My Erasmus+ Mobility for studies at ESADA: Clara Grimus, New Design University (Sankt Pölten, Austria)

Clara Grimus, Interior Design student at NEW DESIGN UNIVERSITY (Sankt Pölten, Austria)

Erasmus+ Mobility for studies at ESADA from September 2023 to January 2024.

“The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.”
-Alexander von Humboldt-

I am thrilled to reflect on an incredible semester abroad at the ESADA university in Granada, where I gained a new perspective on interior architecture and dove deep into the world of the Arabic culture. From exploring the historic sights, such as the Alhambra, to collaborating interesting design projects, every moment was a lesson in inspiration.

The city itself is perfect for a semester abroad. Not only because it is a hotspot for Erasmus students, but also because it is place where you never could get bored. Granada on its own has many sights to visit, such as the Alhambra, the Cathedral, the Albaicin (the old arabic town) and much more. But it is also a great starting point for many other places. Malaga, Marbella, the Sierra Nevada, the beach and many more are pretty close to visit.

But also ESADAs curriculum is a convincing argument to go. It seamlessly blended theory and practical application, equipping me with skills to navigate the real-world design challenges. The semester abroad fostered a deeper understanding of how cultural differences shape design choices. Collaborating with talented classmates on diverse projects, despite a language barrier, expanded my creative horizons, providing experience that goes beyond the classroom, but also promoted my communication skills in Spanish and English.

Beside academic growth, it’s been a journey of personal learning and growth. The friendships and cultural exchanges have left an incredible mark on my perspective - professionally and personally.

Returning home, I carry not just a certificate, but a lot of new experiences, a renewed passion for design and, last but not least, a broader worldview. I am beyond grateful for the experiences i made and excited to implement my learnings and the international perspective in my future design projects.