- Story
Bese Mehmetoglu — My Semester Abroad in Valencia, Spain
01.10.2025 My motivation for a semester abroad was to improve my language skills, experience a new culture, and gain insights into student life in another country. I chose the Universitat Politècnica de València – a vibrant university with a diverse range of courses and an international environment.
Key Takeaways
- Many courses were eligible for credit transfer at BFH; UPV offers a wide and multilingual range of courses.
- Improved Spanish skills in everyday life and international connections through Erasmus events.
- Lighter academic workload compared to BFH – more time for personal development and leisure.
- Recommendation: plan early, choose safe and campus-close accommodation, and take advantage of Erasmus activities.
Choosing the University
One of my main objectives was to ensure that as many courses as possible could be credited towards my studies at BFH, allowing me to continue my studies without delay. I also valued the opportunity to take courses in English.
Expectations and Concerns Before Departure
I hoped to improve my English and Spanish, but I was also a bit concerned about whether the academic level would be higher than at BFH, since UPV is considered one of Spain’s leading technical universities. At the same time, I was excited to see how this experience would help me grow both personally and professionally.
Life and Learning in Valencia
The campus was large and well equipped – with libraries, sports facilities, cafés, and much more. I attended courses from two different faculties and took part in numerous leisure activities. The academic workload was somewhat lighter than at BFH, which gave me more time to explore the city and region and to improve my Spanish in everyday life.
Studying abroad
BFH actively promotes the internationalisation of its students. BFH students have the opportunity to complete part of their studies or an internship abroad. Likewise, individuals from abroad can apply for a full degree programme at BFH or spend part of their studies here.
Would you like to live, study, or work in another country? Or spend a guest semester at another Swiss university? Mobility experiences are always unique and enriching. BFH supports you in planning and completing exchange semesters and internships both in Switzerland and abroad during your studies.
« Overall, my semester abroad was an especially enriching experience in my life.»
Language and Social Experiences
While I mostly spoke English, I managed to improve my Spanish significantly, especially in everyday situations. During lectures and through Erasmus events, I met many international students and joined various trips and activities. Valencia impressed me with its unique architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. Overall, my semester abroad was an especially enriching experience in my life.
My Advice for Future WING Students
Plan your semester early – ideally at least six months in advance. A structured comparison of the options helps you make the right decision. Look for accommodation in a safe area and, if possible, close to campus. And: build a social network – it not only helps with your studies but also makes life on site much more enjoyable. Making new connections was easy for me, since many students were in the same situation and also looking to meet people.
