Napping in Spain…that’s a challenge
February 1, 2014
Post written by Madeleine Pitkin. I’ve been in Spain for more than four months now and so I presume I’m as settled in as I ever will be. However, there are some cultural differences which continue to challenge me every day! One first big cultural challenge is the siesta, or afternoon nap time. Between the …
Becoming Addicted to Peru
January 31, 2014
When talking about going away to Peru for 5 months, people would remark as if it were another world that was so far away, so challenging and so different to anywhere else. But I love to explore new places I am unfamiliar with and like to think I am fairly culturally aware. I soon found …
Many of the stereotypes English people have about the French are stereotypes for a reason
January 29, 2014
Post written by Bethan Roberts. Salut! As it is nearing the end of January I am over half way through my Language Assistant placement in Chambéry. There are some things I really like about living in France (croissants and cheese are the obvious candidates!) and some aspects I just have to tolerate, in true British …
More myths about studying abroad
January 28, 2014
Most students at The University of Nottingham have opportunities to study abroad during their course, but there are a number of popular misconceptions that may put them off taking advantage of this great opportunity. Yesterday we shared three of the most common myths, together with comments from some of our students who studied abroad during the …
Myths about studying abroad
January 27, 2014
Studying abroad is the perfect way to meet new people from across the globe, develop personal and professional skills and immerse yourself in another culture. The vast majority of students here have the opportunity to study abroad, but there are a number of popular misconceptions that put people off applying. To help us debunk some …
Falling in love with each and every custom
January 23, 2014
Post written by Rebecca Wright. Though still in Europe, the Balkans can feel a long way from home. Cultural differences can appear minute at first glance, but after spending more than a few days in the region, the differences can be striking. Generally people’s attitudes towards their lifestyle and their country can be dramatically different …
Feeling at home away from home…
January 21, 2014
The truth is that I really feel at home here in Catalonia, so the expression cultural challenge may be a bit strong. Although this might seem silly, after having lived a few months in Barcelona, I am convinced that the smallest details are the ones that make you feel at home or not, and in …
Spanish culture is making me more relaxed
January 20, 2014
Luckily I have not experienced an enormous amount of times when I have felt frustrated with the culture and ready to pack my bags to head home. I am thoroughly enjoying my time here and I feel I have adapted well to the cultural changes, most probably because I love the relaxed way of Spanish …
For the first time, I’m the quietest one in the family
January 17, 2014
So having moved onto my second placement here in Barcelona I have a lot of ‘new’ challenges. First of all, I am working as an au-pair so I am both living and working with one family which can be amazing but also incredibly tiring as you simply can never get away! But thank fully I …
Necessity has broadened my vocabulary
January 8, 2014
Of the many aspects of learning a second language, pertaining to correct grammatical constructions whilst having a quick-fire (normal!) conversation is the one that proves the most difficult. Until spending an extended period in Spain, commonplace questions would leave me faltering, panicking to the point of absurd! Now I can proudly say that this is …
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