Report from Lisa-Marie Draxler

Introduction

During the 2023-2024 academic year, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona
through the Erasmus exchange program. Spending a (second) semester in this vibrant city
was an unforgettable experience, both academically and personally. In this report, I’ll reflect
on my time in Barcelona, covering key aspects like the university, my teaching practice,
accommodation, and life in the city, while evaluating how this experience impacted me
academically, culturally, and socially.

The University

While in Barcelona, I studied at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), which is known
for its innovative teaching methods and international environment. The campus was
modern, well-equipped, and had excellent facilities like libraries and study areas. The
professors were approachable and supportive, and the classes were much more interactive
than I had anticipated. Group work, discussions, and practical applications of theory were
encouraged, which made learning more dynamic.
I focused on education-related courses/the “Empowering Education Program”, which
matched my interests perfectly. I found that the teaching methods at UAB really emphasized
collaboration and real-world application, compared to the more traditional lecture-based
approach I was used to. This style of learning pushed me to be more involved and think
critically about the subjects we covered.

School practice

As part of the Erasmus program, I completed a teaching practice at a local bilingual school in
Barcelona. It was an incredible opportunity to see how education works in a different
cultural context. The school had a bilingual curriculum, with classes taught in both Catalan
and Spanish, which was a fascinating experience, especially because English was also part of
the teaching.
I participated in lesson planning, classroom activities, and even led a few classes (in English).
The diverse student body and the inclusive teaching methods gave me new insights into how
to manage classrooms with students from various backgrounds. This was particularly eyeopening because I was able to see firsthand how important it is to adapt teaching strategies
based on the cultural and linguistic diversity of the students.

Accommodation

For accommodation, I stayed in a shared flat in the center of Barcelona. Living with other
international students and laborers turned out to be one of the best parts of my experience.
It gave me the chance to meet people from all over the world and form very close
friendships. The apartment itself was comfortable and had shared spaces, like the kitchen,
living room and big balcony, where we could all socialize, so there was always a sense of
community. Often, we sat on the balcony together, played the card game Uno, had some
snacks and drinks, and just chatted about our day or week so far.
Being centrally located meant that I was close to everything – shops, restaurants, and, of
course, the stunning landmarks Barcelona is famous for. It was easy to balance studying with
exploring the city, and the shared living situation also taught me a lot about communication,
patience, and adapting to different lifestyles.

The city of Barcelona

Barcelona itself was a huge part of the overall experience. The city is full of life, with its
incredible mix of history, culture, and modernity. From the Sagrada Família to the lively Las
Ramblas, there was always something to do or see. The city’s architecture, with its blend of
Gothic and modernist influences, was something I found endlessly inspiring.
I also loved the social aspect of the city. People were friendly, and I enjoyed the
Mediterranean way of life—relaxed but vibrant. I had the chance to join local celebrations,
like La Mercè, Diada de Sant Jordi, Castells, Fiesta de Gracia (and lots more) and try
traditional Catalan and of course also Spanish dishes. These experiences helped me connect
more deeply with the culture and get a better sense of what life in Barcelona is really like.

Evaluating my stay

Academic impact: Academically, my time in Barcelona was incredibly rewarding. The courses
were engaging, and the teaching approach was different from what I was used to, in the best
possible way. I had the chance to be more involved in class discussions and group work,
which helped me develop new skills that I don’t think I would have gained back home. The
focus on practical learning made everything more relatable and applicable to real-life
teaching scenarios.

Cultural impact: Living in Barcelona, I was able to experience both Catalan and Spanish
cultures, which was a completely new and enriching experience. Navigating life in a bilingual
city, picking up bits of Catalan, and improving my Spanish were all challenging but rewarding.
Being exposed to such a unique cultural environment helped me broaden my perspective on
language, identity, and communication.

Social impact: On a social level, this experience was invaluable. I made friends from all over
the world and had the opportunity to engage with people from different cultural
backgrounds daily. These interactions helped me understand other cultures better and
pushed me to be more open-minded. The experience also helped me become more
independent, as I had to adapt to life in a new city without the usual support systems, my
family, or friends from Austria. I have outgrown myself and have developed even better
problem-solving strategies. Although I have always been very self-confident and have always
kept a cool head in stressful situations, this adventure has made me even
stronger/confident.

Gaining unique learning and working experiences

There were several experiences I had in Barcelona that I know I wouldn’t have gained
without this stay abroad. The most significant was working in a multilingual classroom. Being
able to see how different languages are integrated into teaching and how classrooms
manage linguistic diversity gave me skills I can carry into my future teaching career. I also got
to witness how a different education system operates, which helped me reflect on the
strengths and weaknesses of the system I’m familiar with back home.
The international exposure I gained, both in the classroom and through daily life, has made
me a more adaptable and resourceful teacher. This broader perspective will definitely shape
the way I approach education moving forward.

How this experience will benefit my future career

I believe this stay abroad will be incredibly valuable for my future career as a teacher. The
bilingual teaching environment I worked in provided me with lots of practical knowledge of
how to manage a classroom with students who speak different languages. This is something
that will be extremely relevant in today’s increasingly diverse classrooms and especially in
the German support classrooms. I also learned a lot about inclusive education and how
important it is to create a supportive environment where all students feel included and
engaged.
The different teaching methods I experienced at UAB, particularly the focus on group work
and practical application, are techniques I plan to bring into my own teaching practice. I now
have a more well-rounded approach to education and feel better prepared to deal with the
challenges of a diverse classroom.

Personal growth

On a personal level, my time in Barcelona had a huge impact on me. Living in a different
country, far from home, forced me to become more self-reliant and confident in handling
new situations. I also became more open to other perspectives, having interacted with
people from so many different backgrounds. This experience has definitely made me more
adaptable, patient, and understanding, which will not only help me as a teacher but also in
everyday life.

Conclusion

Overall, my Erasmus stay in Barcelona was an experience I’ll always value. Academically, I
gained new insights and skills that will help me in my future teaching career. Culturally and
socially, I learned to appreciate diversity and developed a greater sense of independence.
This experience has shaped me in ways that go beyond the classroom, and I’m confident that
it will continue to have a positive impact on both my personal and professional life. Moving
to Barcelona for a year abroad was one of the best decisions of my life. At first it felt like I
was leaving my home (in Austria), but after a year in Barcelona I know that I found my
second home there and had to leave again. So, I’m leaving with a smile on my face and a tear
in my eye.