Originally from Scotland, Owen shares his Erasmus experience in Zaragoza, encompassing linguistic adaptation, a demanding university rhythm, and discoveries that made his stay a year as intense as it was unforgettable.
Hello! My name is Owen Macdonald. I am 25 years old and I am from Scotland.
When did you do your Erasmus in Zaragoza?
I did my Erasmus two years ago, in 2022 and 2023.
How long did you stay here during that period?
I stayed for a whole year, which is two semesters.
Why did you choose Zaragoza for your Erasmus?
For me, Zaragoza was the most authentic place. It was an affordable city, I knew I could learn a lot of Spanish, and it is very well located. It is easy to travel to Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia. And honestly, I do not regret choosing it at all.
Where did you study and at which university in Zaragoza?
I studied at the University of Zaragoza, in the Faculty of Economics and Business, which many students know as «La Empresa.»
In what language were your classes?
My classes were in Spanish. Only in Spanish. For me, it was mandatory.
What do you think about the teaching method or the educational level here?
The education was good. I don’t think they are very used to having Erasmus students learning Spanish, but some teachers were very good, while others not so much. I would say it was a reasonable experience.
Did you have difficulties adapting to the Spanish culture or language?
At first, it was very difficult for me to adapt to the language, especially in some classes. But over time, I had to keep going, because if not, I would fail. Then it became easier. However, it is true that some classes were very tough, and the teachers don’t usually adapt to foreign students. Classes follow their pace, and if you can’t keep up, you fall behind.
Did your Spanish improve during your Erasmus stay?
A lot, yes. It improved much more than during all the years I studied at university in Scotland. Here, my level rose significantly. Now I speak Spanish well; before, I spoke it at an acceptable level, now I am around a C1 level.
Did you feel well integrated with other students and the university community?
Honestly, not much. I think many students in Zaragoza are focused on their own things. Some are very kind, but many do not spend much time helping Erasmus students. They are focused on their own studies, which is understandable. Still, people are very nice. Just integrating with local students can be a bit more complicated, at least from my personal experience. It might be something particular to Zaragoza, I don’t know.
How did you usually get to the university?
I walked most of the time. I lived very close to the university, but when I had classes in the faculty on the other side of the river, it was very far, so I took the tram.
What were your favorite places in Zaragoza?
Las Playas. My favorite place was Las Playas, where we could play volleyball; it was like an artificial beach. It was the spot where we all met at the beginning, where we got to know each other. Without a doubt, that was my favorite place. And also a café called Koalalumpur, which I liked very much.
Is there a place you would recommend to future Erasmus students?
Of course. Las Playas is a place where everyone meets, but Kenbo is iconic. Everyone should go to Kenbo. It’s a nightclub in the old town area. I would say it’s the best place. There are also many other fun options around the city to discover, depending on what you like.
Were you able to visit other cities or regions of Spain during your stay?
The good thing about Erasmus in Zaragoza is that there are many organized excursions. We took trips to Valencia, San Sebastián, Bilbao… I made the most of all those opportunities. And if I couldn’t go with the Erasmus group, I went on my own or with friends who would say, «let’s go to Tarragona,» and off I went. So yes, I traveled a lot. I also visited places like Madrid, Granada, or even small towns that I loved.
Did you notice any cultural differences between the people in Zaragoza and those from your country?
I think people here are much more open to talking to strangers. People are very friendly and welcoming. You can talk to someone on the bus and they are delighted to chat, something that is not so common in Scotland. Also, here it is normal to have a drink during the day without anyone judging you, while in Scotland that is not usual. Those are two differences that stood out to me, although there are many more.
What was your best experience during your Erasmus year?
The trip to Valencia with Erasmus Zaragoza was great, I loved it. And in Zaragoza, Las Playas. Playing volleyball there and meeting everyone was the best way to start the Erasmus year. I also fondly remember some themed parties organized by the Erasmus community, which were very fun and helped a lot to create bonds.
Would you like to live in Spain or Zaragoza again someday?
To Spain, definitely. To Zaragoza, maybe not, but only because I would like to try another city, like Seville, for example. But Zaragoza will always hold a special place for me because it was my first experience living here.
What advice would you give to future Erasmus students coming to Zaragoza?
Don’t be shy. If you’re shy, you’re limiting yourself. If you have the courage to talk to people and say, «Hello, my name is Owen, I’m from…» you will see that everyone is in the same situation. Be brave, talk to people and you will have a great time. And go to parties, but in moderation. Participate in activities, go on excursions, try the local food… The more open you are, the better your experience will be.
