Outgoings report

Open, helpful, diverse (especially in relation to the landscape: sea/mountains/lakes)

I do not know to what extent my experience of Erasmus studies reflects studying in Spain in general. The university where I study here is a private university. It is more like a school (there are classes and timetables) - for me it takes a bit of getting used to.

I now have many new friends around the world and can travel anywhere with the knowledge that I have a place to stay.

When the weather is good, we eat tapas in a roof-top bar above the roofs of Madrid in the evening.

Open, not-so-rainy-as-you-think, beautiful

The studies, at least in my course of studies, are not so different from those in Germany. There are also lectures, laboratories with a more practical orientation and a final exam. One difference, however, is that here, more often than not, even during the lecture period, students are required to hand in coursework that forms an essential part of the final grade.

Through the many cultures you get to know, you can develop yourself personally. These experiences accompany you for your whole life.

The many activities with other international students from all over the world. Absolutely outstanding was the trip to the Snowdonia National Park in Wales, which we organised ourselves.

Lectures are only 50 minutes long and there is at least one term paper, one task sheet or a short test per lecture. The semester duration is also very short with 11 weeks. The majority of the participants are international.

My best experience was a short hike through an enchanted forest near Loch Ness: On a narrow path through the moss-covered forest one climbs up the hill, at some point the row of trees opens up and one looks at the deep blue water and the green mountains. At the same time you can always perceive the scent of the maple trees.

That you have learned to adapt quickly to new things.

Hiking (climbing at least one of the inner city hills), taking a double-decker bus through the city, scones and carrot cake, browse the second-hand shops, visit museums, galleries and concerts, join at least one student society.

Quiet, nice, friendly.

A kayak trip in the St. Anna Archipelago.

It is not difficult to choose the answer "justice". It is a valuable experience to live in a society where all people are treated equally and where this mentality is created by the people and not only enforced by laws (keyword: Lagom).

I think you should watch a floorball game, take at least one decent coffee break (keyword: Fika) and be enchanted by the overwhelming nature in the north, in summer or even in winter.

For his detailed progress report please see here

In most lectures there are weekly assignments, i.e. homework that you have to submit. This keeps you more busy during the semester, but you also have to study less for the exams. During the lecture there is a 15 minute break every 45 minutes, which is very pleasant. Also the contact with the professors is more relaxed, one calls each other by their first name and converses e.g. during the breaks rather on a "buddy basis". 

Take a trip in a convertible. Many Norwegians, as well as the university, have somewhere remote cabins without electricity and running water where you can spend a few days.

To have realised how different the way of thinking or mentality of people in countries that are so close together can be.

It's hard to say. On the one hand the landscape we explored on various road trips, which is literally breathtaking in parts. On the other hand the common life in the international student hostel, wherever anybody feels like doing something. In general, however, also the helpfulness of the Norwegians.

In many subjects there are so-called midterm exams and project work besides the final exam. I have made the following experiences here:

• Going to classes regularly, missing a class once, it is quite difficult to get back in some subjects.
• To complete one or more labs/reports or project work during the semester, e.g. in a subject I am currently taking, I am obliged to participate in 2 labs and submit 2 reports each as well as write a midterm exam, create a scientific poster about a scientific article, present and defend it alone to the class for 15 minutes and write a final exam.
• Despite so much work during the semester, you always stay on the ball and since it is mostly group work, it is hardly strenuous.

Travel and get to know places as far as possible. Every place tells its own story, so even cities lying next to each other can be very different (Tossa and lloret). Regarding the whole country I can recommend to rent a car/bus in a group or book the cheap Ryanair flights and just visit places on weekends, days off or study days. I can recommend Valencia, Tossa de Mar, Tarragona, Ibiza, Menorca, and I also heard very positive things from the Spanish about San Sebastián, Zarautz and the south, as well as Andorra, Portugal and Morocco. 

Concerning Barcelona I can recommend, beside the parties and events, the food and the charming sightseeings, very concretely:

• Food: food and sangria tour in Carrer de Blai, Xurerría in Barrio Gótic, Mi Tierra Urge
• Typical sights: Sagrada Familia and Casa Milá (by Gaudi), Park Güell, Barrio Gótic (neighbourhoods, traditional and cultural), Tibidabo, Mont Juic, Arc del Triomf, Bunkers del Carmel, etc.
• Events: There are many events in Spain/Barcelona, these are quite exciting, therefore my tip is to inform about holidays and events in Barcelona and surroundings (e.g. Zaragoza) and to participate in them.

Here I cannot name any specific experience, it is several small experiences that give you a lot in total. Almost every day has something to offer, be it the people, the breathtaking views, the extremely relaxing places or the bureaucratic challenges. All of this is different from Germany and therefore brings different experiences with it, from which you can profit for the future.

A trip to the Pacific coast of Oaxaca. The coast offers not only party on the beach, but quiet corners for surfing and diving and an unforgettable nature.