Guest blog
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Treasuring the here and now
April 4, 2014
Post written by Josephine Adams Even though I’m living somewhere where the temperature is surpassing 20 degrees most of the time, only working a few days a week and enjoying the lack of coursework in my life right now, there’s a certain sadness that’s been catching me unawares for the past few weeks. It isn’t …
The benefits of making connections in Spain
‘Making connections’ whilst on the year abroad can be based on various factors such as improving language proficiency, meeting new people or improving your understanding of a new culture. These can be classed as different types of experiences and I feel that during my year abroad I have been able to benefit from all of …
Making strong connections with the culture and people
April 3, 2014
Firstly, I’m going to comment on the friends I have made here during my year abroad and my intention to stay in contact with them following the programme. Before arriving the thing that most scared me was the idea that I would not settle in because I wouldn’t have any friends around me. This now, …
Linguistic, cultural immersion
April 1, 2014
Madrid is a very busy place, every one’s going somewhere. Everyone has direction, aims, a certain focus. It reminds me of London in many ways. That being said, a warmer, sunnier London. I now feel like a madrileño, much more than I felt like a lisboeta in Lisbon. I am connecting with people all the …
Get stuck in as much as you can
I think I was one of many who was initially worried that my Year Abroad could be quite lonely. The truth of the matter is that it can be, but it’s up to you to be proactive and get involved in as many things as possible. This not only allows you to practise language skills, …
Getting used to the Spanish rhythm of life
February 18, 2014
Extremadura was a region about which I knew very little. This was one of the main reasons I chose to come here. Being taught Spanish language and experiencing the country first-hand are obviously very different, but until arriving here I did not realise just how much. Firstly, there is the rhythm of life, especially in …
Customer service…the greatest cultural challenge
February 12, 2014
There have certainly been some interesting cultural shocks I’ve experienced in my 5 months to date in Toulouse. The most striking is probably the complete divergence in mentality between the UK and France when it comes to customer service. This apparently does not exist in France. In all honesty you get the feeling when walking …
I see challenges as opportunities
February 8, 2014
When we travel we often compare everything to our native traditions or the traditions where we live. During my first semester I cannot say I have experienced any cultural challenges as I was communicating with French people and learning for their culture. I have started experiencing cultural challenges when I started working at zChocolat. As …
Kissing culture, personal space and bad driving
February 7, 2014
Post written by Jasmine Philpott. Living in France has been less ‘challenging’ than I anticipated, firstly because it is almost the same as England, and secondly, in most areas where the two differ, France is better. I suppose there have been a few awkward moments where I am reminded that French people are not the …
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