As I sit in the cozy library swing in Barcelona, I find myself right at the beginning of my last month of Erasmus exchange. This feels like the beginning of the end of something beautiful, and I already feel nostalgic. I feel like my Erasmus+ experience has been a bit different than the stereotypical one: rather than spending nights in clubs, I cherished evenings in local bars, enjoying tapas and tinto de verano. I spent time on the beach, but I also made a point to visit every library I could stumble upon. I attended classes, but I also participated in local demonstrations. I took many trips, but I explored every part of Barcelona – its historical, cultural, touristic, and natural aspects.

As a Spanish major, my goal in Barcelona has been to use my knowledge of Spanish and Catalan, and to explore every corner I could reach. What I love most about the Catalan people is their passion for fighting for rights: women’s rights, independence rights, queer rights… They believe that every human has the right to live in peace without any presumptions. In the four months I’ve lived here, not one local has been mean to me. Everyone works with a smile, minding their own business (which has been a big culture shock for me, coming from the Balkans ;) ) and ready to start a nice conversation if you ask them something. Being a part of Women’s Day demonstration was really important to me: 40 000 people marching from one part of the city to another, chanting about women’s rights, including women, men, children and entire families. It was beautiful.

I unconsciously turned my Erasmus+ experience into a grand literature trip. As a literature student and avid reader, I spent much of my time buying books in Spanish and Catalan that are unavailable in my country, and visiting bookish coffee shops, bookstores, and libraries. Barcelona is home to a library that won the competition as the most beautiful in the world! Catalan people have a profound love for books: all public libraries are free of charge, and despite there being more than 70 libraries in Barcelona, finding a free spot can be a challenge. One day, in particular, stands out for me: Sant Jordi. Sant Jordi is a Catalan holiday, akin to Valentine’s Day, where people – couples, friends, family – gift books and roses to each other. I’ve never seen the city more alive than on Sant Jordi. Every street was filled with roses and book stands, everything bathing in Catalan colors (yellow and red), with concerts in the squares and authors signing books. On my way home that day, every person on the metro had a rose in their hand and a bag full of books. It was a beautiful sight. 

I didn’t just experience local culture though. I tried Australian Vegemite, American peanut butter, Korean tteok-beokki. Dutch cheese and much more. Each new food brought a different sensation: the salty punch of Vegemite, the creamy sweetness of original peanut butter and the spicy chewiness of tteok-beokki. I met people from all around the world, not just Europe. My circle of friends included individuals from Asia, the Americas, Europe, each bringing their own unique stories and traditions. I learned so many fun facts about the world! For instance, did you know that in Hungary, it's customary to avoid clinking beer glasses? This tradition dates back to the 19th century when their enemy ban Jelačić celebrated his victory over the Hungarians with a toast. Incredible! Crazy enough, most of the people knew where my small country is, even people from Singapore or Brazil! Even though I was fully immersed in the local culture, I still came alone here, so my international friends (who had the same situation) made it much easier to live. Meeting so many diverse people broadened my perspective and made me appreciate the rich tapestry of global cultures. It also made me reflect on my own background, realizing how much our customs and traditions shape our identities. This was particularly evident during this year’s Eurovision contest, where I felt a surge of pride for my country!

Every time I heard someone say that Erasmus+ changed their lives, a small part of me doubted it could have such a big influence. But after this experience, I completely agree. It hasn’t just influenced my life; it has shaped me as a person, giving me new habits and introducing me to people I would never have met otherwise. I feel like in every new place that I visit, I take away valuable lessons and I build myself as a person. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my Erasmus+ experience is not ending – it’s just the beginning. My journey of exploring the world has just started, and I look forward to embracing all the opportunities that come my way!