Studying Under Palm Trees: Annalena’s Erasmus Year in Almería

For her mandatory semester abroad, Annalena, a student in the International Business Studies program (now: International Business Management), headed to southern Spain. From September 2025 to June 2026, she spent two eventful semesters at the University of Almería. Her decision to choose the Andalusian coastal city was intentional: she wanted to experience Spanish culture up close, deepen her language skills in an authentic environment, and grow both academically and personally.

Campus Life Right by the Sea and Intercultural Exchange

A typical study day at the University of Almería was noticeably different from campus life in Kufstein. Classes often started later and were divided into theory sessions and interactive working groups, where students worked through content together and presented their results. After lectures, students regularly met for a traditional tostada and coffee, with the low prices coming as a pleasant surprise. Exams - often multiple-choice tests with points deducted for incorrect answers - required a strategic approach.

Annalena was especially impressed by the spacious university campus. With its many cafés, dining options, buildings, and green spaces, it felt almost like a small village. Its unique location right by the sea, complemented by excellent sports facilities, offered a wide range of recreational opportunities. For only EUR 45 per semester, Annalena used the sports card, which provided access to the gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, padel courts, and soccer fields. These active breaks and sports activities became a regular part of her student life.

Languages, Culture and Personal Growth on the Mediterranean

Originally from South Tyrol, Annalena lived in an international shared apartment with four other students in the student district of El Zapillo, just one minute from the beach and with direct bus connections to both the university and the city center. This new environment not only encouraged cultural exchange but also gave her the opportunity to use her existing language skills in German, English, and Italian on a daily basis while adding Spanish to the mix.

Since Almería is located away from mass tourism, locals speak almost exclusively Spanish in everyday life, which made learning the language much easier. Whether spending afternoons at the beach, cooking together with her roommates, or enjoying Spanish tapas, Annalena was able to improve her language skills in a natural and enjoyable way.

“Living in an international shared apartment right by the sea gave me the perfect opportunity to use my language skills in everyday life and understand new cultures,” Annalena Ennemoser says enthusiastically.
During her year abroad, she also developed greater independence, flexibility, and openness when dealing with new situations. Her biggest learning experience was consciously stepping out of her comfort zone, approaching people openly, and embracing new experiences with curiosity. Culturally, she was especially influenced by the relaxed lifestyle and later daily rhythm in Andalusia: many stores close at midday for siesta, then reopen in the evening until 22:00, while social life shifts into the late evening hours.

Outlook and Recommendations for Future Erasmus Students

Annalena has valuable advice for future Erasmus students. Thorough preparation and trusting your gut feeling can make it easier to choose the right partner university. Less well-known places often offer the most beautiful surprises. Basic Spanish skills make getting started in Almería much easier, as English is rarely spoken outside the university.

“I recommend that all students consciously step out of their comfort zone, approach people openly, and take advantage of every opportunity to travel,” Annalena Ennemoser reflects. The noticeably lower cost of living and leisure activities compared to Austria made student life even more attractive.

Links:

• International Business Management | ft
• International Relations Office | Website
• Universidad de Almería | Partner Univsersity
• Erasmus+ | Website