My name is Miloš Kuzmanović, and I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Economics in Banja Luka. I spent the second semester of this academic year on an Erasmus+ international exchange at the University of Granada. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I successfully completed the exchange and remained in Spain from mid-February until the end of July.
My thoughts about going on exchange began long ago—actually, when I first enrolled in university. I’ve always loved traveling and exploring different cultures, so a program like this was an ideal opportunity for me. I must admit, at the beginning of my studies, I didn’t know much about how the Erasmus+ program worked.
Given my strong desire to study at a university outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I quickly got in touch with previous Erasmus participants. As luck would have it, one of my friends had already completed two exchange programs and was incredibly helpful throughout my application process. That’s exactly why I now want to share my experience with future students who are interested in studying at one of our partner universities.
It’s a great privilege to have friends all over the world. One day, when you travel, you’ll have someone to call who can show you around some of the greatest cities in the world. Many of them now invite me to visit them in Prague, Kyiv, Vienna, Rome, Paris, Houston, Mexico City, Chihuahua—and the list goes on. That’s what I’ll always be grateful for, and what this exchange gave me: the people. The beautiful experiences. The days spent together. Those are my friends and encounters I’ll carry with me for life—something no one can take away.
When I arrived in Granada, I spent four weeks physically attending university before the emergency situation began. After that, due to the worsening pandemic, the online learning system was organized within just three days. But even those four weeks were enough for me to understand what kind of institution I was part of. The University of Granada, and particularly the Faculty of Economics and Business where I studied, left a powerful impression on me.
Everything—from the professors’ approach and the support staff, to the freedom given to students and the stimulating learning environment—motivated me to grow and improve daily. The organization of teaching and the respect for students’ time were exceptional. One thing that truly surprised me was the professors’ attitude toward students—a friendly, peer-like relationship that grew stronger with each encounter. There were many class discussions where students’ opinions were not only welcomed but actively incorporated into the learning process—either as new ways to approach problems or fresh perspectives on key issues.
This classroom interaction created a constant sense of positive energy. Even when lectures lasted two hours, we didn’t feel tired or bored. I believe this is because students felt their presence truly mattered—knowing that their input could be recognized and used in shaping the next steps of the course. Especially in economics, the field we study, it’s crucial to have one’s own viewpoint on market trends, external influences, and real-world activity. This kind of teaching approach was deeply embedded in the program, and I honestly couldn’t find any fault in the system—even during that shorter, in-person period.
The lectures were of a very high standard and made use of the latest technology. Often, the material was based on current economic events, which were used as real-time case studies.
Since I was the only student from UNIBL doing an exchange in Granada that year, I didn’t know what to expect. Of course, before arriving, I had arranged accommodation and taken care of basic necessities. I also reached out to students from neighboring countries, and they became my first friends in Granada.
The experience I gained changed me significantly and made me a more open and mature person. Each day brought new people, new cultures, and a deeper understanding of the true purpose of this project. Surrounded by strangers in an unfamiliar city, you’re forced to step out of your comfort zone and adapt to the situation you find yourself in. For some, this might seem intimidating—but those moments profoundly shape your personality.
People in Granada, and Andalusia in general, are extremely friendly. I never had a single unpleasant experience. Even though my Spanish was quite limited at first, whenever I faced a challenge or confusion, strangers on the street always found a way to help. Over time, I let go of certain initial prejudices that might have held me back. The positive energy—both from the people and the ever-present sun—helped me fully embrace this new environment.
When I look at the different periods of my life, this Erasmus experience stands out as one that truly shaped me. The people I met broadened my understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of respecting everyone’s identity. It was a time of great inspiration and helped expand my worldview. On top of that, it was one of the best ways to improve my English and begin learning a new foreign language—Spanish.
At the end of this brief summary, one thing is clear: I am absolutely thrilled with the Erasmus+ program and would recommend it to any student who wants to explore another country, culture, way of life, language, and much more. This opportunity allows you to study at some of the most prestigious universities in Europe and travel extensively, as the program includes a scholarship for all participants.
I encourage everyone not to fear the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar country—because what seems like a challenge is actually a chance. One you’ll only miss if you don’t apply. This was my first Erasmus exchange, and it was a truly unforgettable life experience—one I would gladly repeat countless times. I sincerely hope and believe I’ll have the opportunity to apply again. And that alone, I believe, says enough to anyone wondering whether to take that leap.