Stay abroad in Granada/Spain in the 5th/6th semester of the Bachelor's program

In the 5th semester of my BioGeoScience studies, I was in Granada, Spain. I had planned to go abroad since the beginning of my studies, but initially I only wanted to stay for one semester. Once I arrived, I quickly realized that it would be more worthwhile to stay for 2 semesters. Although I already knew Spanish because I did my volunteer service inCentral America, it takes more time to arrive in a city and study. Knowing Spanish is essential, especially in an Erasmus city like Granada, in order not to be tempted to move in a purely English-speaking environment.

The organization with the local office was quite challenging, but doable. Modules that were supposed to be offered were cancelled, others appeared in the curriculum - in the end, I took different subjects than expected. Almost everything could be recognized - but I made sure of that in advance and communicated all changes with the contacts in Germany. Even though it's nothing new to hear that stays abroad are very enriching, it's still all the more impressive to really experience it every time. From a technical point of view, my studies there gave me a lot of insights into the management of coastal regions - especially since these require international cooperation and are therefore particularly challenging. Especially the excursions to plastic film covered regions (greenhouses) and beach strips of many legal and illegal hotels, were exciting. 

Also, at the Universidad de Granada there was the possibility to take modules of the basic studies without any problems. As is so often the case, the quality of the courses was very dependent on the respective teaching staff.I highly recommend such a stay abroad, but would give to consider that it is necessary to acquire the appropriate language skills beforehand. For example, if you go to Spain with an A level, you have to be very disciplined and look for Spanish-speaking people and shared flats in order to not only have improved your English skills after your stay abroad.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Many greetings and success,

Marius Hasenheit