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Year abroad @ Department of European Languages
Aberystwyth University
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All images and text are the copyright of the individual students, all views expressed are their own. Therefore, views and advice expressed and/or offered in these pages are neither the views of, nor are they endorsed by the Departmental of European Languages or Aberystwyth University.
Gijón (Asturias)
I spent my year abroad working as a language assistant in Asturias, Spain. I worked in a tiny but beautiful town called Luanco, and I lived in Gijón, one of the largest cities in the region. The area itself is fantastic, and the scenery is actually quite similar to Wales.
Working in a school was a great experience. The students were a lot of fun, and they were always asking me questions. The teachers in the school were also very helpful and always suggesting places to see or things to do in my spare time. Following their advice, myself and the friends I made in Asturias travelled a lot to many different areas within the region, but we also explored some of the other regions nearby – Galicia and Castilla & Léon, for example. This was one of my favourite things about the year abroad, being able to see places you wouldn’t necessarily consider visiting on holiday.
Overall, I am going to have to be clichéd and say that the year abroad was possibly the best year of my life. I can’t imagine I’m ever going to have the opportunity to meet so many new people from all around the world or have so many amazing adventures again in my life.
Hannah Williams
Córdoba
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Córdoba is located in Andalusia, the region of Spain where the vivid culture and tradition form the part of everyday life of its inhabitants. I spent there a year as an Erasmus student. Córdoba is an amazing city with very long history. In the 10th century it used to be the biggest city in the world while at that time Paris and London were only villages! It was a melting-pot of peoples and cultures. Romans, Muslims, Christians and Jewish people – they all left their marks in the architecture and culture of Córdoba. Today it’s a medium sized city with lots of beautiful monuments and some exciting events too! They reach the climax in May, the month of ongoing festivals and ‘fiestas’. They give you a chance to listen and see live flamenco and to party a lot as well! The Andalusian people are very open and they lead quite a relaxed lifestyle. It’s very common to socialize in the outdoor cafes or going out for ‘tapas’. If you look well you’ll find some bars that offer you ‘tapas’ for free!
Living abroad for longer time is truly a great experience and a real eye-opener. I spent a wonderful year in Córdoba, studying, working as an English teacher assistant and simply immersing in Spanish culture. I made friendships that I’ll never forget. Remember – it’s up to you how are you going to spend your year abroad, so make out the most of it!
Martyna Mista |
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Madrid
I spent my year abroad in both France and Spain. I was only in Madrid for 3 months which went way too fast and I really didn’t want to leave by the end. I decided I wanted to work to get as much use of the language as possible and I think I did as I had to use it all day long.
The entire year was amazing and I wish I didn’t have to come back to reality.
Samantha Freema
Alicante
You may think Alicante would be full of English tourists and everyone will speak in English too you. However, I found that not to be the case, most tourists just land in Alicante and go up the coast. So don’t let this put you off because it’s a lively city. El Barrio is the area where you’ll find all the best bars and clubs for a great night out. The beach in Alicante isn’t the best but San Juan beach is just a short tram ride and is well worth it. If you like to travel the tram line goes up the whole Costa Blanca, so you can easily and cheaply visit many different towns, I recommend Altea.
I studied at the University of Alicante for the summer, they helped me find accommodation and the teachers were really helpful and I found that my Spanish grammar and writing improved notably over the course.
Daniel Eastham
Malaga
As I study French and Spanish, I chose to split my year abroad and spend 7 months in Gisors, Normandy, France and 3 months in Malaga, Spain.
Malaga was a fantastic experience it was nothing like I had expected there’s so much culture there as long as you avoid the heavily touristy beaches such as Torremolinos and Fuengirola. The Spanish people, and especially the Andalusians are possibly the best people in the world, they are really friendly, helpful and appreciate when foreigners speak Spanish!
I spent my 3 months in the University of Malaga where I made so many friends from all over the world, the teachers at the University were brilliant, and we were always laughing so much it hardly felt like work.
During my year abroad the most important lessons I learnt were about myself, I learnt that at times I had to stand up for myself and I learnt that it doesn’t matter where you are or how well you speak the language the most important thing is to make friends and not let the little things get you down. It’s your opportunity, make the most of it!
Vicky Russell
San José (Costa Rica)
During my year abroad I went to Costa Rica and to Germany. I spent the academic year studying Spanish and Latin American Art History at the university in San José and at weekends and in the holidays I went to the Caribbean or Pacific coast!
I was involved in voluntary work in primary schools and childrens' homes in Costa Rica. I lived with native speakers. I chose this option because I always had the opportunity to speak Spanish at work and play!
The highlights of the year were touring Central and Southern America by coach and air with a group of like-minded students I met from London; Christmas shopping in Mexico - Mayan style; Christmas Day at Atitlán Lake in Guatemala (we were roasting not the turkey!) and New Year's Eve in Quito, Ecuador.....The best days of my life!!
The year abroad was beneficial in many ways. I experienced different cultures, climates and cuisine. I recommend that you take a "hands on" approach and try to work alongside some natives for work experience that is second to none.
Glenda Ingham
Las Palmas (Canary Islands)
The most persuasive arguments to go to Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, are definitely the weather and the magnificent scenery. It’s warm in winter and hot in summer.
Most people go there on holidays for one or two weeks. I had the chance to spend there half a year.
When I arrived in Las Palmas in February I had difficulties with understanding Canarians, because they speak with such a different accent. However, after a few weeks of lectures, Spanish language courses and spending time with the locals, the communication was much easier.
Although the lecture timetable was quite full and being at university from 9 am to 5pm was normal, you could always find time for socializing, trips and parties.
There is so much fun when the Carnival period begins, everyone is dressed up in crazy, carnival costumes, singing and dancing. The atmosphere is fantastic.
The year abroad has been the most rewarding and enjoyable time of my life and I definitely now want to travel within my career.
Urszula Dominska
Gran Canaria is one of the seven major islands forming the Canary Island archipelago. Located off the northwestern coast of Africa the Islands are often referred to as 'Islas Afortunadas'. With their rich culture, perfect weather conditions, some of the best beaches in Europe and extraordinary wealth of natural beauty, they certainly deserve the name.
Travelling around the islands, you find everything from volcanic mountains, tropical forests, and beautiful dunes to golden beaches and fertile valleys. I have spent nearly 6 months there and during every trip I made, I have always discovered something new and exciting!
In addition to all the natural beauty, you can enjoy a great city life that the capital, Las Palmas, offers.
It is a very dynamic place with a great nightlife, and the Carnival is simply unforgettable! The locals are very open and you quickly find yourself ‘adopted’ by some group of friends who will make sure you experience the ‘real’ Canarias.
I was there as an Erasmus student and I have enjoyed my time studying in Las Palmas very much. The teachers were all very friendly and very understanding. It was not always easy, especially at the beginning, but there was always someone offering their help.
I think the most important thing to remember in Canarias is to RELAX – you will get all your necessary paperwork eventually… ;) – and enjoy it!!
Marta Ustaszewska |
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Mallorca
My year abroad was split into three parts; I left July 2008 to go to work as an au pair in Puerto de Soller, Mallorca. This was a rewarding experience as I was able to learn a lot about myself, practice working with children and begin finding my way in speaking another language.
I finished my year abroad by doing a 2 month language course in Malaga, followed by returning to au pair in Mallorca, three months of sunshine, hard work and very good times.
Heather Rees
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