Mobility specification

Country:Spain

Institution:University of Almeria

City:Almería

Program:Erasmus+ for study

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2021/2022

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Arts / Department of Romance Languages and Literatures - Spanish

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?yes

Can you give an example?It is a good idea to combine the courses with the compulsory courses at MUNI. In Almería, it was great to combine it with Spanish Language and Literature (especially Literature was great there!). At MUNI, however, the courses could (and often did) have a different credit value.

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?Although Almería seems to be all about beach life and partying, I was surprised by the relatively high quality of the language and literary studies taught. The best experience I take away from the friendly and open discussions with professors (who you chat with in Spain, so the contact is all the closer).

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?Yes, for example, I was on an excursion connected with regional culture, we went by bus to smaller villages and dealt with local tourism and conditions (we also tried bugee jumping voluntarily). You can also join slightly larger day trips with ESN (Erasmus group). Such an experience is worthwhile, plus you get to meet new students in the same city and at the same university.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Psychological counseling
Barrier-free access to classrooms and dormitories
Special aids and technologies (e.g., text-to-speech software, hearing aids)
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:10000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?no

Do you have any tips on how to find private accommodation?Facebook group (especially to request a video call! and a tour of the apartment in advance).

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?I was surprised by the financial demands. I even dipped into the reserves. Erasmus financial aid came in for rent and a few pennies for groceries. The rest I paid for with my telecommuting job and my parents' support. I couldn't have done it without them.

Do you have any tips on how to save money?Be sure to get accommodation early - at the last minute (about two months before your stay) prices increase rapidly.
Bring a sleeping bag and don't buy duvets (worked well for me). Get used to a less aesthetic environment, don't try to make your room cozy and go enjoy life outside :)

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?neutral

How does public transport work in the city?I've seen better

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Definitely Renfe on long-distance. Public transport doesn't have a fixed timetable...in Spain local services don't often have a timetable. It runs on a "custom" basis - a great opportunity to make contact and ask what time the bus runs. Locals know for sure, it runs at similar times...but don't look for it written down anywhere. Spain doesn't have timetables in the smaller towns.

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?I've done a lot of traveling:
Right in Almería: Playa del Zapillo (good place to live - cheaper and near the beach), Alcazaba, Refugios de la Guerra Civil, Plaza Vieja, Museo de Arte Doña Pakyta, Andarax.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Around Almería: Cabo de Gata + San José, Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar
3 hours by bus: Granada, Murcia (don't miss it, it's really beautiful), Ronda (the most famous bridge between the cities), Alicante, Gibraltar (it's further away, about 5 hours on the bus), Jaén.

Share your best experience:I don't have one of the best. But I made a group of friends there that I still keep in touch with (albeit remotely). They are some of my best friends (and it's confirmed by the fact that we may not see each other that often and still get along even to this day).

It was my first time alone - without the proximity of family or a boyfriend. I found out many things about myself - what I like, what suits me and what doesn't, I strengthened my creativity and came up with a lot of ideas that I still draw from now.

It's not a trip, it's not a tour, and it's not a vacation or just studying. It's getting to know myself and meeting new people. It's about being open and exploring the world from a different perspective. I've definitely gained perspective. And that was probably the most valuable experience for me.

💅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
Bus

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?You can't visit the accommodation - be sure to request a video call with the owner and a tour of the apartment, although even that won't guarantee that you won't just send money to the wind and have a place to sleep when you arrive. Fortunately, I have always been successful with this measure.

Can you pay by card?in most places

What not to forget when packing?Sleeping bag, warm clothes (it can be really cold there - in November the cold wind starts blowing from the sea). The apartments often don't have heating.

🥳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?Everyone should experience life with himself - to know himself and to know his surroundings. And that's exactly what Erasmus is.