Every day I seem to be learning something new
April 24, 2015
Perhaps the biggest fear of my year abroad was considering that I would actually have to speak Spanish. What if I don’t understand them? Or what if they don’t understand me? What if I don’t know enough vocab? I need to calm down, were my thoughts on my first day. After conversing a few words …
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 …
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 …
Challenges of making connections in Cuba
April 11, 2014
Posted by Lucy Kirkup. Cubans are known for their open and friendly nature along with their zest for life. Despite this stereotype I have found it considerably harder making connections with the locals here than I did in Germany. Obvious reasons for this are the difficult Cuban accent, which I still struggle with, and the …
I hope I will leave this island with many friends, and we will toast to my return
April 10, 2014
Early this February, I left snowy Vienna for the sunny, buzzing capital of Cuba: Havana. It was a total shock to my system – staring at the deep blue sea, sitting by the Malecon in the shadow of the famous Hotel Nacional, surrounded by the cries of the street vendors and the roar of engines …
Wiping the slate clean
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 …
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