I didn't really keep this blog so regularly as I first intended, but I have recorded a few of my memories and I hope it was vaguely interesting for one or two of the people who have read it from literally all over the globe, quite intrigued as to who those people reading my in Russia are.
My year, or rather nine months, in Spain is now over and I'm currently chilling in England with endless cups of tea and being able to understand everyone.
I feel like I should make some sort of summary of my year, or give some helpful tips for future year-abroaders.
I am really grateful to have had the opportunity to spend an academic year working abroad, for many reasons.
1. I got to spend a year out of studying in the middle of my degree. After two years which to be honest were a lot harder than I imagined way back before I moved to Southampton, it was amazing to be able to go and work in what turned out to be not-so-sunny Spain; it snowed in May. Hopefully, I will be very refreshed and ready for final year, not to mention that my Spanish should be a whole lot better, which leads me onto my next point.
2. I have improved my Spanish. I wouldn't say I'm 'fluent', but I can hold a decent conversation on most things, and managed to write a 6,000 word research project anyhow.
3. I have had a year's work experience and decided that I loved it and that teaching could be my future career. The plan at the moment is to do a PGCE after I graduate and then teach Spanish in secondary school.
4. I had the opportunity to grow in my faith, and as a person and generally feel more confident. Seeing God answer prayers throughout the year was really encouraging and knowing for real that his love never fails and he will give me the strength to get through when things seem too hard.
So that is just a few of things I loved about the year abroad. I have to say I missed cadbury's chocolate and my family and friends and of course my boyfriend but I'm so glad I went and did it and I would recommend a year or semester abroad to anyone who has the opportunity because it's a challenge but really rewarding and a pretty unique experience, since I'm not planning to go back and live in a foreign country in future, although who knows.
If you're going on a year abroad next year, feel free to contact me, I would happily answer any questions especially if you're going to Spain/Madrid. Basically I would just say, don't worry about it, don't try too hard to have a good time - just enjoy it. Make the most of the opportunities that come your way, and don't stress about the opportunities you don't seem to have. I'm sure it will be difficult at times, but also really cool and a year isn't really that long after all. Try and speak as much Spanish as you can, and don't be surprised if you don't have six Spanish friends by day two, it may be slightly harder to make friends than you think, and you'll probably have to make more of an effort than you expect, but just don't expect everything to happen overnight, and take it slow, and your Spanish will improve, and you will learn more about the culture, the world and yourself, and you will come back slightly different to how you went, but that is a bonus. You will face challenges, but see them as a way to grow. Make the most of your time, read books, write letters, go for random walks, do something you wouldn't do back home, take up a new hobby, listen to Spanish music, and try the local food. But all in all, don't worry, take it as it is and keep some sort of diary/blog and take lots of photos so that in a few years you can remember your experiences and tell people all about that time you lived abroad.
Cool. Thanks for reading my blog!
