Diya Rao Verghese
Class of 2015
Majoring in Psychology and Economics
The Unknown of the International Exchange Programme at ESADE Business School, Barcelona, Spain
“It is when one is faced with the unknown, that one learns the most about oneself. This is what I want for myself.” I started my Statement of Purpose for the International Student Exchange Programme with these words and have been on an unforgettable journey since. I spent my fall semester abroad at ESADE Business School, Barcelona, Spain. I chose ESADE because it was located in the exotic and exciting city of Barcelona, but I didn’t know much else about what my experience would be like. To get a basic idea of the ESADE experience, I got in touch with a mutual friend who had gone to ESADE the year before. He told me the basics about the university, transportation system, housing and traveling. Some of the important preparations I made before exchange were purchase of insurance, important cooking mixes and budgeting. I took with me towels and bedsheets that I didn’t need to bring back to Singapore with me and could throw in Barcelona before coming back home. Going to the thief capital of the world, I needed to be prepared for theft so I photocopied and scanned my important documents. I also purchased number locks for all my bags and bought a smaller bag for traveling.
Witnessing sunset in Ibiza with people from every walk of life
When I touched down in Barcelona, I felt like I had landed in a fairytale. I was so excited to explore every part of the city that I would call home for a few months.
I believe that I achieved my goal of learning more about myself by being so far away from all that is familiar. It’s hard to break away from your usual routine and being surrounded by people who have known you for a lifetime. Though I felt quite lost at the beginning of my semester, I quickly met people who made a lasting impression on me and experienced things that I will cherish for a lifetime. As a person who loves organization and structure, I learnt to go with the flow and be spontaneous every once in a while. It was the challenges I went through on exchange that made me a different person by the end of the journey.
At a travelers hostel, someone broke into my locker and stole my laptop. Though my first reaction was shock and sadness, I quickly sprung in to a practical mode and spent twelve hours trying to track down my laptop through a security camera, police report, talking to hostel mates and with the help of the security guards. Though my laptop could not be recovered, I didn’t feel total despair, as I knew I had done my best.
Barcelona style farewell organized by the exchange students
My advice to those planning to go on exchange is to choose a campus university for two reasons. First, it’s a different experience to stay on campus, as this is not something we are used to at SMU. Second, it is easier to meet exchange and local students while staying at a university hostel and this will improve your exchange experience. Join the exchange student Facebook page before leaving Singapore so that you can be updated on activities, travel plans and day trips that people are planning to take. Once you arrive at the host university, the first few weeks are crucial as everyone goes out of their way to meet new people. After this, people settle down and become comfortable with their group of friends and it is harder to meet people at this stage. While traveling, stay aware of the people around you and where your belongings are. It is devastating to lose something as important as your passport.
Through my travels to 19 European and African cities, spending time with people of 30 different nationalities, catching flights worth 14 euros, joining a local gym dance class and everything else that my exchange exposure brought with it, it is safe to say that exchange is a whirlwind that I am lucky to have experienced. No matter your personality type or background, exchange is an opportunity for everyone to flourish.