Erasmus+

We asked some questions to Nouhaila from Morocco, an erasmus student who spent a semester a the polytechnic university of Valencia under the Erasmus KA171 program.

1 . How has your experience been living in Valencia so far

I think it’s been just as I expected because the people were very welcoming, the cost of living is not too high, and people are very friendly. Also, I found some of my Moroccan friends here, and I also made friends from other countries. So it was a very good experience.

2. What challenges have you faced adapting to a new country and culture?

As for the challenges I’ve faced, I had to adapt to a new country and culture. I think the first one was the language because I couldn’t speak Spanish very well before coming. So, on my first day, I had a little bit of a problem, for example, when I go to the supermarket or when I want to buy something. I didn’t know Spanish at all, just the few words that I looked into Google Translate before coming. And for the culture, I really love the way that Spanish people are more relaxed and optimistic in the way they live, if I compare them to many European cultures.

3. How have you managed the language barrier? Did you speak Spanish before coming, or have you learned it here?

I think I got the chance to live in a residence with some Spanish friends, so they both speak Spanish and English. At first, I spoke with them in English, and I tried to tell them to speak Spanish between them so that I would try to understand more. So at first, I made so many bad mistakes, but they were very helpful and patient with me. I didn’t know Spanish at all, and so far, I think I have made a very good improvement in my Spanish level.

4. How do you think this Erasmus experience will influence your future academic and professional goals?

I think this was one of my best experiences so far, because to be honest in the architecture field I always learned that Spain has very good higher education in architecture and Valencia is so beautiful. And the Erasmus experience was so awesome too. I got the chance to both develop my career and at the same time my personal life because I got the chance to get out of my comfort zone, meet new people, learn new languages, and be so much surrounded by good energy and good people. So it’s very good.

5. What advice would you give to other students considering participating in an Erasmus program in Valencia?

I would say that they should consider it because it’s a very good decision in their life, but don’t let the fear of new experiences overcome you and hold you back from experiencing good things. So if you have a new experience, embrace it and believe that no matter what problems you have, you will always overcome them. I think this is one of the best pieces of advice.