The life of an exchange student in Spain in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic
In the midst of the spread of the coronavirus, several of our students found themselves in countries across Europe on student exchanges. Many of us find it difficult to stay in our homes, and what it looks like when a pandemic finds you thousands of kilometers away from home, tells Miloš Kuzmanović, a student of the Banja Luka Faculty of Economics who is currently on an exchange in Spain.
Miloš, you are on a student exchange in Granada, Spain. Can you describe to us how you got there?
That's right. I arrived in Spain in mid-February to do a student exchange at the University of Granada. Coming here alone was not too strenuous. I flew from Zagreb to Madrid, where I had less than an hour to transfer to a direct flight to Granada. I have to admit that I did pretty well and that, thankfully, I got on that flight with no problems so my trip lasted only 5 hours.
What were your impressions of Spain and studying there before the coronavirus crisis started?
I can start by saying that I feel at home in Spain. People are very nice, friendly and always want to help you. Besides that, the south of Spain is bathed in the sun for most of the year, so in February I had the opportunity to feel the features of the Mediterranean climate and the rather high 30 degrees.
First of all, the studies at the University of Granada are very well organized and open a large number of opportunities for students. From the fact that it is possible to organize time and activities for the current semester in advance, to the possibility of free visits to cultural monuments, a large number of different discounts and the like. These are some of the things that are important for students, in addition to the teaching process itself, which is extremely high quality. It implies continuous work on various projects and a large number of practical activities, preparation of case studies and I would especially emphasize the following of current topics in the world related to the subject whose theory we are working on. I would especially like to mention this because I study economics, which in situations like this, undergoes great changes that are important to follow, so that conclusions can be made about them during the classes.
What did the beginning of the crisis look like? Were rigorous measures immediately introduced as in our country, or was the epidemic approached more relaxed in Spain?
At the beginning of March, the first case of an infected person was registered in Spain. Given that Granada is located in Andalusia, which is in the extreme south of Spain, no major changes were felt in the short term. Around 10th March, I began to notice that people were buying and wearing masks on the streets, as well as that there was a shortage of the same in pharmacies. There were no concrete measures until 15th March, when it was already evident that the virus had taken hold. Since that day, the most rigorous measures of movement ban have been introduced, with the possibility of going only to the supermarket or pharmacy when necessary.
The situation in Spain is one of the most critical in Europe. What measures are in force in Spain and do you have classes?
It is quite clear that the situation is the most critical because the number of patients has outgrown the case of Italy. The measures in force are the same as the ones I have listed and appeal to people to stay at home and go to supermarkets only when necessary. The Faculty was closed on 13th March, when it was already clear that certain restrictions on movement would be introduced. Classes have been organized immediately since 16th March or the first Monday since the mentioned measures came into force. It is maintained via the Internet, using modern online learning platforms, and so far, there have been no problems.
Are people disciplined and do they respect the measures?
People are very disciplined and they respect the measures, because it is in everyone's interest to overcome these circumstances as soon as possible. High fines have also been set for offenders ranging from € 500 to € 3,000 just for leaving without a clear reason or specific permission.
Do you follow what is going on at home?
Of course, I try to follow. I am in daily contact with my parents and friends, so I am familiar with the events. Personally, I emphasize more conversations on other topics because I think that if we only talk about pandemics and negativities, we are only creating an even bigger, unnecessary panic.
What was the reaction of your parents to your decision to stay in Spain despite the coronavirus pandemic?
As I mentioned earlier, the situation in Spain has become very serious in a very short time. The main places of infection became airports, so I wasn’t sure it would be a good decision to head back home. On the other hand, during that period, the borders of EU countries were closed to foreign citizens, which in fact means that I would have big problems finding a way to get home at all. The logical and only remaining decision was to stay here and wait to see if any of the competent institutions will address the circumstances that befell me, as well as other students from the Republic of Srpska who are doing student exchange or other related activities in Spain. My parents of course supported me and understood my decision.
What worries you the most about your specific situation?
In the week behind us, there is a noticeable decline in the number of patients, which is encouraging. There are also indications that the introduced restrictions, which should be in force by 26th April, will be gradually lifted. I experience the overall situation quite calmly and I am not very worried. I am sure that the Spanish government will act in the best possible way, depending on how the situation develops in the coming days.
Have you been offered help by our state?
I have. The Government of the Republic of Srpska has provided financial assistance to all university students from the Republic of Srpska who are engaged in some form of student exchange, internship or other activities. Fixed costs have not changed and in addition to everything we certainly have accommodation costs and other basic costs. In that sense, any help is welcome, and I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank them.
How do you spend your days in isolation, if you are in the same?
I would say that I spend my days in isolation in the best possible way. In addition to regular activities, online lectures and commitments for the subjects I listen to, I have a lot of time for many other things. My day usually starts earlier and I try to read a lot of everything that I usually lack time for under normal circumstances. In addition, I learn Spanish and listen to a large number of podcasts.
I watch a movie or series from time to time. In such circumstances, my desire to experiment in the kitchen awoke. Sometimes I also cook 2 to 3 times a day. I train almost every day and my day fills up very quickly. I have to admit that sometimes I run out of time to do everything I imagined.
Have you thought about how you will get home if the coronavirus crisis lasts until the end of the exchange program?
I sincerely hope that the pandemic is coming to an end and that the situation will calm down soon. If that does not happen, I am in contact with the people in the Government in charge of the issue of students outside the Republic of Srpska, who have made themselves available to us regarding all doubts. I am convinced that we would find a common solution, but I repeat, I hope that the situation will calm down and that there will be no need to think about this issue.
Finally, do you have a message for the readers of this interview?
I would definitely tell everyone to stay at home and not endanger themselves and their loved ones. For all those who read the interview to the end, I can say that they were obviously very patient and persistent, and these are the two qualities that we desperately need to overcome this trouble. If we act responsibly and respect the measures that have been introduced, we can expect good results in a much shorter period of time. Dedicate yourself, do those things for which the established regime does not leave enough time. Read. Work on yourself or simply do whatever you want as long as you respect the restrictions imposed and do not endanger others. Caution is very necessary, but not panic.
#ef_unibl #sigurnoNajbolji #ostanitekuci #ostanitezdravi
Interviewed by: Nikola Vidović / Photo: Miloš Kuzmanović
Published 28.04.2020. у 17:24