Lina in Barcelona: a semester abroad as part of her Tourism & Event Management degree at Dresden University of Applied Sciences.

Lina's semester abroad in Barcelona

Lina, a student on the Tourism & Event Management course, chose Barcelona for her semester abroad. Having visited the city before, she quickly realised she wanted to return – and not just as a tourist. She was particularly impressed by the unique blend of culture, lifestyle and urban charm. At the same time, it offered her the perfect opportunity to further improve her Spanish in everyday life.

During her stay, she immersed herself deeply in local life, gained new experiences and developed not only linguistically but also personally. You can find out more in the interview.

“I’ve always been particularly fascinated by this city”

Why did you choose Barcelona?

I chose Barcelona because I’d already been there once earlier this year and fell in love with the city straight away. I love Spain, and Barcelona isn’t too far from Germany either. I’ve always had a special fascination with this city – its atmosphere, culture and way of life simply intrigued me. I also wanted to take the opportunity to further improve the Spanish I’d already learnt.

How did you fund your semester abroad?

I received funding from Erasmus for my semester abroad. However, my parents covered the majority of the costs – around 80% – for which I am very grateful to them.

Where did you live?

During my semester abroad, I lived in my own rented flat from AB Apartments Barcelona. The flat was right on La Rambla and very close to the sea – a truly special location.

How did you go about organising your stay abroad?

Overall, the organisation went very well. Whenever I had questions or problems, Paola Yaconis was always there to listen and offer support.

What were your highlights in Barcelona?

My highlights in Barcelona were, above all, the friendships I made there. Another special experience was going to a football match. On top of that, the city itself was simply a highlight – Barcelona is beautiful and unique. I completely understand why so many people call this city home.

Would you recommend that other students go abroad during their studies?

Yes, definitely. I would strongly recommend it to anyone. A semester abroad changes a person. Even if you don’t learn the language perfectly, you develop enormously as a person and in terms of character.

Do you have any tips for students who are still planning their semester abroad or work placement?

My advice would be to definitely start planning well in advance. You should also budget a bit more than you might initially think. Once you’re there, you’ll discover lots of things you’ll want to experience or try out.

How would you describe your experience abroad in terms of your future career?

The semester abroad helped me get to know myself better and see more clearly where I want to go in life. At the same time, it also showed me that I can probably envisage my professional future in Germany.

How would you sum up your semester abroad in three words?

Challenging, unforgettable, inspiring

- Lina, studying Tourism & Event Management at Dresden University of Applied Sciences.

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