It’s not all Sangria and Sunshine: Balancing the good with the bad in Spain

There is more to year abroad life than Sangria and Sun...

I have been on my year abroad four months and am a quarter of the way through. I’ve lived in two different countries and had two very polarising experiences, and it’s fair to say I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs. I started my year abroad in a Paris for the summer working as an office manager for a co-working company. I had the time of my life; I was working hard and playing harder. Paris exceeded my expectations. Then it was time to pack my bags and move on to Valencia, Spain to begin my 8-month placement as an English language assistant in a high school. During this transitory period something changed within me. All of a sudden the reality of moving to a new country kicked in.
 
The year abroad isn’t always a picture perfect experience; many of us will feel a mixture of euphoric moments and also periods of homesickness, loneliness and self -doubt. It’s completely normal to experience extreme highs and lows and I’d like to talk about my own experiences of living abroad in Spain so that if you are on your year abroad/ thinking about planning it, then you know that you are not alone!
                              
The ‘not so great’ things:

• Discovering the ‘No pasa nada’ attitude, particularly when applied to bureaucracy.

This phrase generally means ‘no worries’ or ‘it doesn’t matter’.
This mentality is applied to all aspects of life. Can’t find an apartment? No pasa nada. Don’t know when you’ll be paid? No pasa nada.

• The language barrier

I’m still adjusting to the speed of the language as well as the accent. It’s much different than being in a lecture or tutorial. It will take time to adjust but after 8 months it will be worth it!

• Little support from the British Council

Working in a school is great, but at times I feel like I have to navigate a plethora of information about the language assistant programme. I believed that I would get some more support at times, especially as there isn’t a comprehensive guide for each region I find myself trying to figure out what is relevant and what isn’t. Luckily a lot of other people are in the same boat as me, which gives me reassurance.

• F.O.M.O (Fear of missing out)

FOMO is definitely real and social media definitely intensifies this. Seeing all of my friends hanging out at college, going to formals- even nights out at Klute makes me miss home even more. However, I’m learning that it’s all about perspective- people always think that the grass is greener on the other side. I have to keep remembering that Durham will never go away, and I have to make the most of what there is here while I can!
 
The positive sides of Spanish culture

• The opportunity to meet new friends and create a new social group.

Valencia is a huge student town, with people from all walks of life. There is a lovely network of language assistants here and ‘intercambios’ are always a good way to meet new people and practise your languages.

• Limitless opportunities to travel

A weekend away in Barcelona or a few days away in Nice are easy to plan- especially due to my flexible timetable. I’ve been able to see more than I thought I would and I have   increased my cultural awareness of the country and appreciate regional differences more.

• Independence and freedom

I like the freedom of being able to pick and choose new things and not being fully tied down to activities. If I try something and I don’t like it, I’m not obligated to go back. A year abroad is the time to discover yourself in a new environment, and you might find yourself picking up a skill or learning something new that you never dreamed of!
 
Honestly, I have no idea what the rest of my year could bring. I can fantasise about my dream year abroad or I can go out and live it; the latter is what I intend to do. This year isn’t perfect- it’s real life and its what I make of the experience. I’m learning that some things are out of my control but all I can do keep on looking at the bright side and take the good with the bad. 


Natasha Hylton