I have dreamed of studying in Spain ever since I started my degree. The FHDW made this possible. Many months before my stay abroad, the FHDW launched a call for applications. After successfully completing the selection process and being accepted at the Universidad de Deusto, the preparations began. All documents and insurances such as international health insurance, accident insurance or current examination results had to be submitted before the certificate of enrolment was issued. The International Office of the FHDW was a great help and guided me through the entire process before, during and after the mobility.

A few weeks before my arrival, I looked for a shared flat near the university. We recommend the website idealista.com, where landlords and apartments are rated directly. However, many of the students did not look for accommodation until after their arrival and initially moved into an Airbnb.

The Universidad de Deusto accepts a large number of students from abroad every semester, and the residents of Bilbao are well aware of this. Spontaneously moving into shared flats is nothing out of the ordinary. None of the international students I know have been without a room in a shared flat. My shared flat was only a ten-minute walk from the university and also close to the city center.

Two weeks before the actual start of the semester, I completed the intensive Spanish course, which raised my Spanish level considerably. This time was perfect for making initial contacts, exploring the city and taking part in some trips organized by the Happy Erasmus and ESN organizations. They accompanied us students throughout the semester with lots of parties, city trips, pub meetings and advice on all kinds of questions. Overall, it was easy to meet new people and make friends. This also applies to local students with whom we were on the same courses.

Learning at Deusto is very different from that at the FHDW and therefore takes some getting used to. There are lots of presentations, group work and intermediate exams in each individual subject, so the final exam counts for very little. The constant learning can be useful, but I found it time-consuming due to the group work. You learn to manage your time particularly well. For this reason, many of the Erasmus students did not attend some of the courses they had previously chosen and decided to catch up on them in Germany. The Universidad de Deusto should not be underestimated with its strict guidelines regarding the learning effort.

Spanish culture is also very different from German culture. Nowhere else have I experienced so many open, loving and caring people. Whether at university, shopping or on the street – Spaniards love light-hearted small talk. Lots of gestures, facial expressions and especially physical contact are a natural part of a conversation, even if you’ve only just met. The individualism that is valued in Germany is largely banned in Spain. As much as possible is done in community. I particularly appreciated this when it came to studying for subjects that I had to take in Spanish. Without asking, the Spanish students helped me prepare for the exam. They simply care about their fellow human beings.

There are leisure activities for every taste in the immediate vicinity, which is pretty convenient. You should expect to spend a total of 1,000 euros per month on rent, food and leisure activities. Prices in the Basque Country are not particularly different from prices in Germany, as the standard of living in the Basque Country is one of the highest in Spain. The infrastructure is well developed. Every destination can be reached by bus, train or elevator, as the city is surrounded by mountains that offer breathtaking views when you are at the top.