My Erasmus+ Mobility for studies at ESADA: Radina Velcheva, National Academy of Art - Sofia

01 March 2023

Radina Velcheva, Graphic Design student at NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ART - SOFIA (Bulgaria)

Erasmus+ Mobility for studies at ESADA from October 2022 to January 2023.

The city of Granada is a very beautiful, peaceful, warm, lively and youthful city. Most locals do not speak English and it is a wonderful opportunity to practice your Spanish language skills. I didn't have any when I arrived, but by the end of my stay I could understand more than I thought I would. The old streets, inﬂuenced by Arab culture, are perfect for afternoon strolls. The tropical gardens are uniquely beautiful. The many places to watch the sunset - ditto. The live music stage is busy every day, and the various Erasmus organisations do community inclusion events. Four months are not enough to enjoy the atmosphere that is provided.
Regarding finding an apartment for the semester was a bit difficult though, many people take advantage of international students by jacking up the price of the room in question knowing we have no other choice.

ESADA university is focused on the ﬁeld of design. I studied Graphic Design in the 4th year. I was pleasantly surprised how friendly everyone is and also how the professors and students talk freely with no titles attached. I think this is a great environment for students to not be embarrassed to express their opinions on their own ideas and projects, as well as their criticisms on others. I would say that my time at this university has helped me to better learn 2 new platforms to work on, helped me to better systematize my way of working, as well as defend and present my projects credibly. The professors are always willing to pay attention and motivate me, but I did not receive enough constructive criticism from them. The process of working during lectures created a working environment in which I could concentrate and apply what I learned during lecture.

My favourite moment of my semester abroad was the people I met and the friendships I made. Everyone was wonderful, very positive and social. They encourage you to hang out more, travel, and become closer. I can say that I will see a set of the people I met again. Even if we haven't known each other long, everyone is willing to help. My housemates were also students, there were seven of us in total and we formed a small group that we went around the city and beyond with.

The international department was very kind to us, had organised a welcome day for Erasmus students, and at the end of the semester we got together for a tour of the culturally historic Alhambra fortress.