.”
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