Student of the 2nd Year, Bachelor Program in Artificial Intelligence

Mobility Period – Autumn Semester 2020 at the University of Jaén, Spain

While some only dream of sunny Spain, NURE’s students have the opportunity to experience life in this beautiful country and gain firsthand knowledge of European education. Thanks to the European ERASMUS+ student mobility program, I spent six months studying at the University of Jaén in 2019.

How It Started?

A strong desire, good academic performance, proficiency in English and German (in my case), and a standard set of required documents—these are all you need to participate in the ERASMUS+ mobility program.

One of the most important documents is the Motivation Letter, where you explain why you want to study at a Spanish university. I recommend writing sincerely and avoiding templates from the internet. Be prepared for an interview and a trip to the Spanish Consulate in Kyiv to obtain a student visa. In addition to the usual documents, you will need an invitation from the host institution, which will be sent upon approval. All documents must be translated into Spanish.

Support and Adaptation

The ERASMUS+ program ensures that you are not left alone with questions or problems in a foreign country. The ESN (ERASMUS Student Network) operates in the city where you study, providing support and helping students adapt.

Life in Andalusia

After completing the formalities and a five-hour flight from Boryspil to Madrid, I arrived in Spain’s capital. From there, I took a comfortable five-hour bus ride to Jaén, a province in southern Spain, in the eastern part of Andalusia.

Jaén is a cozy and clean city with a relaxed pace of life. No one is in a rush, and the atmosphere is calm. You quickly adapt to the slow rhythm. From 2 to 5 PM, everything shuts down for siesta. Even in December, when there’s no extreme heat, businesses close, and everyone takes a break. You get used to the fact that you can’t buy groceries in the afternoon and start chatting with shopkeepers and neighbors.

Making Friends and Exploring Jaén

Jaén may not be large, but it is beautiful. I quickly made new friends, forming a multinational group with people from Spain, Turkey, Japan, Belarus, Russia, and France. We often hiked up the hill to Santa Catalina Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. If you visit Jaén, I highly recommend seeing the Cathedral, one of the most magnificent Catholic churches, the Royal Dominican Monastery, and the ruins of the ancient city wall.

Language Barriers and Translation Challenges

In Spain, very few people speak Russian or Ukrainian, and even English is not widely spoken. The main language is Spanish, but each region has its own dialect and accent. In Andalusia, people speak quickly and often drop the endings of words. Even if you know Spanish, understanding the locals can be challenging at first. However, after a few weeks, you start recognizing words and phrases.

Professors have extensive experience teaching international students and understand language barriers. They are patient and willing to repeat themselves to ensure comprehension.

Studying in Spain

The Spanish education system differs from the Ukrainian one, giving students more freedom and emphasizing self-learning. Most courses are taught in Spanish, with limited English-taught options. Students can create their own schedules and attend any lecture they find interesting.

Many professors are passionate about their subjects and engage with students in a friendly and approachable manner. One of my favorite teachers was my Computer Graphics professor, who was dedicated to making his subject accessible to everyone. Even after returning to Ukraine, I continue to stay in touch with him on Facebook.

Accommodation and Financial Support

The University of Jaén rarely provides accommodation for international students, so we rented an apartment. Three of us shared a five-room apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, and living room. The kitchen was equipped with an electric stove, microwave, toaster, and utensils. The living room had a TV, sofa, and a large dining table. Rent was only €150 per person, which was quite affordable.

Winters in Spain can be cold, especially at night, and houses lack central heating. We relied on electric heaters and blankets provided by the landlords to stay warm.

The Erasmus+ grant (€800 per month) was sufficient to cover rent, groceries, travel, and even occasional trips abroad. The grant was deposited onto a local bank card issued by a university-affiliated bank.

Leisure and Travel

Student life in Spain is about more than just studying. During my six months there, my friends and I traveled frequently, visiting Madrid, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga, and even Barcelona, where we swam in the Mediterranean. We also took a trip to Portugal and visited the so-called “edge of the world.”

Spaniards are social and enjoy gathering in cafés, bars, and pubs to discuss the day’s events. We often joined in, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere and making new connections.

My Experience

In conclusion, studying abroad through the ERASMUS+ program was an invaluable and enriching experience. It allowed me to explore new places, make lifelong friends, and gain new knowledge. If I had the chance, I would do it all over again. My advice? Don’t be afraid of challenges, believe in yourself, and apply!