Studying at UPC
At UPC, I continued studying subjects related to my degree in Business Information Technology. Even though the field was familiar, studying abroad gave me a new perspective on university life.
One thing I noticed was that many students seemed highly motivated and genuinely interested in their studies. The atmosphere felt academic and focused, which encouraged me to stay engaged with my own coursework as well.
Alongside my studies, I continued working remotely for a Finnish company. Balancing studies and work required planning, but it also allowed me to gain international experience while maintaining connections to working life in Finland.
Life Outside the Classroom
A large part of my exchange experience happened outside the university. Barcelona is an international city, and it was easy to meet people from different countries through Erasmus events and student activities.
My free time was filled with social events, evenings out with friends, beach volleyball, and exploring the city. Barcelona has a unique combination of urban life, beaches, and nearby mountains. One weekend I could be playing volleyball by the sea, and the next I could be hiking in the hills overlooking the city.
The Erasmus community was one of the highlights of the exchange. I met people from all over Europe and beyond, and many of the friendships I made will continue long after the exchange has ended.
Comparing Spain and Finland
There are many similarities between studying in Spain and Finland, but I also noticed some differences.
The biggest difference for me was the atmosphere around studying. At UPC, students often seemed very interested in their subjects and actively involved in their studies. This created a positive learning environment and made discussions in class more engaging.
The social side of university life also felt more international than what I had experienced in Finland. Because Barcelona attracts students from around the world, there were always opportunities to meet new people and learn about different cultures.
At the same time, the exchange helped me appreciate the strengths of the Finnish education system. Experiencing both environments gave me a broader understanding of higher education and different ways of learning.
A Semester to Remember
My exchange semester in Barcelona gave me much more than academic credits. It allowed me to develop professionally, experience a new culture, and build friendships with people from many different countries.
The semester was also personally very meaningful because I got engaged in January while living in Spain. That made an already unforgettable exchange experience even more special.
Studying abroad challenged me, helped me grow as a person, and created memories that I will carry with me for a long time. I would highly recommend an exchange period to any student considering it.
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