The Erasmus+ Mobility Experience in Granada, Spain

by Deborah Mongina, 

Granada and Its Academic Appeal

Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Granada is a city steeped in history and academic excellence. With its fusion of Moorish and Christian architecture, it offered more than just a research destination, it was a cultural immersion. During my Erasmus+ PhD mobility stay, I had the chance to experience not only the academic richness of the University of Granada but also the city's world-renowned heritage.

Visits to the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the winding streets of the Albaicín district provided cultural depth and scenic inspiration. I also explored the Granada Cathedral, the historic Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo, and the Science Museum, each offering a unique lens into Andalusia’s layered past and present.

Warm Welcome and Integration

The academic and administrative support from my host supervisor, Dr. Ana Romero- Freire, and the International Welcome Center ensured a smooth transition. From securing affordable accommodation to facilitating university orientation, their support made settling in efficient and welcoming.

Although Spanish was the primary language of communication, colleagues and lab mates made efforts to assist in translation and integration. Shared experiences with fellow international researchers fostered a sense of community and belonging, particularly within Granada Norte, where I lived among other PhD students and visiting scholars.

Research Engagement and Academic Exchange

The core focus of my stay was a research attachment blending environmental science and agricultural sustainability. Initially envisioned as a hybrid of field and lab research, logistical factors led to a more lab-intensive experience, an outcome that turned out to be technically rewarding.

At both the Edaphology lab of the University of Granada and the EEZ-CSIC institute, I engaged in pesticide residue analysis using HPLC, tested for soil enzyme activity and respiration, and conducted ecotoxicological assays with lettuce and Daphnia magna. These experiments were directly relevant to my PhD work on agro-environmental health back in Kenya.

Working with scientists like Laura Delgado and Mario Paniagua, and fellow students including Basma, Maria, Antonio and Pepe deepened my understanding of experimental techniques and analytical interpretation. I also supported MSc practical sessions, enriching my teaching and communication skills across linguistic and disciplinary lines.

Exposure to Broader Innovation and Cultural Discovery

Beyond Granada, I travelled to Córdoba to attend the International Forum for the Exchange of Sustainable Practices, co-hosted by the University of Córdoba and Andalucía Agrotech DIH. This forum showcased innovations in digital agriculture, such as AI-based irrigation, drone crop monitoring, and GPS-tracked livestock systems, offering tangible insights into sustainable farming across Europe.

While in Córdoba, I visited the awe-inspiring Mezquita-Catedral, a powerful symbol of interwoven Islamic and Christian history. The architectural and spiritual resonance of the space provided both historical reflection and cultural appreciation.

Weekend trips to Málaga, Nerja, and Barcelona further expanded my perspective. From Nerja’s quiet beaches and spontaneous cultural exchanges to Barcelona’s urban vitality, each city complemented my academic journey with moments of personal reflection and joy.

Challenges and Adaptability

Language barriers were a primary challenge, particularly during workshops or field discussions conducted in Spanish. However, consistent peer support and translation tools enabled meaningful participation. Adjusting my original research plan also demanded adaptability and creativity, which ultimately led to fruitful lab outcomes.

Lessons Learned and Academic Gains

This mobility experience greatly expanded my research horizons, both technically and conceptually. I gained practical lab skills, exposure to cutting-edge sustainability innovations, and greater confidence in interdisciplinary collaboration. The experience underscored the importance of flexibility, cross-cultural learning, and the potential of regenerative agricultural practices in addressing global environmental challenges.

I return to my PhD work with renewed focus and ideas, particularly for integrating digital tools and sustainable models into Kenyan organic and smallholder farming systems.

Conclusion and Acknowledgments

My time in Granada was a transformative phase of my academic journey—one marked by intellectual growth, cultural immersion, and international collaboration. I am deeply grateful to the University of Nairobi and the Erasmus+ team for supporting this life-shaping opportunity. My heartfelt thanks also go to my host team at the University of Granada, especially Dr. Ana, Paco and all colleagues who made this exchange both academically rich and personally memorable.