Leonardo Costagliola - Mon année de mobilité diplômante à l'Université Pompeu Fabra en Espagne

Context and Motivation

When I first considered studying abroad, my goal was clear: I wanted to challenge myself academically and personally, and discover a new cultural and educational environment, as well as learn a new language I had always wished to master. The opportunity to pursue a double diploma at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona, one of Spain’s top institutions for economics, was the perfect fit for both my academic aspirations and my desire to live in a vibrant European city.

Integration and Cultural Adaptation

Adapting to the local lifestyle in Barcelona was smooth, though not without its moments of surprise. The Catalan rhythm of life, with its later mealtimes and more relaxed daily pace, was quite different from what I was used to. On campus, however, I found a welcoming international community, especially with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). There was little to no cultural shock, although navigating some local bureaucracy (especially related to housing or transportation) did require some patience. The Catalans do not differ significantly from the kind of people I was used to in Toulouse, even though the Catalan language barrier was a major concern for me since I was trying to learn Spanish by meeting locals.

Living Costs and Budgeting

Barcelona is relatively affordable compared to other major European cities, though prices can vary greatly depending on location. I found a student residence near the university, which helped with commuting time and costs. Public transport is very efficient and not too expensive with a monthly student pass.

Here’s a rough estimate of my monthly budget:

• Rent: Can go from 500€ to 1500€ a month depending on the location and the fanciness of the residence.

• Transport: 40€ for a 3-month pass for young people (T-JOVE), covering most of Barcelona via Tram, Metro, and Bus.

• Groceries and daily life: 300€ a month for groceries (which can sound expensive to many, but I am a huge fan of physical activity, which leads to higher nutritional needs for an individual like me) and around 200€ for daily pleasures monthly.

This experience taught me a lot about financial independence and how to manage a monthly budget effectively.

Campus Services

UPF offers excellent student services, including international student guidance, access to library and study spaces, as well as sports teams like the prestigious UPF football team and activity clubs like the chess club, which I took part in. I didn’t engage with career services, given the academic nature of my year, but they seemed very present and active, with regular job fairs and company talks on campus.

Academic System and Coursework

The academic experience at UPF was rigorous and rewarding. The teaching style is very dynamic and discussion-based, and I noticed a strong focus on critical thinking and applied knowledge. I had to adjust to the pace at the beginning, but I found the workload manageable with good organization.

Assessment often involved continuous evaluation.
In fact, for every subject, the problem sets needed to be completed and sent before the seminar class, and therefore they were graded continuously, along with recurrent mid-terms and group projects, to provide an unbiased continuous evaluation grade, which, combined with the final exam grade, determines the final grade of the subject.

The main difference between what I was used to at TSE is that at UPF, grades do not compensate. That is to say, if your final grade in a class is 4/10 — below the passing grade (usually 5/10, communicated by the teacher at the beginning of the trimester) — or if you do not manage to obtain the minimum grade needed to pass the final exam (usually 4/10 or 5/10), you will have to come for the recuperation exam to get a second chance to validate the subject. If you still fail to do so, students must retake the subject the next year in the same trimester and re-pass the whole course. This can sound scary for students in my case because it means we have to pass every subject given these options. Fortunately, I validated every course on the first try.

I think it is fair to mention that the academic system has an unpleasant twist, called Academia-CETEC. To sum it up, it is an organisation of past students and individuals working with UPF that offers intensive online courses in Spanish, based solely on passing the final exam and not on a deep understanding of the subject. They provide students access to past exams and solutions, which are not available to others. This can lead to an unfair advantage for CETEC students. Approximately 70% of students use this service, and many of them never attend class (presence is not mandatory for lectures or seminars) since they rely entirely on CETEC’s efficiency — which, I have to admit, rarely fails.

I was personally shocked by how naturally this system was accepted at UPF, as if it were part of student life. For me, it was a manifestation of social inequalities: wealthy people have it easier, even in places like UPF which should represent equality and fairness. In fact, the price for access to one CETEC course (every subject has its own) ranges from 100€ to 200€, depending on the importance and difficulty of the subject. For a total of 12 classes throughout the year, this adds up to an average of 1600€ per student for this external support.

Language and Communication

All my courses were taught in English, and the level of English proficiency expected from students was quite high. You don’t necessarily need to speak Spanish or Catalan to follow the academic content, but I would recommend at least a basic level of Spanish for daily life outside the university.

Throughout the year, I noticed a clear improvement in both my academic English and conversational Spanish, especially through group work and local interaction. Being an Italian native helped me noticeably in learning Spanish. Talking with students from my residence and classmates from UPF slowly but surely helped me get comfortable with the language. Today, I can confidently say that I am a fluent Spanish speaker — an achievement I never thought possible before this immersive experience.

Outcome and Personal Growth

This year allowed me to achieve the academic goals I had set for myself — and much more. I’ve gained not only stronger analytical and research skills, but also increased adaptability, intercultural awareness, and self-confidence.
I now feel much more prepared to pursue my future career in industrial organisation and economics.

Advice for Future Students

• Start your housing search early – demand in Barcelona is high, especially around September.

• Don’t hesitate to speak up in class – participation is encouraged and valued.

• Try to engage with local students – even though Catalans are slightly reluctant toward foreigners, most will appreciate your effort and will be happy to talk with you. If you are willing to learn their language, it is by far the best method.

• Plan your workload – deadlines can cluster, so it’s important to stay organised.

Final Thoughts

Spending a year at UPF has been one of the most valuable experiences of my academic journey. Living in Barcelona, studying at a top-tier institution, and connecting with peers from all over the world has left a lasting impression. I would absolutely recommend this mobility to any student looking for academic challenge, personal growth, and cultural discovery.