Details

• Spain
• MAWiRe-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

The preparation for my exchange semester in Barcelona was overall straightforward. Organising the flight and searching for accommodation required some time and planning, but the administrative effort remained manageable. Fortunately, no visa or additional insurance was required, which significantly simplified the preparation process.When preparing my semester abroad, I found it essential to plan well in advance, especially with regard to accommodation and travel arrangements. Booking flights early helped reduce costs and allowed for greater flexibility. Additionally, informing myself thoroughly about the host university and the city beforehand helped me to set realistic expectations and fully benefit from the exchange experience.

2. Accommodation

The accommodation search in Barcelona was very challenging, as the housing market is highly competitive and suitable options are taken very quickly. I lived in a private apartment together with a friend from Vienna who was also an exchange student, which was a very pleasant living arrangement and helped me settle in easily. Although the apartment was located quite far from the university, it was centrally situated in the city. I lived in the Eixample district of Barcelona, which I experienced as very safe and well connected. Looking back, I wish I had known how important it is to start searching much earlier and to rely on verified agency websites rather than informal platforms.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus facilities at the host university were much smaller compared to WU Vienna, which contributed to a more personal and familiar atmosphere. The academic culture felt less formal, with closer interaction between students and lecturers and a strong emphasis on discussion and participation. Compared to WU Vienna, the teaching style was more interactive and practice‑oriented, with smaller class sizes and continuous assessment rather than large final exams. I particularly enjoyed courses related to Human Rights (teacher: Manolo), which were very engaging, well structured, and encouraged critical thinking and open discussion. These courses stood out for their relevance, the diversity of perspectives, and the close exchange between international students and lecturers.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Barcelona is very efficient, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. I would strongly recommend purchasing the three‑month public transport pass, as it allows unlimited travel not only within the city but also to surrounding areas around Barcelona. Regarding safety, I felt very safe in my residential area in Eixample; however, in other parts of the city it is important to be cautious and always keep an eye on personal belongings. Social and leisure activities were a major highlight of my exchange experience, as there were countless Erasmus events, social gatherings, and opportunities to meet other international students. In addition, there were many sports options available, with beach volleyball at the beach being one of my favourite activities and a great way to combine sports with Barcelona’s unique seaside lifestyle.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in Barcelona was an unforgettable and enriching experience. What made it particularly special were my travels to places such as Sevilla and Ibiza, as well as the many spontaneous weekend trips that allowed me to explore Spain beyond Barcelona. Living by the sea, meeting people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and studying in a personal and interactive academic environment contributed greatly to this experience. I grew both personally and academically and would choose this exchange again without hesitation.