Details

• Spain
• MAWiRe-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

It is important to consider that the only credits that you can transfer from your exchange semester at Esade to your MaWiRe degree are electives (FS, Spezialisierungen ÖR/PR, Courses Abroad), so it's useful to not take them before at WU, if you want to transfer up to 30 ECTS from your exchange. Regarding the application, consider that for MaWiRe only the GPA really counts, and that the Themis programme has an earlier and seperate application deadline than the normal exchange programme and if you get a spot via Themis, you cannot apply to the normal programme anymore. Course selection was in July and after the change round (also in July), it was not possible to change or drop courses anymore. If you want to take courses that are not in the credit transfer data base, you should apply for the Vorabbescheid for accreditation as early as possible, as it can take several weeks until you have certainty whether your selected course can be accredited. Other than that, since Barcelona was in Europe there was not much to prepare in advance. I organized my accomodation without any problem during my first week in Barcelona, but if you want to secure one before arrival, it's better to start looking much earlier.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation search experience: After seeing a month before that prices were quite high on online booking platforms, and hearing of the risks of scams of booking online (except for platforms like spotahome, where landlords normally charge a very high administrative fee) I decided to book a hostel for the first week and visit shared flats in person. This worked out surprisingly well, as after 4 days and 4 visits I had two offers for a reasonable price (600-650 Euro/month). This also had the advantage that I could get to know my future flatmates in advance, which is not normal on other platforms in Spain. Recommended platform: idealista (if you visit the apartments & flatmates in person, not for booking online in advance) Location: Sants (near metro Placa de Sants) - this area is safe, non-touristy, with a lot of families and local activities going on. It was around 35 minutes from esade by metro/bus and around 20-30 minutes from the city centre. Montjuic is only a 15 minute walk away.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is located in Pedralbes, which is not very central and an upscale residential area. The campus was okay, but not as modern as WU and most classrooms don't have a lot of natural light. The cafeteria was not very good and alternative grocery stores and places were minimum 20 minutes away. The teaching style is a bit more personal than at WU, as classes are smaller and most professors were very friendly. Most courses had presentations in addition to a final exams and participation was taken into account. The course offer, content and quality was mixed in my opinion.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport: The metro system in BCN is very good, the buses are a bit unreliable and overcrowded at times. Safety situation: I have always felt safe in BCN but it is important to be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded places and the metro - this is a very common and serious problem in BCN. Social/leisure activities: BCN has plenty of activities to offer, including by the beach and Montjuic. There are also 2 erasmus groups who offer activities, parties and trips every weekend. Events: Spain has a lot of celebrations going on, a highlight was La Mercé, which offered a week full events and tradition all over BCN Sports options: Affordable paddle and pickleball options, run clubs, class pass trial month to get to know studios all over BCN

6. Testimonial

Living in Barcelona for several months was an amazing experience. The city is very vibrant and has something to offer for everyone, including mountains and the sea. At esade you will get to know people from all over the world, as most classes are (almost only) with other exchange students. This has the disadvantage that at uni it's harder to get to know people from Spain - you are mainly among other exchange students. But overall I can strongly recommend going to BCN - the city is amazing, Spanish lifestyle and food are great and the uni is a good combination of leaving you time to enjoy your semester abroad and also gaining new insights into different fields of law.