My Semester Abroad in Valencia, Spain

I spent my semester abroad in Valencia, Spain, studying at UCV for one term – a decision that, to be completely honest, was the best I have ever made. Initially, I was skeptical, as I had never been away from my loved ones for an extended period. I was concerned that homesickness might prevent me from fully enjoying this experience. I also worried about how I would make connections, find accommodation, and whether I would feel comfortable at all. However, my worries turned out to be completely unnecessary.
Within the first few days in Valencia, all my worries vanished into thin air. I was fortunate to have a fellow student, Irina, accompany me on this journey, as we had both chosen Valencia as our destination. This support made the transition significantly smoother. Throughout my time abroad, I discovered new facets of myself and experienced personal growth in countless ways.

The University

UCV is a university with multiple campuses, each representing diFerent faculties. Our building was located slightly outside the city center but was still easily accessible by public transport. One of the first cultural diFerences I noticed was the contrast between Spanish and Austrian attitudes towards life. While we Austrians tend to be meticulous planners and adhere strictly to schedules, Spaniards generally take a more relaxed approach to life. This initially caused some anxiety for my friend and me, as we were unsure whether everything would work out with our schedules and academic organization. However, everything went smoothly. On Welcome Day, our mentor provided us with our class schedules and, to our great fortune, arranged practical placements for each of us – something that students at other universities typically have to organize on their own. Even during an unexpected flood at the end of October, the university demonstrated remarkable care. They reached out to ensure that we were safe and even oFered assistance. For about three weeks, all classes transitioned to an online format, allowing us to continue our studies from home as the metro system was temporarily out of service. The professors were equally supportive in times of emergency. Whether it was illness or a family situation that required a brief return to Austria, they were always quick to respond to emails and showed great understanding. Towards the end of the semester, as is the case at any university, exams started piling up. However, professors were open to rescheduling exams when necessary. The university as a whole, including its faculty, was outstanding. The courses were engaging, and I was able to take away valuable insights for my future teaching career. Accommodation Although finding accommodation was not particularly diFicult, I initially had concerns about payments and the possibility of falling victim to a scam, but we fortunately did not get scamed at all. My friend and I decided to live together, sharing an apartment with four other girls. Our apartment was always lively, and we were fortunate to get along exceptionally well. We cherished our time together and even discovered that we all shared the same taste in music, leading to spontaneous “private concerts” in the kitchen. One challenge we faced was the language barrier. Not many Spaniards speak fluent English, which made communication with one of our Spanish roommates particularly difficult at first. However, through gestures and creativity, we managed to build a strong bond. Since we all came from diFerent countries, we decided to introduce each other to our traditional dishes. One night, our Spanish roommate prepared tortillas, while on another occasion, we made lasagna or schnitzel. These shared meals brought a wonderful cultural exchange into our home. Even now, we remain close friends, and our former roommates are planning to visit us in Austria this May – we are already looking forward to it!

The City

Valencia is an absolute dream. It is the European city with the highest number of Erasmus students, and there are countless reasons why. Having been born and raised in Graz, I always felt like something was missing in my hometown. Valencia, in contrast, is filled with youthful energy, vibrant people, and an infectious zest for life. People there are unafraid to express themselves and simply enjoy life. There is always something to do, and the city oFers an abundance of places to explore. The metro system made it incredibly easy to get around, and traveling to other cities was just as convenient, with train tickets from Valencia being surprisingly affordable. Erasmus organizations also oFered numerous trips, providing even more opportunities to meet new people. No matter what kind of person you are, Valencia has something for everyone. Love nightlife? The city boasts countless clubs. Prefer nature? Valencia has the stunning Turia Park and beautiful beaches where you can relax in peace. If I had to choose again, I would pick Valencia for my Erasmus experience without hesitation.

My Experience

I am incredibly grateful for having had this opportunity. The memories I made, the people I met, and the experiences I gained have expanded my horizons in ways I never imagined. In just a few months, I grew extremely as a person. It was not just the wonderful moments, the thrill of living in a foreign country, the friendships formed with people from all over the world that contributed to my growth. Facing and managing extreme situations, such as the flood, also pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped shape me into a more resilient individual. But also the fact that I got to spend my time in Spain with Irina and gained a lifelong friend with whom I shared some of my most beautiful moments is an invaluable blessing for me. Additionally, my time in Spain enriched my professional development. I was exposed to new teaching concepts and pedagogical approaches, many of which I plan to integrate into my future teaching career. To anyone reading this: Do it. I promise you it will be the time of your life.

Fotos und Text: Elmetina Krasniqi