Student experience

3rd year students Kubenova Zhanel and Orazbekkyzy Aigul share their impressions of academic mobility under the Erasmus program in Spain at the Valladolid University.

Сартбай Акнур студентка 2 курса специальности «социальная работа» рассказывает о своем обучении в университете LAMK в Финляндии.

“Erasmus+ fulfills dreams” by Kamila Ryskaliyeva

My name is Kamila Ryskaliyeva. I’m from Kazakhstan . I am 21 years old. I am a student of the Kazakh University of Economics, Finance and International Trade. Since childhood, I have long dreamed of knowing many languages, traveling and getting acquainted with the cultures and traditions of other countries.

I want to tell you about my incredible and vivid experience at most ancient University of Spain in the University of Valladolid. This is my first time in Europe and abroad in general. For me this is an unforgettable experience. Here I am exactly two months and I am in love with this country.

When I first arrived I was a little difficult with the language since I had never been in an environment where they speak Spanish and English. My level of Spanish was basic and I studied it on my own. When my friend and I arrived in Valladolid it was very cold and we did not know how to get to our hostel and we asked for help the woman standing at the bus stop, she really helped us and I am very grateful to her. I really like people here, they are very kind, open, smiling and ready to help. I was also very touched by the attitude of people towards animals. This once again speaks of their generosity and kindness.

I study Commerce. With me in the group study 46 people from 17 different countries: Russia, France, Italy, Germany, Egypt, Albania, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Netherlands and so on. It is simply unbelievable that, so many different nationalities from different points of our planet Earth can gather in one audience. Thanks to this, you can get acquainted with other cultures and their customs, practice other foreign languages, learn something new from them. Here are very experienced and competent professors, they are always open, you can safely ask them questions that concern you, treat us with understanding and support us in our endeavors. Their activities motivate you and help you to grow. Although the system and method of teaching are completely different from teaching in my country by the fact that here we work in groups, various interesting tasks for example with constructors to create own company or to explore your country’s market. I found out more about Trade and Consumer Behavior in Spain and different countries . I know that this experience will help me in the future in spite of the fact that in my country I am studying in another specialty. Erasmus+ program helped me to realize myself as a person, to become more open, responsible, helped my self-improvement and broadening my horizons. Thanks to all this, you begin to think differently and you become more stronger, more independence.

During these two month I managed to visit several cities in Spain, such as the capital of Spain-Madrid, San Sebastian, Barcelona. These are incredibly beautiful cities, each city is filled with its own history, atmosphere, rhythm of life, culture, traditions and each of them has something special that attracts and inspires. In the city of Valladolid there are a lot of museums, beautiful places, parks, different types of wines are produced here, as well as many places where you can eat and have a good time with friends and relatives.

I really liked the Spanish national dishes Paella, Tortilla, Croquettes.

This country never ceases to amaze me every day more and more. During the two months of my stay here, I learned a lot and realized that you cannot stop believing in yourself, always striving for the right thing and dream. I am very glad that thanks to the Erasmus + program I had the opportunity to get such a wonderful experience at the University of Valladolid and study in such an extraordinary country as Spain. I am very grateful to this program for helping me make my dream come true.

“My First Experience Studying Abroad” by Aizhan Satmagambetova

My name is Aizhan. I’m from Kazakhstan. I study at “World Economy” in my country. In Spain, I study at the faculty of commerce. A year ago, I won a grant for studying in the University of Valladolid and it’s a great honor to study here. It’s my first experience studying in a foreign country and a good opportunity to practise my English and learn a new language.

I arrived to Spain on the first of February. It was really difficult at the beginning. At first, I sort out my documents, which were necessary for the university and for opening my student card in bank “Santander”. Then, I visited some shops, supermarkets and the centre of the city, starting the adaptation to the life in Spain. I always shoot videos and I hope they upload them. Living here, I realized that the life in Spain is different than in Kazakhstan and, of course, everything is interesting and new for me. I live in a flat, which is not far from my faculty, with 2 girls; Eulalie, from France and Kamila, from Kazakhstan, who came here to study with me. They are very nice.

Now I want to talk about studying in Spain. I chose 3 subjects to study and all of them are very interesting and creative. I met many people from Europe, Asia, etc. Many of them are communicative and friendly. I started to learn Spanish. I’m very interested in it.

I went to three cities of Spain: Madrid, Barcelona and San Sebastian. Two weeks after my arrival, I decided to go to Madrid, the capital of Spain, with my friend from Kazakhstan. It’s very beautiful city and I enjoyed it. Honestly, I like Madrid more than Barcelona. At the end of February, I went to Barcelona with my friends from Kyrgyzstan. It was a memorable trip, we visit such a different places.

Now, I organized a trip with my friends. Our trip includes some countries such as France, Luxembourg, Netherlands or Belgium. I believe that it will be the best trip.