Hello, my name is Noémie Bravard and I am 20 years old. I am from Saint-Étienne, France.
When did you arrive here? How long are you staying?
I have been here since September 2024 and I will stay for a year, so I will leave in June.
Why did you choose Zaragoza for your Erasmus?
I chose Zaragoza because there are agreements between my school and institutions here. I had to choose between English-speaking or Spanish-speaking countries. I am studying a degree in applied foreign languages and business (called «Licence LEA» in France, which lasts three years), and my specialty is in English and Spanish. I was already familiar with the other proposed cities and wanted to discover a completely different city. Zaragoza was my first choice for Spain.
What are you studying and at which university in Zaragoza?
I am at the University of Zaragoza, known as Unizar, across two campuses: the San Francisco campus and the economics campus on Gran Vía. I am studying a degree in applied foreign languages and business (called «Licence LEA» in France, which lasts three years), with a focus on English and Spanish. The two campuses are close: it takes me about 15 minutes to walk between them.
In what languages are the classes taught?
My classes are primarily taught in English and Spanish, but sometimes also in French. For example, translation classes are in French and Spanish.
What do you think about the teaching methods and the level of studies here?
The teaching methods are very different from those in France, in my opinion. First of all, there are many more students. In LEA in France, we were in small groups of 12 people. Here, we are many more; there can be around twenty, even thirty sometimes. Regarding organization, the facilities are also different: the classrooms are flat, unlike the French amphitheaters, which are tiered. It gives a different impression, less «grand». In terms of the level, the students here have a good level, even the first-year students. I am with people from different years and programs, so I see a bit of everything.
Have you had difficulties adapting to Spanish culture or the language?
Regarding the language, I would say I had few difficulties because I am lucky to study a degree where I learn Spanish and English, so I have good foundations. But it is true that at first I was afraid of the speed of speaking and the accent. I was scared. But in the end, it went very well. In Zaragoza, I think Spaniards are understood well. The speed of speaking is adequate. Then, when I meet people from other regions, it can sometimes be more complicated because of the accent, the speed of speaking, and because expressions change. But overall, it’s going well, honestly.
About the culture, I believe it is quite similar to that of France. But the first culture shock was that Spaniards speak very loudly. It can be surprising at first, especially because in my region we are quite quiet. We don’t speak very loudly. That was the biggest culture shock for me. It stood out to me at first.
Has your level of Spanish improved since you arrived?
Yes, it has improved a lot. I took tests before and during my Erasmus. And I improved by at least two levels, which is no small feat, in just six months. I went from B1 to C1, so yes, I have genuinely progressed. It compelled me to speak in daily life because you find yourself alone. We are obliged to speak with natives. Especially since not much English is spoken in Zaragoza, so one has to speak Spanish.
Do you feel well integrated with the other students and in the university community?
Yes, I feel well integrated in the university community. Regarding the facilities, I think we have good access to study in a quiet environment. This allows for effective work. For example, I am talking about the university library, which is well organized and seems very good to me. As for the professors, they know we are Erasmus students. It is true that we do not have a special criterion for grades, but if we have questions or anything like that, they are always available to help us.
With Spanish students, it is a bit more difficult. The problem in my program is that we are mixed with people from different levels and specialties. So we are with students whom we only see for one hour, and it is not easy to create bonds like that. Additionally, they already know each other. For this reason, it is not easy to make true Spanish friends, even though we see some often in class.
How do you get to the university?
Mainly on foot. I am not far away at all. I am about 7 minutes from my main campus. Also, the weather is nice, so it’s good to take advantage of it.
What are your favorite places in Zaragoza?
I love the historic center with all the monuments, such as the Basilica del Pilar, Plaza de España, la Seo… These are places I enjoy showing to people who come to visit me. I also like the Parque Grande, which is not far, about 15 minutes from my home, so it’s easy to go there. This park is very pleasant and quiet, even when it is busy. For example, when there was a major blackout in the country, it was very nice to meet people and see my friends there.
And regarding the gastronomy, there is a small restaurant that I really like called «La Republicana». It is a tapas restaurant with a retro-bistro style. Also, I come from a region where gastronomy is very important, with «Bouchons Lyonnais». It somewhat reminds me of that atmosphere. «La Republicana» is not expensive, the people are very friendly, and the food is very good.
Are there places you would recommend to future Erasmus students?
«La Republicana,» of course! And all the places I mentioned earlier: the center, the parks, the monuments…
Have you had the opportunity to visit other cities in Spain during your Erasmus?
Yes. With Erasmus, we have groups and associations like «ISA» and «Erasmus Club» that allow us to take trips, whether for a day or several days. So, last Sunday, I was able to visit the Ordesa and Monte Perdido parks in the Pyrenees. It was truly beautiful; it’s definitely worth it. After that, I went to Tudela, Olite, and the Bardenas Reales, which are in Navarra. That is also worth seeing. And outside of this association, I went to Madrid, the capital, which is also worth visiting and is not far away. It is about an hour and a half from here.
Have you noticed cultural differences between the people of Zaragoza and those from your country?
What has been your best experience since you started your Erasmus?
Well, to be honest, there are many, it is difficult to choose. I would say the entire Erasmus experience in general. I have known.
