Mobility specification

Country:Spain

Institution:Polytechnic University of Cartagena

City:Cartagena

Program:Erasmus+ for study

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2024/2025

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Economics and Administration

Study level abroad:Bachelor

🎓Hit the books! How do you rate the university experience?

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?yes

Does the university offer enough courses in English?it's alright

Are your credits converted?no

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?At the university, there was no noticeable difference between lectures and seminars - all the classes were similar. This was probably due to the smaller number of students in each course. The classes were more like lectures, only they were not held in large halls, but in smaller classrooms.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?Yes! There were plenty of opportunities to meet other students.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?I haven’t noticed

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:14800 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?no

Do you have any tips on how to find private accommodation?I recommend the Idealista app, for the whole of Spain...I found my accommodation through it.

Do you have any tips on how to save money?I recommend the Too good To Go app. You can get food for €4 through it. It's food that restaurants or cafes don't sell but don't want to go to waste. You save money and it helps reduce food waste.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?with gestures

How does public transport work in the city?mostly fine

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Within Cartagena, transport cards can be bought directly on the bus for €10 (I think cash is needed). The card is beeped at the driver each time you board - beware, you always board through the front door. You can then top up your card directly with the driver, so no need to go to a special office or machine. The system is simple and quick, it's just good to know this in advance. For out of town connections I've used the Trainline and Omio apps - both are clear, fast and convenient.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?You must see Teatro Romano, Cala Cortina beach, hike to the city view (Castillo de Galeras).

What are the must-visit trip destinations?I recommend Murcia, which can be reached in 45 minutes by bus. If you want to swim then La manga, where there are beautiful long beaches. Then definitely Alicante. Very charming was Altea, where there were beautiful streets and restaurants. Then Valencia or Granada-very comfortable to travel by train. All worthwhile and Cartagena has a good starting location.

Share your best experience:The best experience for me was the carnival in Aguilas just below Cartagena. It was a trip with ESN. The Spanish just celebrate in the best way...incredible atmosphere and an endless parade of amazing costumes and music. Streets full of people. There was a great fireworks display at the end of the carnival. We went home at 5:00 in the morning.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Plane
Train
Bus

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?The journey is not really a problem, just take a bus from the airport, which then stops in Cartagena.

Can you pay by card?in most places

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?The most wonderful experience, where I not only got to know myself, but also the most amazing people from all over the world.