Work hard, learn as much as you can, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience. It’s what you’ll truly take away with you.

Stepping outside one’s comfort zone, studying in another country and working in a different language is an experience that can have a lasting impact on university life. This was certainly the case for Mirian Faes, a student at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (UNEATLANTICO), who chose to complete part of her studies at Griffith College, both member institutions of DIVERSE.

Thanks to this international mobility experience, Faes not only advanced her academic education but also developed new personal skills, expanded her network and discovered a new culture.

Mirian studied a double degree in Business Administration and Management (BAM) ) offered jointly by UNEATLANTICO and Griffith College (Dublin). This enabled her to undertake an academic placement in Ireland. There, she found much more than a learning environment: she made friends, took part in activities and enjoyed an unforgettable experience that allowed her to grow both inside and outside the classroom.

During her stay, she particularly appreciated the support provided by the host institution, the approachable teaching staff and the practical nature of the classes, all of which helped her adapt to an English-speaking academic environment.

“For me, it was an academic challenge, but I managed to adapt and successfully complete all my modules,” she explains.

One of the greatest challenges at the beginning of her experience was the language. However, as the months went by, this concern became one of her greatest strengths. Daily immersion enabled her to significantly improve her English and gain confidence in communicating with others.

She also speaks highly of the support services available to international students, both academically and in terms of personal wellbeing. The opportunity to access tutorials, supplementary classes and psychological support services for those who need them was something Faes highlighted as particularly important when living away from home and sharing accommodation with new people.

An International Campus and a Welcoming Community

For Faes, campus life was one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience. The international atmosphere, extracurricular activities and shared spaces made it easy to build friendships with students from different nationalities.

“There was no need to leave the campus. We had friends, activities, places to study or simply spend time together. I spent a lot of time there, and I loved it,” she recalls.

The activities organised by the university, including sporting, cultural and wellbeing initiatives, helped students integrate and enabled young people from different countries to build a genuine international community.

Her group of classmates eventually became her closest circle of friends, something that, together with the hospitality of Irish society, made her feel at home very quickly.

Discovering Ireland Beyond the Classroom

The experience also gave her the opportunity to immerse herself in Irish culture. Live music in pubs, the sporting atmosphere and the ease with which people socialise were among the aspects that impressed her most.

“Going to a pub with friends, listening to live traditional music or discovering new places around the country were some of my favourite things to do,” she says.

During her stay, she also took the opportunity to travel across different regions of Ireland, further enriching what she remembers as a defining stage of her university journey.

An Experience That Leaves a Lasting Mark

Beyond the academic knowledge she acquired, the international mobility experience had a profound impact on her personal development. She highlights how it helped her become more independent, build self-confidence and face new challenges with a more open-minded outlook.

For Faes, living abroad has broadened her perspective on the world and allowed her to discover new possibilities for her personal and professional future.

“I had always been open to living outside Spain, but now more than ever. Living in another country broadens your horizons and helps you overcome many fears.”

For students considering taking the leap, her advice is clear:

“Work hard, learn as much as you can, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience. It’s what you’ll truly take away with you.”