Agnė Matačinskaitė, a student of English Philology, shares her Erasmus experience in Spain, challenging the common belief that studying in Southern Europe requires fluency in the local language. Her story highlights personal growth, cultural adaptation, and the value of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone.

It is often believed that Erasmus exchanges in Southern Europe are impossible without knowing the local language. This can discourage participation in Erasmus programs, especially if the most desirable countries are Spain, Italy, or Portugal. However, in my case, this was more of a myth than a reality. My Erasmus exchange took place in Zaragoza, a very authentic Spanish city between Barcelona and Madrid, where most of the city's inhabitants do not speak English. However, all courses at my university were taught in English, which automatically made the exchange less daunting. The Erasmus exchange was an extremely valuable experience, both academically and personally: while studying, I had the opportunity to experience an academic environment in a completely different context, make international friends, and gain new experiences that broadened my horizons and strengthened my independence."

What was the hardest thing you had to adapt to in your host country, and how did you eventually handle it? 

I think the language barrier was the one thing I struggled the most with, especially because in Zaragoza not a lot of people spoke English, however with time I learned words and phrases that really helped with everyday conversations and gave made me feel more at place.

How did living abroad change the way you see yourself or your home country now that you're back?

I think it made me appreciate Lithuania even more not only because it is my home but also its advantages that I took for granted.

Was there a moment when you felt really homesick? How did you get through it?

Surprisingly, I never felt homesick, but I think this was because I had a close friend also doing Erasmus in Spain, friends that would visit me and always a phone to talk to my relatives.

What’s the most embarrassing or hilarious cultural misunderstanding you had during your exchange?

Once after university lectures (around 11:30) I went into a coffee shop to get a coffee and a desert.  When I ordered the barista looked at me funnily, so I thought maybe he didn't understand what I asked for so I tried again, and he started laughing and saying that he thought I wanted to order a beer and even showed me the bottle. I was so embarrassed that I forgot I also wanted a cookie, so I just took my coffee said thanks and only started laughing when I was out of the coffee shop.

If you had to describe your Erasmus experience in three emojis only, which ones would you pick and why?

🍺- not only because it was the drink consumed quite often, but also because I meet a lot of Germans with whom I know have beautiful friendships 

🌞 - one of the things I always cherished and enjoyed was how sunny it always was, no matter the season.

🇪🇸- quite an obvious answer, but not only for the location but also for the Spanish language with whom I had love-hate relationship

What advice would you give to your pre-Erasmus self, knowing everything you know now?

It sounds scarier than what it actually is.

If someone is thinking about doing Erasmus but is scared, what would you tell them in one sentence?

Opportunities like this don't often show up, so why waste it?