Kyshchun Vladyslav (EF): Technical University of Catalonia, Spain

Barcelona UPC is an excellent university for those who are eager to learn. The lecturers don’t just read the material aloud - they are genuinely committed to explaining it as clearly and effectively as possible. While some courses were more engaging than others, most of them offered both a challenge and a valuable opportunity for personal and academic growth. Barcelona Tech is also very well organized: whenever an issue arose, I received support promptly and efficiently. The university is equipped with modern facilities, which students frequently use, as there is a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and laboratory work. Overall, I highly recommend the Technical University of Catalonia. The biggest challenge I encountered was that some of the courses I had chosen were intended for third- and fourth-year students, which made it a bit difficult to keep up at first. Fortunately, the professors were very supportive and helped me manage the workload. I would just like to advise future students to carefully review course levels and prerequisites when selecting their subjects.

 

 Overall, I truly enjoyed this journey - especially my time at the university. The studies were challenging, but definitely worth it. Spain is an incredibly vibrant country, offering both stunning architecture and breathtaking natural landscapes. I had wonderful opportunities for academic growth, networking (I met some amazing people), and traveling. As for some of the downsides: - The hot climate (a personal preference) can be difficult to handle at times. - I often felt a bit uneasy due to the high crime rates in Barcelona. I was even scammed when booking my first accommodation. Fortunately, I recovered my money thanks to using HousingAnywhere. I recommend using Idealista and visiting the place in person before booking, as photos may not always reflect reality. Also, be cautious of rooms with internal windows - they can feel very enclosed. - I had an issue with health insurance. I purchased mine from a Lithuanian company, but Spanish authorities require insurance from a Spanish provider for most official processes. - Barcelona is a very crowded and touristy city - at times, overwhelmingly so. But overall I am sutisfied with this Erasmus experience