The first meeting and initial plans!

A few weeks ago we had an introductory meeting to our year abroad. There was a lot of information thrown at us for 6pm on a Monday, but I just wanted to get started on planning where I was going to go and what I was going to do! Unfortunately though, not much can be done until October, other than researching and considering where would be best for me to go.

Technically, I have the choice between a French-speaking, German-speaking or Spanish-speaking country, however I am studying accelerated beginners' Spanish, and, at my university, in order to continue with this course next year, you are supposed to go to a Spanish-speaking country for your year abroad - not that I'm complaining! My initial thoughts are that I would like to go to Spain over Latin America, as I feel that would be a very big step and a long way away from home and everything I know...and plus, spaces are limited!

I also feel that a British Council teaching placement would be my preferred option, instead of studying at a university or finding my own work placement, as I have in the past considered teaching once I graduate and I think this would help with that decision, and also with my Spanish in general!


In order to get us to the level of Spanish we need, the university run a trip to Salamanca in September, the start of your second year. It is a two week intensive course, all expenses paid, studying in a Spanish school. To go on this trip, you must get over 60% over the year in Spanish, and yesterday I discovered that I had achieved this! So now, I am very excited for this trip, especially as it is now confirmed and only three months away! I have never been to Spain before, and I think it will be a great opportunity for my Spanish, and to learn about the Spanish culture in preparation for my year out.

¡Hasta pronto!

Laura :)