Connecting with the Cuban locals
April 8, 2014
In order to make strong and personal connections it is important to feel confident in the language used to communicate – and this is how I felt when I first arrived in Cuba. I was told by just about every one to be weary when speaking to Cubans because all they want is your money. …
My curiosity for the world has been heightened even further, if that was even possible
Post written by Rosemary Ash. As the first major part of my year abroad draws to a close I can begin to reflect on the experiences I have had and what they may leave for me even after I finish this chapter. They can be seen as comprising of certain connections, the first unquestionably being …
Not moving in with a French person is perhaps my one regret from the whole year
April 7, 2014
It is with mild shame that I concede that the vast majority of my close friends here in Toulouse speak English. I would argue in my defence that this was in part due to my initial accommodation placement, and the fact that I was one of eight students studying Economics or Law with French from …
Reflecting on the connections I’ve made in France
April 5, 2014
Since my last blog, things have been pretty great. The sun is back in force which has made everyone happy (and some people far too excited, I went to the beach a couple of weekends ago!…). Bordeaux is surrounded by beaches and Montalivet was as beautiful as the rest of them. It is a shame …
True inside knowledge of life in Brazil
April 4, 2014
I am currently enjoying the second part of my Year Abroad in the amazingly colourful country of Brazil. I finished my university term in Cádiz, Spain, said tearful goodbyes to all the amazing friends I had made, some from places such as Kazakhstan, who I’m not even sure when I will see again, and took …
Stepping out of my comfort zone
Since arriving in China I’ve made a big effort to make friends with different people here at the university. My class is very international, there are students from Norway, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and then there’s me! It’s been a blessing in disguise not being in a class with English speakers. Even though some people …
Treasuring the here and now
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, …
I went in guns blazing and got socialising from the word go
April 2, 2014
Post written by Sophie Gorvett. Having chosen to do three shorter placements over the span of 14 months, one of the most daunting things for me prior to this whole experience was the idea of having to make new friends, not once, not twice but three times during this whole period. It wasn’t that I …
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