In the following, a student of the Architecture and Urban Design (B. A.) programme reports on his semester abroad at the partner university Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea in the winter semester 2022/23.
The decision
There are many reasons why a semester abroad can be a great experience. It gives you the opportunity to get to know a new culture and learn a new language. This can have a huge impact on your personal development and outlook. It is also a chance to make international friends and expand your network. By connecting with other people from different countries and cultures, you can gain valuable insights and perspectives. A semester abroad also requires adaptability and independence, as you have to find your way in a new environment.
Overall, I see the semester abroad as an investment in my future that can enrich me in many areas of my life. It is an opportunity to develop personally and academically and to have unforgettable experiences.
Preparations
The application process for my semester abroad was stress-free and without complications thanks to the structured "Service4mobility" website. I was able to upload my forms one after the other in a relaxed manner and never felt under pressure.
Before my stay abroad, I had completed an A1-A2 Spanish course at the FH Potsdam for a semester to refresh my basic knowledge of the language and prepare for my stay.
I didn't need a visa for my stay abroad, which made the process even easier. My journey was also very relaxed - I travelled to Barcelona by train, stayed there for a day and then continued my journey to San Sebastian.
The accommodation
Finding accommodation was also very easy for me, as the International Office gave me the number of a FHP student who had already studied in San Sebastian the year before. I moved into his flat with six flatmates from a total of five European countries.
Although the flat was expensive, it was very well located and I was happy to have found accommodation. Living with my flatmates was a wonderful experience as we all came from different countries and had different cultures. It was nice to share our experiences and learn from each other.
Studying at the university
The Mobility Office of the Universidad del País Vasco (UPV) in San Sebastian had a short and concise introductory event which provided the most important information.
I liked the fact that you could change your learning agreement up to two weeks after the start of your studies and were allowed to try out the courses first. I chose all the courses in English, and there was a wide range to choose from. Almost all the courses I attended were practically orientated and ended with a big presentation or exhibition.
The UPV workshop was very well equipped and you were allowed to use everything from the 3D printer to the vacuum press, the CNC milling machine and the laser cutter.
On the outside, the university building was surprisingly ugly and run-down, but the courses were good.
I completed the courses "Architectural Design 7", "Parametric Design" and "New Ways of Building".
Everyday life and leisure
The city of San Sebastian is known for its high housing and food costs, but all drinks were very cheap. The city has everything you can imagine. At the beginning of my stay, I regularly went surfing or to the beach. The university's sports programmes are highly recommended. Using the tennis court directly behind the university building only costs 1 euro per hour plus racket. If you want to go hiking or simply need a break from the city, you can go to the hill "Urgull" or the mountain "Ulia". From both places you have a wonderful view of the most beautiful sunsets.
Conclusion and tips
All my expectations and dreams for this experience have come true. I had a wonderful time in one of the most breathtaking cities I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Although you often think that you will be travelling anyway after your Bachelor's degree, it is very important to visit a different place during your studies and get an alternative perspective on the world and your studies in order to develop personally. My network of contacts stretches from Greece to Argentina and the experience I gained extends far beyond the semester.
I would recommend going abroad to anyone.