By Isabelle Lydon, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
On my year abroad, I attended Eötvös Lorànd University (ELTE) in Budapest. ELTE is considered one of the best universities in Hungary and is in the top 2% of universities worldwide. It consists of 9 faculties and has over 20,317 courses. They have 528 Erasmus partner universities and luckily UOM was one of them. I study Law at UOM, so I was a part of the Faculty of Law at ELTE which has to have been one of the most stunning university buildings I’ve ever seen.
Looking back after the most fantastic year I thought I would write a cheat sheet of things I wish I knew before my year abroad. Some of it will be generic and others will be specific to Bergen, but I hope it helps anyway!
If you’re dreaming of sun, sand, food, and architecture, then Valencia is your place. From beach bars playing Reggaeton to pools and a vibrant party scene, they’re full of summer fun and relaxation. The popular Malvarrosa Beach and El Saler Beach offers a beautiful and serene backdrops. Known for its iconic dish, paella, Valencia boasts the authentic flavours of this rice-based delicacy, made with fresh seafood or tender meats, and infused with aromatic saffron. Head over to the The city of Arts and Sciences and get a feel for one of Spains 12 treasures.
Almería
Almería is a city that embraces its close proximity to Morocco, infusing its streets with a delightful blend of Islamic and Moroccan influences. Wandering through the vibrant alleyways, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world. The architecture reflects the rich Islamic heritage that has shaped the city’s identity.
During my stay in Almeria, I stumbled upon a Moroccan cafe just a stone’s throw away from our accommodation, and it DELICIOUS. From tagines to fluffy couscous and delectable pastries, every bite transported me to the streets of Marrakech. But it wasn’t just the food that made the experience unforgettable. The ladies at the restaurant were the epitome of warmth and hospitality. They greeted us with genuine smiles and treated us like family.
Granada
Granada is a city that truly knows how to party. From sun sets to sun rise, the streets are full of energy and people. Granada’s nightlife scene offers something for everyone. Get ready to dance the night away, mingle with locals and fellow travelers, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
As you navigate the hilly terrain, prepare to be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. From the iconic Alhambra, a stunning fortress that seems to have sprung from a fairy tale, to the picturesque viewpoints of Mirador de San Nicolás and Mirador de San Cristóbal, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that will take your breath away. And let’s not forget about the enchanting botanical gardens. Nestled in the heart of the city, these lush green havens provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Lose yourself in the maze of exotic plants, fragrant blossoms, and tranquil ponds. It’s a peaceful oasis where you can relax, unwind, and connect with nature.
Seville
Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and you’ll stumble upon lively bars and cafes lining the river, where locals and visitors alike gather to sip refreshing drinks, dance flamenco, and revel in the infectious energy of the city. Sevilla combines the two seamlessly. The Maria Luisa Park, an oasis in the heart of the city, is a must-visit. Take a leisurely stroll amidst the lush gardens, marvel at the stunning fountains, and find a cozy spot to relax.
And let’s not forget the Royal Gardens, nestled within the breathtaking Alcazar. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a true masterpiece, with its intricately designed gardens, elegant courtyards, and stunning architecture. Game of Thrones fans, the Royal Gardens of the Alcazar in Sevilla is the filming location for the world of Dorne.
Córdoba
The river that gently flows through Cordoba. Take a leisurely stroll along its banks, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a sense of tranquility. The river provides a serene escape from the bustle of the city, offering a peaceful spot to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Cordoba is a place where history and culture mix. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Mezquita-Catedral, a breathtaking fusion of a Christian cathedral and an Islamic mosque. It’s a testament to the city’s rich past and the cultural exchange that flourished here.
The city comes alive in June with the Cordoba Flamenco Festival. Several stages are erected across the city with dozens of artists and dancers performing throughout the festivities.
The Festival of San Isidro is a week-long celebration in Madrid honouring the city’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. The festival occurs between the 6th -15th (the 15th being the official feast day) and includes numerous and varied events and activities such as: concerts, music, procession and parades.
by Aimee Kinniburgh, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Netherlands
Having lived in Amsterdam now for nearly 9 months, I think I’ve finally earnt the right to talk about some of my favourite, lesser-known places in Amsterdam to go for a coffee, study or for a pint in the all be in very limited, sun. So if you happen to find yourself in Amsterdam feel free to use this list to get away from some of the tourist, and TikTok, traps.
The north of Spain tends to be overlooked. Most people think of the South as the holiday destination, but the North has an abundance of gems. If you’re in Madrid it’ll take around 4-6 hours by bus to get to the North of Spain, specifically the Basque region, but its well worth the journey. The region is full of history and boasts a unique culture and language that is distinct from the rest of Spain. Bilbao and San Sebastian are my favourite northern cities in Spain’s Basque region.
Despite my research, I didn’t know that Madrid is surrounded by mountains. Known as Sierra de Guadarrama, the mountains lie just outside of madrid, an hour by bus. If you have a student travel card, the journey is free. There are a few buses that stop near the mountain; the 682, 684, 685, and the 688.
Summer or winter the mountains are filled with beauty and adventure.
By Isabelle Lydon, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
It is inevitable that at some point into your year abroad you will experience some form of homesickness. Some of us may experience it more than others depending on how far away from home we are, but I think we all experience it one way or another. Feeling any type of homesickness is perfectly okay. Living in a new country alone is a really daunting experience, especially a non-English speaking country, because you are thrown completely out of your comfort zone. I think we all deserve a pat on the back for how courageous we have been this year (or semester). Whilst I am having the best time on my year abroad in Budapest, I have missed my family and friends a lot. My friends also missed their families and friends also – like I said, it is completely natural. In this post, I am going to tell you some of the things I did to help with the feeling of homesickness.
Despite the impact of the strikes (see my previous post!), the trains both within and beyond the Occitane region of France have allowed me and my friends to visit lots of other towns and cities nearby. To make it even better, at the start of each months, some of these regional trains cost only 1 euro!!! We recently made the most of this with a trip to Avignon, Nîmes and Montpellier.
Macron’s controversial decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 certainly has not gone down too well with French workers, with strikes and protests occurring all over the city, and country, since January. An estimated 50,000-100,000 people have taken part in each of the marches in Toulouse alone, with an estimate of over 3 million across France. Whilst precise numbers are heavily debated between the police and the CGT (the main left wing trade union group), it has been impossible to ignore the impact this reform proposal has had on French society.
