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

Silvia Nikolova, Graphic Design student at NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ART - SOFIA (Bulgaria)

Erasmus+ Mobility for studies at ESADA from October 2024 to January 2025.

When I first arrived in Granada, Spain, for my Erasmus semester, I knew I was in for an adventure—but I could have never imagined just how incredible the experience would be. From the stunning architecture to the vibrant culture, from wild nights out to inspiring fashion discoveries, my time in Granada was an unforgettable whirlwind of excitement, creativity, and travel.

Granada itself is a magical city, where history meets modernity in the most captivating way. Every time I wandered through the Albayzín, with its narrow cobbled streets and breathtaking views of the Alhambra, I felt like I had stepped into a different era. The city’s energy was intoxicating, especially at night when tapas bars buzzed with life, and the streets filled with music and laughter. As a fashion student, I found endless inspiration in the mix of bohemian, flamenco, and Moorish influences present in the local style. The vivid colors, intricate embroidery, and rich textures of Andalusian fashion sparked new ideas for my own designs.

Of course, no Erasmus experience is complete without a little partying! Granada is known for its legendary nightlife, and I embraced it fully. From dancing until sunrise in underground clubs to singing along to Spanish guitar in tiny flamenco bars, every night out felt like a celebration. And the best part? Free tapas with every drink! This made nights out even better, as I got to try delicious local dishes while enjoying the electric atmosphere of the city.

Beyond Granada, my semester was filled with incredible travel experiences. One of the highlights was my trip to Barcelona, where I marveled at Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, shopped in the stylish boutiques of El Born, and soaked up the city’s cosmopolitan vibe. Madrid, with its grand boulevards, world-class museums, and trendy fashion scene, was another dream destination. I explored the iconic Prado Museum, indulged in churros con chocolate, and fell in love with the city’s energy.

In Ronda, I stood in awe of the dramatic cliffs and the famous Puente Nuevo bridge, while in Toledo, I wandered through medieval streets that looked straight out of a fairy tale. A trip to Málaga brought sunny beach days and a deep dive into the works of Picasso, while Gibraltar offered a surreal mix of British culture in the middle of Spain—plus some very cheeky monkeys!

But perhaps the most unforgettable adventure was my week in Morocco. Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar felt like stepping into another world. Fez enchanted me with its labyrinthine medina, where every alleyway held new treasures, from handcrafted leather goods to vibrant textiles. The intricate mosaics and ancient palaces provided a glimpse into the country’s rich history. The highlight of the trip, however, was spending a night in a desert tent camp. Watching the sun set over the endless dunes, riding camels across the golden sand, and sleeping under a sky bursting with stars was an experience straight out of a dream. The fabrics, patterns, and artisanal craftsmanship I encountered in Morocco were beyond inspiring, leaving me with fresh creative ideas that I can't wait to incorporate into my fashion projects.

Looking back, my Erasmus semester in Granada was everything I had hoped for and more. I met incredible people from all over the world, immersed myself in a culture bursting with creativity, and explored places I had only dreamed of visiting. My time in Spain has not only shaped me as a designer but also as a person, teaching me to embrace spontaneity, find inspiration in the unexpected, and live life to the fullest.