It’s difficult to believe that it was two years ago when I was offered the opportunity to spend an Erasmus year studying at The University of Alicante in Spain. This is mostly because the time I spent in Alicante was so special and exciting, flashing by in a heartbeat. It is also because I’m not sure where the past few months have gone, as I’m sure many others are feeling! Nevertheless, it is wonderful to be back in Bristol and reflect on the work I completed in Spain. The architecture department at the University of Alicante has an extremely collaborative approach with many of the projects completed requiring the students to work together. This gave me an invaluable experience working in a team. It also provided me with an opportunity to work with people from many different nationalities, from universities all over the world.

Furthermore, the opportunity to immerse myself within another learning environment has helped me develop my confidence creatively, and my ability to work in varying ways. For example, in our final studio project we focussed on the idea of ‘Radical Cities’- a narrative, Superstudio inspired project in which our group developed the city of Dubai using bamboo. At first, a project like this seemed out of my comfort zone…we didn’t have to think about building regulations at all!. However, I learned the importance of experimentation and pushing boundaries in order to create unique and exciting work. Working within a narrative also taught me to consistently ensure that the user and their experience was the driving force behind the outcome. 

Whilst academically and creatively I had an incredible experience, I also learned so much from living with another culture. I am generally a fairly stereotypical representation of a stressed-out British architectural student! However, being in Spain has taught me not to worry so much, and ultimately this has had a positive impact on my creativity (and mental state!). I look forward to taking the experiences and skills I have developed into my final year at UWE and I would really implore anyone with the opportunity of studying abroad to take it. It really is an unforgettable experience.

Written by: Eleanor Ring