Mobility specification

Country:Spain

Institution:University of Vigo

City:Vigo

Program:Erasmus+ for study

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2024/2025

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Education / Department of Social Education

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?none

Are your credits converted?no

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?I would compare the teaching to the way of teaching in high school in the Czech Republic. The students were in school from morning till night, because they have compulsory attendance everywhere and lectures for every subject and at least two seminars during the week. They also prepared presentations or activities for their classmates in each subject almost every week.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?The university prepared a welcome day for the students, where we were given a tour of the faculties and shown the opportunities we can take advantage of as students. They also introduced us to ESN.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Barrier-free access to classrooms and dormitories
Special examination conditions (e.g., extended time, quiet rooms)
Support for LGBTQ+ students (e.g., safe spaces, counseling services)

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:13000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?no

Do you have any tips on how to find private accommodation?I would ask people who have been to Erasmus in a particular country what website they used to search for accommodation, they often use the same site. I've also searched on fb groups, but if there is an ESN in the city I would contact them directly, they can give you the best advice.

🗺 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?terrible

And what about transport outside the city?I've seen better

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?In Spain, the public transport network is definitely more limited than in the Czech Republic and is much more expensive and opaque. Best to ask locals how they find connections. Overall, apps like Omio or trainline work well for longer distances. In Spain, of course, there are carriers like Flixbus and as for trains, it's best to search directly through Renfe.

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?The town of Ourense, where the Faculty of Education is located, is famous for its thermal springs. There are several free ones in town and there is nothing better than going there on a cold evening.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Spain is a very diverse country, so I definitely recommend visiting more than one region, as each has different architecture and customs and traditions. In Galicia, I would recommend the Christmas markets in Vigo, or Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims end their pilgrimage in front of the world-famous cathedral.

Share your best experience:One of my favorite experiences is celebrating Halloween. Spaniards love costumes and parties, so Halloween was really a ride. DJs played in every square, entry was free everywhere and the streets were packed until the wee hours of the morning. Overall, Spaniards celebrate a lot of holidays differently than we do, and they are usually accompanied by live concerts and great spectacle.

💅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

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?There are airports in Galicia, but you can get there from the Czech Republic with at least one change and it is quite expensive. That's why I chose to go to Madrid and I still had to take the train to my Erasmus city. You need to plan your trip well in advance, because trains are quite expensive a few days or even weeks in advance and are often more expensive than flights.

Can you pay by card?in most places

What not to forget when packing?I always take a locker lock with me. It can come in handy when traveling, but also for a locker for school or the sports field, etc.

🥳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?If you really want to get to know a country, don't be afraid of the language barrier and travel to a small town🐙