My bonds with my friends are the true reason why my stay here has been so special
July 21, 2015
As I have sat down to write this latest entry to the Year Abroad Blog, I have been hit with a great sense of pain. “Why?” you may ask. “How come?” you may ponder. Well, it is due to the realisation that I am two thirds of the way through my time here in the …
I’ve suddenly developed a new case of FOMO
April 19, 2014
As I am approaching the end of my year abroad with only a bit less than two months to go I’ve suddenly developed a new case of FOMO (fear of missing out) which is strange to say as I’ve never experienced it before. All of a sudden I want to do everything, be everywhere at the same time. …
I really should be making the most of this year
April 17, 2014
This blog is not about “making connections” in the sense of meeting people or networking, instead I have decided to write about a few things I have discovered about myself during my time abroad as I have seen some important connections between my lifestyle and my mood and general state of mind. Firstly, having worked …
Religious diversity in my French village…a topic of conversation or not?
Just before returning to Spain after the Christmas holidays, a friend of mine told me that when I went back it would be a completely different experience to my first few months there. I didn’t believe her at the time, but it turned out to be completely true! Phrases or cultural quirks I had been …
The connections and friends I’ve made will endure and it is that which will keep the memory alive
April 15, 2014
Post written by Katharine Hughes. Reading over my previous entries for this blog, it’s hard to believe I was writing about my first impressions only six months ago. I’m now down to my last two weeks here in France and I can’t believe it’s nearly over. With the departure of our German assistant yesterday, I …
Seven months on, I’m pleased to be able to tell you that I’m no longer such a tragic figure
April 14, 2014
For at least the first month after I arrived in La Rioja just under seven months ago, I felt overwhelmed and homesick. This feeling was quite unexpected, not least because I’m an independent and usually quite confident person but also because I hadn’t experienced any problems settling into Nottingham when I moved away from home …
Making connections with my favourite music
Spain is famous for its rhythm. Whether that is the rhythm of daily life or the flamenco music and the dancing that accompanies it. It was Spanish music that captured my heart and sparked my interest in learning the language. Unfortunately, at school we only had the opportunity to learn German or French. As much …
Wiping the slate clean
April 10, 2014
Post written by Jack Revell. Wiping the slate clean (either a liberating or terrifying process, depending on how much comfort one finds in the guiding hand of daily routine back home) upon my arrival in Melilla was a daunting task, as it meant that I could no longer rely on the friends I had in …
Make an effort and get involved!
April 9, 2014
One of the main pieces of advice you’re given when leaving for your year abroad is to make an effort and involve yourself, whether that be with the language, friends, teachers, students, housemates…or whatever else. 8 months down the line I have to say that I can’t agree more. Making an effort and forming connections …
The benefits of making connections in Spain
April 4, 2014
‘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 …
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