In this episode, I break down the key visa differences between Spain, France, and Italy—specifically for Canadian passport holders applying for student visas. I share what to expect in each country, why Italy is often the most challenging, and the common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and opportunities.

If you’re planning to study abroad, this episode will help you navigate the process with more clarity and confidence.

Time Stamps:

Spanish Visa 3:00

French Visa 8:15

Italian Visa 10:44

Spanish Student Visa:

Study visa

Required funds: about €600–€700 per month

For 1 year: roughly €7,200–€8,400 total

French Student Visa:

Student - France-Visas

Required funds: about €615 per month

For 1 year: about €7,380 total

Italian Student Visa:

Student in Italy - Migration and Home Affairs - European Commission

Required funds: about €460–€470 per month

For 1 year: roughly €6,000 total

Spanish Health Insurance:

Sanitas Health Plans • Sanitas health insurance in Spain for expats

Barcelona Student Residence:

Resa Barcelona Diagonal University Hall of Residence - RESA

In this episode, I break down how I got paid €25,800 to study abroad—and how you can too. From where to find EU-funded opportunities to the key mistakes most people make in their applications, I walk you through the process step by step. If you’ve ever thought studying abroad was too expensive or out of reach, this episode shows you exactly how to make it possible.Scholarship Program: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students) - Erasmus+

Current Opportunities: Erasmus Mundus Catalogue - European Education and Culture Executive Agency

The three scholarships I applied for (with the third being the one I received):BIM A+ European Master in BIM - Building Information ModellingErasmus Mundus in Management and Engineering of Environment and Energy - AboutHome - FRP++

In this first episode, we unpack the gap between the romantic idea of starting something new and what it actually feels like once you’re in it. From the initial excitement to the unexpected loneliness and the slow process of adapting, this episode walks through the real emotional journey most people don’t talk about. It also sets the tone for who this podcast is for—anyone navigating change, feeling out of place, or trying to find their footing in something unfamiliar.