- Name
- Selina
- Study Programme
- WPS
- Semester
- 7th Semester
- Host Institution
- University of Cádiz (opens in a new window)
- Location
- Cádiz, Spain
- Period
- February to June 2025
What was your main motivation to go abroad?
It had long been clear to me that I wanted to do a semester abroad. The opportunity to live in another country for half a year and get to know the culture, the language, and the people there doesn’t come around very often. I knew it had to be Spain, since I had already taken Spanish in school and wanted to improve my language skills. Cádiz gave me the chance to spend a semester living right by the sea, which offers a very special quality of life.
What were your biggest concerns?
I think having a few worries and concerns is completely normal — after all, you don’t go to a foreign country all by yourself every day without knowing anyone there. But I can only say that, in my experience, all Erasmus students are super open and usually face the same challenges and problems as you do, so you’re really never on your own.
Cádiz gave me the chance to spend a semester living right by the sea, which offers a very special quality of life.
Would you recommend a stay abroad? Why?
1000 per cent yes. The semester abroad was one of the best decisions of my life. I had so many new impressions and experiences that I don’t even know where to begin. I made close friendships with people from all over the world, stepped out of my comfort zone many times, tried things I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise, and saw places I had never been to before. All in all, it was a very intense time that I will never forget.
What did you gain from your stay abroad?
Lots of new friendships, experiences, Spanish skills, thousands of photos and memories, and magnets from all kinds of places. :)
Fun Fact
The Gaditanos* always find a reason to celebrate. Carnaval de Cádiz, for example, doesn’t end on Ash Wednesday like it does back home, but just keeps going until Sunday. And as soon as Carnaval is over, the Easter processions of Semana Santa are suddenly around the corner, and you have to spend two hours making your way through the crowded, blocked-off streets just to get home. There’s always something going on in Cádiz, and if you’re not sitting in the sun at a tapas bar with a cervezita by noon on a Friday, you haven’t understood the Spanish lifestyle. :)
*Locals from Cádiz
Were your expectations met?
I’d say my expectations were actually exceeded. I had heard many times that Erasmus would be an amazing experience, but now that I’m facing the reality of leaving and not seeing the people I’ve spent every day with over the past six months, it feels almost unimaginable. :(
Is there anything you would like to highlight about your experience abroad?
I think it's important to know that there are always good and bad phases. Everyone raves about their semester abroad, posts amazing stories, and is always out and about – but there are also days when you feel homesick and miss your loved ones back home, or when you're sick in bed and seriously dealing with FOMO… But I realised that this is totally normal, and it's okay to spend a day at home, even when the sun is shining outside. I also think it’s important to stay open and, in some moments, to step out of your comfort zone and try new things – and if it doesn’t work out or you don’t enjoy it, that’s still a learning experience for next time. :)
More impressions and information about Selina's experience abroad can be found on Instagram (opens in a new window).
Impressions of Spain
