Eleri Williams, 11 May 2009
Planning a year abroad is both exciting and stressful in equal measure, and while you may have a very clear idea about how you want to spend your time, I can assure you that with even the best laid plans, you’re sure to get more than you bargained for.

I spent the first half of my year abroad working for a large international company in Paris. The city of love, overflowing with culture, history, art… Well overflowing anyway. Anyone who has tried to travel to work on the metro during rush hour will know what I mean! When you’re squashed into a corner between someone who seems oblivious to the existence of showers, and someone else who smells like a brewery, romance is not the first thing that springs to mind. And ironically, even surrounded by so many people, I must confess I was rather lonely. While I had envisaged months of crazy parties and sipping cocktails in the most fashionable city in the world, in reality life was rather less exciting, and the cocktail-sipping rather short-lived once the very high prices and my very low wages were factored into the equation. While experience with a reputable company is always valuable, to say that my tasks were menial would be an understatement. Mind-numbing seems the most accurate description.

However, my second placement could not be more different from the first. I have exchanged the culture capital for the Costa del Sol, and an international organisation for a company on a rather smaller scale… And I love it! Here in Andalucia life really is all about fiestas and siestas. After the hustle and bustle of Paris, Malaga is wonderfully relaxed. I still can’t believe my luck as I wander along the beach during my three-hour lunch break, or enjoy tapas after work with friends. I’ve realised that Erasmus isn’t only about getting to know the country you’re in, but also widening your horizons more generally. I have met people from all over the world and I’m sure that I will never again be part of such a truly international atmosphere, where a typical night out involves as many different nationalities as there are people.

My work placement is far more hands-on than in Paris, and I now have a variety of responsibilities. In a small office, I have gained greater insight into how the business is run, and I am expected to make decisions, work on my own initiative and make a genuine contribution towards the development of the company. Daunting, yes, but undoubtedly extremely good experience.

I would definitely recommend a period of work or study abroad to all students. It is the perfect opportunity to gain some independence, useful work experience, develop your language skills and just to see life a little differently. Even if things don’t work out exactly as you expect them to, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life.