My Semester Abroad in Spain

Since I started the BA Modern Languages with a Year Abroad course at the University of Chester in 2023, I was excited about taking part in the study abroad programme. As a language student, this presented a great opportunity for me to immerse myself in the culture, improve my language skills and increase my future career prospects.

Possible Destinations

The process began at the start of September 2024, when I had a meeting with my supervisors to discuss possible destinations. I decided to split the year into two placements, one semester in Spain and one semester in Germany, so I could get the most out of studying two languages and return to Chester in 2026 with experience in both countries.

There were many options of universities that Chester has links with across Spain – and worldwide through its bilateral exchange partners and International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) – but I decided on the University of Granada; its amazing translation faculty offered me the opportunity to study German, so I could continue both of my languages, and take a translation module to improve my translation skills for a future career as a translator. My module choice was completed online before my enrolment, so that my university here in Spain could confirm there were spaces available on the modules that I wanted to study.

 Support with Planning My Travels

Throughout the process, we received a great deal of support from Chester and the languages staff at the Centre for Student Exchange and Language Development. We attended weekly group meetings, discussing how to navigate each step of the application process, most importantly, the paperwork we needed to complete for our visa appointment and host university paperwork to send back to Chester when we arrived in Spain. We were also encouraged to consider sustainable travel options and ways to reduce our carbon footprint when travelling abroad, highlighting the United Nations Sustainability Goals. The support I received made planning my travels much smoother and faster.

Preparing to go Abroad

Before moving to Spain, I completed an intercultural competence module at Chester at the end of my second year, entitled Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills. This helped me understand how to analyse cultures, plan clear personal and academic goals for my study abroad period, and start thinking about a future career plan. It also helped me to learn how to overcome homesickness and fully adapt when travelling. This module definitely helped me gain more confidence and a sense of independence before travelling alone for the first time.

After my visa appointment in Manchester in August, the visa took just over a week to arrive, which was a very speedy turnaround – it normally takes up to two months. I was relieved it arrived on time; I booked my flights immediately and flew to Spain a few days later.

It was very daunting to pack my suitcase and move to a different country, but it was also exciting to start a new chapter of my studies and continue to improve my language skills.

Enjoying Spain

Now that I have been in Spain for 11 weeks, I can see that this placement has been a transformative opportunity to learn more about myself. I have learned how to communicate with people from different countries and grow in my personal independence. I have had the opportunity to experience daily life in a different country and overcome new challenges.

My favourite experience of all has been going on walks and looking at the beautiful Spanish buildings. With an amazing view of the Sierra Nevada mountains from my accommodation and living so close to the Albaicín neighbourhood – with its winding streets and white houses – I couldn’t be more grateful to live in such a beautiful city.

I am looking forward to exploring more of Spanish culture for the last two months of my placement. In particular, I can't wait to visit the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex in Granada, which is very popular amongst tourists from all around the world. 

I recommend all students at Chester to consider a study abroad placement – you won’t regret it!