“I’ve always been open to living outside of Spain, but now more than ever”
Stepping out of your comfort zone, studying in another country, and navigating life in a different language is an experience that can leave a lasting mark on your college years. This is evident in the case of Mirian Faes, a student at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), who decided to complete part of her studies at Griffith College; both institutions are members of the European university alliance DIVERSE.
Thanks to this international exchange experience, Faes not only advanced her academic education but also developed new personal skills, expanded her network of contacts, and discovered a new culture.
Mirian pursued a dual degree in Business Administration and Management (BAM) at UNEATLANTICO and Griffith College (Dublin). This allowed her to spend a semester studying in Ireland. For her, this was a key factor in choosing a university:
“One of the key factors that led me to study Business Administration and Management at UNEATLANTICO was the opportunity to spend a year in Ireland,” she explains.
During her stay, she particularly appreciated the support she received from the host institution, the approachability of the faculty, and the practical nature of the classes—aspects that helped her adapt to an English-speaking academic environment.
“For me, it was an academic challenge, but I managed to adapt and successfully pass all my courses,” she notes.
One of the biggest challenges at the start of the experience was the language. However, as the months went by, this concern eventually turned into one of his greatest strengths. Daily immersion allowed him to significantly improve his English and gain confidence in communicating.
She also highlights the support services available to international students, both academically and in terms of personal well-being. The opportunity to access tutoring, remedial classes, and psychological support services for those who need them was one of the aspects she valued most during her time away from home and while sharing a living space with new people.
An International Campus and a Welcoming Community
For Faes, campus life was one of the most enriching aspects of the experience. The international atmosphere, extracurricular activities, and shared spaces made it easy to form bonds with students of different nationalities.
“We didn’t even have to leave campus. We had friends, activities, places to study, or just hang out together. I spent a lot of time there and loved it,” she recalls.
The activities organized by the university—including sports, cultural, and wellness initiatives—fostered student integration and allowed young people from different countries to build a truly international community.
Over time, her group of classmates became her closest circle of friends—something that, along with the hospitality of Irish society, made her feel at home very quickly.
Beyond the University
The experience also gave her the opportunity to immerse herself in Irish culture. Live music in pubs, the sports atmosphere, and how easily people socialize were some of the things that surprised her the most.
“Going to a pub with friends, listening to live traditional music, or discovering new places all over the country were some of my favorite activities,” she says.
During her stay, she also took the opportunity to travel through different regions of Ireland, further enriching a period she recalls as one of the most important of her college career.
An Experience That Leaves a Lasting Impression
Beyond the academic knowledge she gained, the international exchange experience had a profound impact on her personal development. Mirian highlights how this experience helped her gain independence, build her confidence, and tackle new challenges with a more open mind.
For her, living abroad has broadened her worldview and allowed her to discover new possibilities for her personal and professional future.
“I’d always been open to living outside of Spain, but now more than ever. Living in another country broadens your horizons and helps you overcome many fears.”
For students considering taking the plunge, her advice is clear:
“Work hard, learn as much as you can, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience. That’s what you’ll really take with you.”