Discovering new cultures and self-discovery (Erasmus+ in Spain)
I spent the summer semester of the 2022/2023 academic year in Spain as a part of the Erasmus+ programme. The Erasmus+ programme has brought an unforgettable adventure into my life and opened the door to new and exciting experiences.
From the cold and wintry Slovakia, a big change began in early February in my life when I eagerly moved to sunny Almería in Spain as a part of the Erasmus+ programme. The summer semester through the Erasmus+ programme offered me a truly life-changing adventure, filled with exciting and captivating experiences. The process of adapting to the new environment and meeting new people was thrilling and challenging during the first few weeks. As I got to know people from all around the world, I realized that our diversity is what connects us and that cultural differences are not obstacles rather values from which we can learn from each other. From the very first moment, I felt like I stepped into a new world, and opportunities awaited me to explore and experience the new culture and way of life. The initial weeks were filled with excitement and curiosity as I immersed myself in the new environment and met new people. Upon my arrival in Almería, I found myself in a colourful carnival parade, where the locals joyfully celebrated the visitors to the city. I visited the famous Alhambra Palace and its enchanting gardens for the first time, which left me in awe of their stunning beauty. These buildings and gardens symbolized a new beginning and a wealth of opportunities that awaited me during the Erasmus+ programme.
In the first few days, my primary task was to integrate. Fortunately, there were many other students participating in the Erasmus+ programme who were also excited about the new adventures and experiences. I became part of a small, close-knit community composed of people from all corners of the world. I learned about the cultures, traditions, and gastronomy of distant countries. I made new friends and built relationships that I hope will continue beyond the programme. In the initial months, we participated in international festivals, concerts and cultural events held in the main square of the city which provided further opportunities to meet new people and integrate into the local community.
The lifestyle and teaching methods in Almería also presented new challenges for me. The teachers taught their classes with passion and commitment, making every effort to communicate effectively and comprehensibly with us. Initially, the strong Spanish accents of the teachers posed some difficulty in understanding but with persistent work and practice of complex sentences, I soon became accustomed to their speech style. The helpfulness and support of the teachers were crucial in understanding and applying new teaching methods. We participated in creative projects that allowed us to unleash our creativity and express our own thoughts. This enabled us to develop skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and independent thinking. The time spent there has brought new life and new adventures to me. As I discovered the enchanting places offered by Almería and its surroundings, I felt like I became part of a mystical story.
Participating in the Erasmus+ programme was a defining experience in my life. The colourful and magical experiences I had helped me to become more open-minded and creative. The convergence of the dream world and reality left a deep impression on me and this special period will forever be memorable. The Erasmus+ programme brought not only professional development but also significant personal growth in my life. I am grateful to the Erasmus+ programme and the opportunities it provided which made me more open-minded and experienced, leaving a long-term impact on my life. As time passed, the exam period approached. I focused on studying and worked hard to successfully meet the requirements. This focused work and the learning of new challenges helped me grow professionally and acquire new skills.
During my time in the Erasmus+ programme, I transformed from having a grounded mindset to becoming a confident and open-minded individual. This experience taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of. Overall, the summer semester through the Erasmus+ programme offered me a truly life-changing adventure. I got to learn about different cultures, made new friends and experienced personal growth. This period reinforced my belief that it is worth stepping out of my comfort zone and keeping an open mind while exploring the world. Based on all of this, I highly recommend the Erasmus+ programme to anyone who wants to gain new experiences and broaden their horizons.
Anikó Izsóf
Student of the Department of Tourism
