Clare studied in Spain and France

Clare Stephen is doing French and Hispanic studies at the University of Sheffield. She spent her year abroad in Cádiz (Spain) and Bordeaux (France).

‘The thing I enjoyed most about studying abroad was the opportunity to improve my language skills and becoming fully integrated into the community. And there were added benefits: sunshine, a different culture, good food and making lots of new friends!

‘I would absolutely recommend studying abroad to anyone serious about improving their language skills, as it really improves your capabilities AND your confidence.’

Where did you go?

‘I was in Cádiz in Andalucia for the first part of my year abroad. I would definitely recommend visiting other towns and cities in the region, such as Córdoba and Granada, towns on the coast such as Tarifa, Conil, and of course, Gibraltar. There is plenty going for Cádiz itself, with some of the nicest beaches in Spain and the world famous Carnival in February.

‘For the second term of my year abroad I was in Bordeaux. It's worth taking a trip to St Emilion for some wine tasting, also visit the giant sand dunes in Arcachon Bay. There’s also ‘Bordeaux fête le vin’ (the Bordeaux wine festival) every summer.’

Where did you stay?

‘In Cádiz I lived in a flat with five other Erasmus students (all female). It was a very sociable environment, and a good way to meet people from different countries (we were one English, two Belgians, two Germans and one French.) The only disadvantage was that we communicated in our (often bad) Spanish, which meant you picked up bad linguistic habits: it would have been better to live with Spaniards! I found the flat by emailing the girls from my university who had been in Cádiz the year before. They put me in touch with their landlord, who secured my place in the flat for the following year.

‘In Bordeaux I lived with a family who were extremely welcoming and helpful throughout my time in Bordeaux. We are still in regular contact. Living with a French family was very beneficial for my French, and a lot more tranquil than the environment in a shared student flat. I even got a few traditional French meals made for me, and my French mum was particularly good at making canelés!

‘I didn’t have too many difficulties with languages as I was in my third year. Things that I did have problems with at first were more cultural than linguistic... Shops closing in the middle of the day for lunch (for four hours!), getting used to saying hello to everyone when you walk into a shop or bus.’

How did you prepare?

‘Before I left for my year abroad I didn't do a great deal of research, but I spoke to the people that had been in those places the year before. In some ways, it is nice to discover a place on your own, but more practical hints and tips from others would have been a bonus. Facebook often has groups that you can join to help you find accommodation/language exchange.’

Did you get a grant?

‘Yes, I received an Erasmus grant for my year abroad, which was split into three instalments. It worked out at around £1,000. This was just the right amount, as it allowed for travel costs, getting yourself in new accommodation and so on. That year we paid half fees to our home university.’