Why You Should Arrive Early When Studying Abroad

By Emily Bagshaw

Being about a month into Fall term at Oregon State University, I think I am fully appreciating how helpful having a week’s ‘holiday’ in the surrounding area was before starting the term. Arriving to your destination early (even for just a few days) can help you adapt and settle into your new environment quicker, as well as give you a head start with exploring the area and getting the ‘holiday feels’ out of the way. It’s also a great way to kickstart your curiosity in terms of where you can explore during the term and holidays!

My Personal ‘Holiday’ Week

OSU is in Corvallis, Oregon – a small (by American standards) town right in the middle of Oregon with little around it in terms of airports, so I chose to fly into Seattle, Washington and make a small trip of the drive down! (Top tip: use Student Universe for flights as I got mine discounted by £200)

Starting off in Seattle, I got around 2 days to explore the city which was awesome! The first day I headed down to Pike Place Market to check out the original Starbucks (and bought a mug of course), browse some of the indie stores and pig out on my first American burger! This is also where the famous ‘gum wall’ attraction is, which is objectively disgusting, but in some dystopian future where they’re making clones of us, at least I’ve got some spare DNA here.

On my second day in Seattle I went shopping for the first time at Target (oh my god how can a store be that big!?) for some flat essentials, and then took the monorail into the centre to see the Space Needle! Coincidentally, there was also a food fair on in the centre which was a very nice surprise.

Day 3 I started my drive down to Corvallis via Portland. I had a specific bookstore earmarked in Portland called ‘Powell’s City of Books’, which is so big they give you a map when you first enter! This drive down through Portland and into Oregon was the first time it hit me that I’m actually IN THE USA!? I’m still seeing little things every day that are just so quintessentially American it gives me a little laugh, but sometimes this cultural shock can be a bit harder to deal with.

Finally once I reached Corvallis on the 3^rd/4^th day I made sure to explore the town as thoroughly as possible while I still had a car. Doing this, I found so many cute little murals sprinkled around the town, as well as some amazing food spots that I have now frequented multiple times. Additionally, I was able to have conversations with local shop owners, one in particular who told me about a ‘Fall Festival’ art fair going on in the central park which was so vibrant and fun! Some of the places I found in these two days were new even to my American flatmates, and now they love going with me, so I really suggest having at least one day like this.

Benefits of This Experience

1. Cultural Exploration: Arriving early allows you to ease into your new surroundings in a more exiting way than immediately working/studying. You’re going to have way more energy at the start of the year to explore your city, so use it well!
2. Logistics and Orientation: Exploring the area helps you grasp the public transport system, local shopping, markets, and essential services. This means you won’t be scrambling to find things once classes begin.
3. Language Familiarity: Although not a problem in the USA, I think arriving early would give you a good chance to acclimate to the local language at your chosen destination, which would be invaluable once your classes begin, and you start socialising!
4. Reduced Stress: By arriving early, you can enjoy a more leisurely introduction to your new environment and get all the holiday feels out of your system early. For me, this really helped with being able to commit to my studies from the get-go instead of having FOMO about exploring.

Overall, I hope if you decide to take the leap and go abroad, you utilise all the time available to you! Arriving early gave me the opportunity to explore not just my college town, but further afield too, and gave me a positive kick off to the year 🙂

Things to consider when studying abroad within specific learning needs

Going abroad despite all the amazing experiences can be undeniably stressful. Certainly adding specific learning needs/disabilities on top can add to the potential anxiety you might be feeling. At the time of my departure I had been diagnosed with dyslexia, however I also had undiagnosed ADHD. Therefore, most of my advice will pertain to having dyslexia and (undiagnosed) ADHD, and my specific experience; however my suggestions can certainly be useful to broader specific learning experiences/needs! It is also important to note that I went abroad to Australia, specifically the Australian National University in Canberra, therefore this is the context to my personal experience.

Before discussing the practical implementations of transferring your learning support plan (LSP) to your abroad academic institution, the first thing I would suggest is having ‘The Wallet’. I personally would recommend this wallet to be an A4 clear file bag so you can see everything inside. The purpose of this wallet is to store all your most important documents. This includes printed copies of your visa, boarding pass, health insurance, proof of student status, accommodation letters, and any other key documentation. I found having physical copies of all my important documents in one place to be really beneficial in the airports, moving into accommodations, setting up a bank account etc. Also, having everything in one place made it less likely for me to lose things or forget about them. I would also strongly recommend having all these documents scanned and in a file on OneDrive/Google Drive, so you have multiple copies saved. I found this made admin a lot less stressful and more streamlined/manageable.

With regards to going abroad I would make sure make sure to do research on what healthcare is available to you, and what support is available at your specific academic institution. My university had an onsite doctors surgery you could access easily; however, this is not the case everywhere. Certain countries also don’t prescribe specific medications, ADHD medications are a prime example of this. If possible I would recommend having physical copies of your prescriptions (put them in ‘The Wallet’), as well as scanned versions. This will be beneficial if you are having to set up your prescription overseas; if you are concerned or in doubt about your prescriptions, I would advise speaking to your GP before departure.

With regards to your specific academic institutions, make sure you have a copy of your diagnostic report and your learning support plan saved to your computer. I would also again recommend having physical copies in ‘The Wallet’. When I arrived in Australia I emailed these to the Accessibility team; however upon reflection, if you already have your offer, I would recommend sending these over in advance. I wish I had done this sooner, as I had to do quite a bit of emailing back and forth; this resulted in me having to wait a while to ensure my LSP was implemented. Additionally, the LSP is likely to be called something different abroad. The ANU equivalent of the LSP was the Education Access Plan (EAP) so make sure you take this into account when skimming over your emails! You don’t want to accidently miss an appointment/crucial information regarding your LSP/EAP.

You may have to renew your learning support plan; I had to do this at the start of my second semester at ANU. If you are in doubt as to whether you have to do this, I would recommend asking the department when you arrive, or emailing them at the beginning of your second semester.

I would also advocate for being vocal about your learning requirements/disabilities if you feel comfortable doing so. I made a point of discussing my dyslexia with each module convenor/seminar tutors at the beginning of my modules/semester. This was undeniably beneficial, as it meant my tutors were more understanding of any difficulties I may face, including the need for extensions on coursework. Additionally, it is important to note that ANU did not have a ‘yellow sticker system’ like we do here at the University of Sheffield. I would recommend talking with your institution’s Accessibility Department to see if you need to put any important markers or information on your submitted work/exams.

These are my main tips and experiences regarding my time abroad! Do not let the potential stress of this deter you. Overall I had a very smooth experience abroad and had next to no issues with my LSP/EAP; all I can do is emphasise the importance of doing as much groundwork before your departure! Research your academic institution abroad and assemble ‘The Wallet’ early, your future self will thank you!

My advice to students before going abroad!

By Camilla Sechi

As the beginning of my second term at the Université de Lausanne approaches, I have been thinking about the start of my study abroad experience, everything I wish I did and thing I’m going to try to do next term.

Classes

As a literature student I was dead set on taking literature courses, so I wouldn’t spend an entire year without studying literature. I now wish I hadn’t, they were extremely interesting courses, but turns out studying literature in Switzerland is completely different than studying it in England (how shocking), and what I learned wouldn’t necessarily be useful next year. I found that my favourite courses during the autumn semester were language classes.

 They helped me improve my confidence in speaking French, as my other courses were standard, passive, sit-and-take-notes lessons, while language classes focused on participation. I also met my friends in those classes, and it was refreshing to meet other exchange students from around the world who were in the same shoes as me. 

These language classes were given at the EFLE- école française langue étranger, meaning a department dedicated to learning French as a second language. They also hosted events such as Christmas parties and movie nights, which I would definitely recommend attending. 

So make sure to think about what you want to get out of this year, and don’t be afraid to try out different classes! There is no shame in switching if you realise a course just isn’t for you. 

ESN

Speaking of friends, before leaving for your year abroad, if you are heading to Europe, I would recommend finding your host university’s ESN account and following it. ESN, standing for Erasmus Student Network, is run by students for exchange students. They host events, ranging from day trips, weekend ski trips, and activities such as club nights, sport events, and crafty events. It’s a great opportunity to make friends and travel for a lower price. 

I personally took part in the Basel day trip and paid around 30 CHF for it- which included the train ride there and back, a boat trip, and museum tickets. Tickets for such events run out quickly as there are limited places, so if they say they start selling them at 10 am on Friday, be there on time, or even arrive a bit early, or you will find yourself hearing that the tickets are sold out while you are still in the queue. 

They also organise a welcome week of events before the start of classes, they do have a deadline for signing up, so if you are interested make sure you sign up in time. 

On a similar note, these networks tend to be run on Telegram, so download it and join their groups, you can directly contact them and talk to others, for things such as reselling tickets or needing to contact them if you are lost while out on the trip. 

Emails

This one is kind of obvious but check your emails often! Chances are your host uni has been emailing you about things you must do before the start of term, or even general advice. In my case, I was sent a whole survival kit email, with advice on where to get a cheap sim card, how to register to the population office… and I almost missed this email, doing everything by myself would have been way more stressful and taken a longer time, so I’m grateful for how considerate they were. 

They also send you links to join Telegram groups with other Erasmus/ foreign students so you can ask for advice and start meeting a few people, which I definitely found helpful. 

Sheffield

Don’t be afraid to email the Global Opps team if you have any issues. I struggled to find accommodation and I found my host uni wasn’t capable to help me out, so I emailed Sheffield, who put me in contact with other Sheffield students who were also heading to Lausanne, as well as past students so I could talk to them about where else to look for accommodation.

I also struggled due to the workload, credits work differently abroad, and Sheffield and Lausanne required me to take different amounts so I wasn’t sure which ‘guidelines’ to follow. I was able to book a quick meeting with a Sheffield member of staff to get advice. So if you are struggling with something, remember that Sheffield can always help you even if you are in another country. 

Overall, there is so much to take care of, so you are bound to miss a thing or two at the beginning. Just remember that no mistake is too great to be rectified, and every problem has a solution. You aren’t the first student to do a year abroad. So there will always be someone who has had a similar past experience whom you can contact for advice. Moving and studying in another country can be stressful, but it’s also such a unique experience, in my opinion definitely worth the hassle.  

All photos are from my recent trip to Basel!

Travel During My Year Abroad So Far

By Ollie Thompson

Nyhavn, Copenhagen

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to some nearby countries during my first semester in Copenhagen. Within the first few weeks, I took the train to Malmo, Sweden with a group of friends, which only took around 20 minutes from my apartment! We had a great time and some fantastic Vietnamese food but I wouldn’t recommend going on a Sunday like we did as most businesses were closed!

Santa Lucia festival

My next trip was my first ever solo trip, to Latvia and Estonia. Getting to Latvia only took an hour by plane, and after a few days I took the bus over to Estonia, which only cost around £10 and took a few hours. Latvia was very pretty but there not too much to see. Estonia, however, was one of my favourite countries I’ve visited in Europe, and I would definitely recommend making the trip there. I explored the medieval castles and museums and took an electric scooter around Tallinn. I would recommend taking opportunities to see nearby countries during the year abroad as you will often end up seeing places you probably would never have thought to travel to.

A few of my friends and family members have come to visit me in Copenhagen,
which creates a nice opportunity to become a tourist again in your host country.
Showing them around the hot spots and taking lots of pictures reminded me just how great a destination Copenhagen really is! It is also great to explore other places in your host country, as I did when I went to Helsingør to spend the night with an Australian friend of mine who was also taking part in a semester abroad. We explored a different area of Denmark, which helped us to get to know our host country and its culture more. We also took the ferry over to another area of Sweden. It’s great to be able to travel with other students who are also on year abroad as you get to experience new things together.

Deer Park on the outskirts of Copenhagen

I also spent a few nights in Warsaw, Poland with one of my flatmates and a few
friends. Although I had visited Poland before, I had never visited Warsaw and I
really enjoyed seeing the mixture of old and new throughout the city. We visited
museums and restaurants and explored the city. It was a great opportunity to bond with my friends, who were all on a semester abroad, and I ended up booking tickets to Korea to see two of them in September! That is one of my favourite things about the year abroad, you get to meet so many people from so many different countries and this allows you to experience different cultures you may never have! Not only will I be visiting my friends in Korea and experiencing the culture there, we have also done Korean food nights and I have learned how to make gimbap and speak some basic Korean!

Flower Market

In conclusion, travelling has been one of my highlights of the year abroad so far
and I would recommend anyone planning on doing a year abroad to take any
opportunities that come your way. Not only do you get to see exciting new places, it is also a great bonding experience with people from all over the world!

Study abroad is so much more than studying!

By Grace Lenihan

Hi, my name is Grace and I’m a third-year chemistry student currently on exchange at McMaster, Canada. I have finished my first semester and I’m eager to start my second. I have experienced so much since being here and honestly this kind of opportunity is a once in a lifetime that I believe everyone should take!

So far this year I have managed to go on residentials to Algonquin National Park and many individual trips too including Banff, New York and even The Bahamas! (look at photos below)

I have managed to do all this, maintain good grades, and meet some incredible people who I will stay friends with forever. You get the chance to pretty cheaply go to places you would never really get the chance to go if you were back in the UK. Also, having things planned and making the most of your study abroad really helps with the homesickness- which honestly (I love my family) but I only really felt maybe once or twice. 

It’s so important to see this year as an experience to learn and connect with people but also to travel and experience a different culture and lifestyle as this is just as important to your development as an adult and a young professional as quantum mechanics is.

Tip- Make sure to work and save as much as you can the summer before coming so you have plenty of spending money. 

Algonquin 

This was a 3-day canoe trip with the university outdoor club which was physically challenging but incredibly rewarding! We cooked our own food and camped in the Canadian wilderness which was truly epic! GO ON THIS TRIP if you can as you will not regret it. 

Banff

This was the most beautiful place I have ever seen. My breath was taken away on every hike. These are photos from Lake Louise and the Big Beehive hike. 

New York

I mean New York doesn’t really need an introduction… it was amazing. You could get here easily from McMaster (by plane or overnight coach) and this trip really got us in the Xmas mood. We saw all the main sights and will be an experience to remember.

The Bahamas

Christmas on the beach was strange but wonderful. I would swap white sand for white snow any day! When else would you get to do this for an affordable price? If you get to go, make sure you don’t miss Junkanoo on Boxing Day!

Reflections So Far as an Intern in Barcelona

By Georgia Renshaw

As a language student, a year abroad is compulsory, and you can choose to either study at a university, teach English, or complete an internship. After careful consideration, I decided to use my year abroad as an opportunity to gain some valuable experience in the marketing industry. Following various applications, interviews, and mock tasks, I successfully secured a 12-month paid marketing internship in Barcelona. And so, my year abroad journey began! I have now been in Barcelona for three months and thought it would be the perfect time to reflect on my adventure so far!

La Sagrada Familia

The Biggest Challenge

Securing my visa emerged as the most challenging hurdle I had to face. Brexit meant that many of the requirements had changed for Spanish internship visas, additional documentation was needed, and the overall cost of the visa process was amplified. Working full-time during the holidays and part-time during the academic year prepared me for some of the financial stress, however, there were certain challenges that could not have been predicted. For instance, I encountered setbacks such as the rejection of my work permit, the embassy’s dissatisfaction with one of my apostilles, and the consulate misplacing all of my visa-related documents… a very stressful few months to say the least. All of these visa challenges meant that I was unable to be in the office for the agreed start date, and therefore had to work remotely for the first two months. Despite the problems I faced, I am a strong believer of everything happening for a reason, and although at times it was difficult to remain in this mindset, I realise now that the entire pre-departure process taught me to stay determined and positive, even when things don’t go to plan.

The view from Los Bunkers del Carmel

Culture Shocks

One of the initial cultural shocks I experienced was related to the language. Before relocating to Barcelona, I was aware that there were two official languages, Castilian and Catalan. Although I have a good level of Castilian, thanks to my studies at Sheffield, I lacked any knowledge of Catalan, which was quite intimidating. However, the majority of locals are bilingual in both Castilian and Catalan, so don’t be discouraged if you only know one of the official languages. With time, I have actually managed to learn some basic Catalan and I have found that making an effort to speak Spanish, whether it be Castilian or Catalan, is met with immense respect, so don’t be scared to speak the language or make grammatical errors! 

The Spanish way of life has been really inspiring – the relaxed atmosphere, great weather, and the friendliness of the people all contribute to an exceptional quality of life. However, one aspect that I am still adjusting to is the local concept of time; everything happens so much later. Attending the company Christmas meal, I intentionally arrived 45 minutes later, only for us to still wait an additional 30 minutes for others to arrive. The nightlife in Barcelona also follows a delayed schedule, with most clubs staying open until 6 am, making for quite an interesting night out!!

I am also adjusting to the reality that my schedule doesn’t allow me to have as much time off as those teaching English or studying at a university. In Sheffield, the holidays were a little break from work and a time for family and friends, however, I only have the national bank holidays off and then 11 days of my own personal leave, making it slightly difficult to completely detach from work and have affordable city breaks away. Nonetheless, my job is still thoroughly rewarding, I just have to make the most of my weekends!

Parc de la Ciutadella 

Hopes For the Next Few Months

Now that I’ve settled into both the city and my job, my aim for the upcoming months is to explore more of Europe! My TIE card will be available to collect at the end of January, which will allow me to leave and re-enter Spain without any issues, so I can finally start planning group and solo trips without worrying about any challenges at the border. One of the main places on my bucket list for my year abroad is to visit Morocco, as it’s not that far from Spain, so hopefully I’ll be writing about that trip in one of my next blogs!

La Barceloneta Beach

Tips and Advice

• Visa – Stay updated with the consulate website and make sure you have all of the correct documentation, be prepared for it to get costly (translations, apostles etc), and don’t be disheartened if things go wrong – it’ll all be worth it once you’re on your year abroad. 
• Interning Abroad/ Imposter Syndrome – I’ll be honest, it is daunting working in a foreign office and being the ‘newbie’, but remember that you deserve to be there and the company offered you a position for a reason! View it as an incredible opportunity to gain valuable experience, acquire new skills, and expand your network. 
• Homesickness – While I haven’t personally experienced much homesickness in my first three months, it does surface occasionally. To counter this, I remind myself that this is an incredible opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally! 
• My biggest piece of advice would be to remind yourself that this opportunity could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of it! Carefully consider your year abroad options and don’t be scared to diverge from what your friends are doing, everything will work out the way that it’s meant to!
• For those considering an internship abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend it. My experience has been incredible so far, providing me with a full year of valuable industry exposure that will benefit my post-graduation career. Whether you decide to complete an internship, study at a university, or teach English at a school, your year abroad promises a truly enriching experience!
• If you have any questions about my experience as an intern abroad, life in Spain, or you want some advice for your year abroad, feel free to message me via The Ambassador Platform (you can access this via the Global Opportunities website).

FC Barcelona Match

Your Guide to Getting a Spanish Visa: Internship Edition

By Georgia Renshaw

**Please note that this is Georgia’s personal experience applying for a visa and is NOT visa advice nor the official visa application process**

Language students at the University of Sheffield must undertake a compulsory year abroad, offering choices such as studying at a foreign university, working as a language assistant, or pursuing an internship. Additionally, numerous students studying different degrees also choose to complete a placement abroad, so for anyone considering completing an internship in Spain, this blog is for you!

I am currently pursuing a degree in Spanish and Italian at Sheffield, and I chose to spend my year abroad in Barcelona as a Marketing Intern. I knew that I wanted to use my year abroad to enhance my marketing knowledge, improve my language skills, and experience a whole new culture, however, I was unaware of the challenges that I would face with regards to obtaining a visa. This guide will provide you with the process that I followed to eventually obtain my visa, with the aim of making your experience a lot smoother than mine. 

               

Documents Needed for your Work Permit/ Residence 

Authorization for an Internship

The very first step you must overcome is getting your work permit/ residence authorization for your internship. Without this document, you will not be able to obtain a visa. 

What is a Work Permit/ Residence Authorization and why do I need it?

This a document to essentially say that Spain gives you permission to intern in Spain, and you need it for your visa appointment. 

Who approves it?

The document must be approved by the Delegation or Sub-delegation of the Government in the province in which the internship will be carried out

How do I get the work permit?

I knew that it would be difficult to sort this document from the UK, so I used a Spanish lawyer, who was recommended to me by my internship, to submit my application on my behalf. This was an expensive decision, however, it saved me a lot of stress, and ensured that I had support there if anything went wrong. 

What documents do I need for it?

Here is a list of every document that I sent to the lawyer:

1. Passport

A scanned copy of every single page in my passport, from the front cover to the rear cover.

2. Criminal Record Certificate – ACRO

This document needed to be apostilled and translated into Spanish. This cannot be more than 3 months old prior to applying for the work permit.

3. Internship Contract

I used the training agreement provided by the university, but it must be signed by the university, the internship company, and yourself. It must also state the exact hours you will work each day (my work permit was originally rejected because it didn’t have this extra information). This must also be translated into Spanish. 

4. Academic Certificate

I used my HEAR report which you can access via muse. This document must be signed by the university, and also be translated and apostilled. 

5. Letter/ Certificate signed by the university explaining that you are a registered student at that specific university and in that specific degree. 

The university (SSID) can provide a ‘Certificate of Student Status’. This must be apostilled and translated. 

6. Health insurance

I sent a scanned copy of my GHIC card (you must apply for this on the UK government website, and it is then sent to your home address), and a scanned copy of my travel insurance (which is provided for by the university).

The travel insurance needs to be translated into Spanish. 

7. Proof of economic means

I had to send numerous bank statements to show that I had sufficient funds in my bank account. The amount of funds that you need in your bank is dependent on your duration in Spain, but it is approximately €625 per month. Eg my internship is 12-months long so I had to have €7,500 on my bank statements. These bank statements must also be translated into Spanish.

I also had to send a letter of recommendation from my bank and a copy of both sides of my credit card.

All of the documents provided for by the bank had to be signed and stamped by the bank to prove they were legitimate documents.

What Next?

Once the work permit/ residence of authorisation has been submitted, it usually takes around a month for it to be approved. Once it has been approved you are then given a month to submit your actual visa application, if you do not do it within this time, the work permit will expire, and you will have to submit a new application, and go through the steps above again. 

Documents Needed for your Visa Appointment

You should be able to book your appointment at the consulate, provided that you have the following documents:

1. National Visa Application Form

You must fill out this form, which is provided on the government website. 

2. Photograph

A recent, passport-size, colour photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the face. A normal passport photo is fine.

3. Valid, unexpired passport.

Original and a photocopy of the biometric pages on the passport. Must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank pages. 

4. Authorisation for residence and internship

This is the work permit document mentioned in the prior section. Bring the original and a copy.

5. ACRO criminal record certificate 

Bring the original and a copy. It must be apostilled and translated by a sworn translator. It cannot be older than 6 months. 

6. Proof of residence in the consular district

You need a document that has your address on it, to prove that you are attending the consulate which is closest to your home address. 

7. Bank Documents

Bring the same bank documents that you used for the work permit. Make sure you have your most recent bank statements, which should state the correct amount of financial means.

8. Medical Certificate of Good Health

You need the original and a copy of a medical certificate that states that you do not suffer from any diseases that may have serious public health implications in accordance with the international Health Regulations 2005. There is one on the consulate website that you can use, but you must also get the document translated into Spanish and apostilled. 

9. Payment of the visa fee

When submitting your documents you must pay the visa fee. I would keep the receipt for this, just in case.  

It is important to remember that the Consular Office may ask for additional documents. At my appointment, they decided they didn’t like the apostille of my ACRO Criminal Record Certificate, and gave me 10 days to get a new one sorted. 

What next?

It typically takes between 2-4 weeks to receive a decision on your application, so it’s just a waiting game after this.

Tips and Important Advice

• Have copies of absolutely everything 

Even if you don’t need a copy of the document, do it anyway and take it with you to the consulate. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Be prepared for the process to get costly 

Paying for a lawyer, standard translations, sworn translations, and apostilles, as well as making sure that you have sufficient funds in your bank account as proof of economic means, means that you will be spending a lot before you even get there. 

• Stay in contact with your internship company/ manager

Due to the delays and problems with my visa, I arrived in Spain two months later than planned. I kept my manager informed, worked remotely from the UK to mitigate the visa delay’s impact, and joined the Barcelona office later. Spanish businesses are usually understanding of the challenges interns face due to Brexit, but it is crucial to have clear communication with your manager or internship company. 

• Visit the consulate’s website for updates

Given the challenges posed by Brexit, obtaining a Spanish visa has become more complex, and last year, there was a lack of clear guidance on the application process. It is crucial to consistently monitor the consulate website for any potential changes in requirements or the need for additional documentation. 

• Engage with the Global Opportunities Team

Maintain open communication with the Global Opportunities Team throughout your journey. Whether you’re sharing positive or negative developments, asking questions, expressing concerns, or seeking advice, feel free to reach out to them. They are a very busy team, but are dedicated to supporting you throughout the process and will assist you in any way possible. They were a godsend for me!!

• STAY POSITIVE WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

My work permit got rejected, then the consulate asked for more documents at my visa appointment and only gave me 10 days to sort them, and then the consulate lost my visa documents…but I got to Spain in the end! It is really easy to get down when things are going wrong, but all of the hard work and stress will be worth it once you are there!

Feel free to get in contact with myself (grenshaw1@sheffield.ac.uk), if you want to know more about my experience in Spain, getting an internship abroad, or simply want some advice for your year abroad! Here are some photos to show you that it is all worth it!!

Things to Consider Before Moving to Germany: Cultural Differences Between Germany and the UK, and How to Prepare for Your Year Abroad

By Tori Barlow

Here is a simple, bullet-pointed list of some tips to help your year abroad in Germany get off to a smooth start!

1. Language and Culture Immersion: Dive In Early

Prepare for your German adventure by immersing yourself in the language and culture before you travel here. Beyond the basics, consider watching popular German TV shows like “Dark”, “Tatortreiniger”, or “Türkisch für Anfänger” with subtitles, or consider trying out different genres of German music.. you never know what you might find! To keep up to date with nationwide events, celebrations, or rail strikes, make sure to read the German news sources, such as Der Spiegel or Die Zeit, which will not only improve your language skills but will also allow you to make informed decisions about your travel plans. (If there are any Deutsche Bahn rail strikes, NOTHING will run, so if you have to travel on these days I would recommend taking a FlixBus if you can). This technique works excellently for learning the language and making this country feel like home. It will also make your environment seem less intimidating or overwhelming if you are at all nervous or anxious about moving abroad on your own.

• Personal Space and Formality: Respectful Connections

Germans value personal space and maintain formality, especially in initial interactions. When addressing individuals, particularly in professional settings, use appropriate titles like Herr (Mr.) or Frau (Ms./Mrs.). As relationships develop, the formality may ease, but initiating connections with respect sets a positive tone for future interactions. This is particularly evident when you address someone you don’t know for the first time. You must always use the formal version of ‘du’ which is ‘Sie’ when you first address a new person, or someone more senior than yourself. Most Germans will understand if you make this mistake and use ‘du’, but don’t be surprised if they try to correct you. For example, you would say “Können Sie mir helfen?” instead of “Kannst du mir helfen?” if you were asking someone if they can help you.

Further, it is custom in the morning to greet people with “Morgen!”, even if you don’t know them. Then, throughout the day if you pass someone such as your neighbour, it is polite to say “Hallo”. If you do not do this, the Germans may think you are rude.

• Punctuality Matters: The German Time Precision

Punctuality is more than a virtue in Germany; it’s a cultural expectation. Arriving on time demonstrates respect and professionalism. Set the tone for positive interactions by planning your schedule carefully, whether attending a social gathering or a professional meeting. The German commitment to punctuality extends to public transport, so embracing this cultural norm ensures smooth and stress-free travel. That being said, public transport services can be early as much as they can be late, so I would recommend arriving to your bus stop/ train station at least 5mins before your departure. They will not wait for you, even if you are on time but they are early! Learn how to use apps like Deutsche Bahn’s Navigator for schedules and ticket information. Efficiently navigating public transport not only enhances your independence but also allows you to explore the diverse corners of Germany seamlessly. I recommend for the first time you travel here or need to use German public transport, to have at least one person with you. If you will be doing all of this alone, make sure to do your research and have back-up travel routes!

• Sunday Silence: The Day of Rest

Sundays in Germany offer a stark contrast to the lively scenes in the UK. Most establishments, including supermarkets and shops, remain closed, encouraging a day of rest and reflection. An easy way to embrace this cultural practice is by planning your weekly shopping ahead and taking your Sunday to explore local scenery with friends. There is definitely a hike to be found almost anywhere in this country.

• Communal Living: Searching for Accommodation

This will vary depending on whether you have access to university accommodation or not. As a student or young adult, most people here find their flats using this website: WG-Gesucht.de . Unlike in England where you often have to search for your flat/house almost a year in advance, here the changeover is much faster. Germans will usually advertise properties a month or so in advance, so my advice would be to monitor what comes up at least a few months in advance, and when you see something promising, act quickly! From my experience, it is a very competitive market. It is also worth noting that subletting is extremely common here unlike in England, even subletting a sublet… so make sure you know who and where your money is going each month to avoid any complications! Subletting can also be great, because all the responsibility for your utilities falls on the main tenant, so usually you pay one all-inclusive bill each month, instead of rent per third and bills every month 😊 .

• Money Money Money: The Cost of Living

From my personal experience, I would say the cost of living in Germany is higher than the UK, but a German salary will compensate for this… so perhaps it balances out? I think it is important to remember this topic is very subjective, but still vital to consider if you are considering moving abroad. EU imports are obviously cheaper than in the UK, but non-EU imports are more expensive than in the UK. For example, your next pair of trainers might be cheaper to buy at home depending on the brand.

Here is some information I have found about comparing the cost of living in different countries. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Germany is 21% cheaper than in the UK. However, the cost of living in Sheffield is lower than the UK average.

Here is a comparison of the prices of some common items in Sheffield and Germany: (please note that these figures could be completely inaccurate and this just serves as a general guide)

Item	Sheffield	Germany
Meal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	5.00£ (5.77€)	7.83£ (9.00€)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)	3.00£ (3.46€)	3.48£ (4.00€)
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	3.50£ (4.04€)	3.13£ (3.60€)
Cappuccino (regular)	2.50£ (2.89€)	2.80£ (3.22€)
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	1.00£ (1.15€)	2.31£ (2.65€)
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	0.80£ (0.92€)	2.06£ (2.37€)
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.00£ (1.15€)	3.57£ (4.10€)
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.90£ (1.04€)	1.50£ (1.72€)
Rice (white), (1 lb)	0.50£ (0.58€)	0.97£ (1.11€)
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.80£ (2.08€)	2.65£ (3.05€)
Local Cheese (1 lb)	2.50£ (2.89€)	4.82£ (5.54€)
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.00£ (3.46€)	4.92£ (5.66€)
Apples (1 lb)	0.80£ (0.92€)	0.93£ (1.07€)
Oranges (1 lb)	0.80£ (0.92€)	0.82£ (0.94€)
Potato (1 lb)	0.50£ (0.58€)	0.60£ (0.69€)
Onion (1 lb)	0.50£ (0.58€)	0.59£ (0.68€)
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.80£ (0.92€)	0.53£ (0.61€)
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	7.00£ (8.08€)	4.34£ (4.99€)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	2.50£ (2.89€)	2.61£ (3.00€)
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	3.00£ (3.46€)	3.13£ (3.60€)
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	2.00£ (2.31€)	2.80£ (3.22€)
Totals	43.40£ (50.13€) Sheffield	56.12£ (64.82€) Germany

• Hey Big Spender: Managing Your Money

Taking a year abroad is a great opportunity but it can also be expensive – especially with upfront costs. As soon as you know you will go abroad, I recommend to start saving as much money as reasonably possible. Do not exhaust yourself trying to manage every penny, but consider how you spend your money, and start to think about how you could earn more. Some easy things I did include:

• Set up a new flexible savings account with a high interest rate. Right now, Chase by JP Morgen has 4.1% AER.
• Enable ‘round ups’ on all your transactions. This means that whatever you spend, your bank will round this number up to the next pound and put those pennies in a pot for you to save. I did this again with Chase, which put the pennies directly into my savers account, with an additional interest rate of 5% AER.
• Keeping rent money in a flexible savings account so that it can accumulate some pennies while you aren’t needing it. Make sure to remove the rent in time for your payments thought o avoid complications with your landlords!
• Sell old clothes or belongings you wouldn’t take abroad on Vinted. This is also useful for general consumer management, because if you wouldn’t take these items abroad for a year, do you really need them? You can also link your Vinted to your chosen bank account, so moving the money into your savings is even easier.
• Look into what financial support you can access through the university. The university can help you with scholarships, bursaries, and the Turing Scheme, so it is a good idea to attend any talks or help sessions, and know how much, if anything, you could be entitled to.
• Reconsider your expenses and try to make them cheaper. This includes your phone bill, streaming or delivery services, contact lenses, try to get creative with it.
• Create a spending budget, and anything you don’t spend each month move into these savings. I believe the university’s website still has a money planner or calculator you can use to help you.
• Get a part-time job or pick up freelance work. Check out the university’s careers service for flexible opportunities, and I also recommend signing up to a hospitality company such as Arc or Constellation who offer casual shifts around local areas.

Moreover, when you arrive in Germany: while card payments are widely accepted, having cash on hand remains practical. Smaller establishments, local markets, or street vendors may prefer cash transactions, so make sure you always have emergency cash with you at all times, you never know when you may need it!

As for card payments, I recommend using Revolut for your day-to-day spending, and PayPal is also common here for people to send money to one another. It may be better to set up a new PayPal in German to avoid exchange fees, and for this you will need a new email, and potentially a German phone number. I found having an email such as username_de@email.com really useful for managing all the admin in general, and you can find cheap prepaid sims here to get a phone number, which you can top up as you need.

• Biking Culture and The Green Revolution

Germany’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its intricate recycling system. Take recycling seriously by familiarising yourself with the waste separation bins in your local area (or when you plan to move to). For example, the “Gelbe Tonne” (yellow bin) is for packaging materials and so on. Pfand is a deposit system for plastic bottles and aluminium drink cans in Germany. You pay extra money when you buy a drink (around 25 cents) and you can get it back when you return the empty container to the stations you can find at all supermarkets. You will sometimes see homeless people collecting these bottles, so that they can buy themselves food with the ‘voucher’ you are given after donating them at the shop.

Germany’s commitment to sustainability also extends to its biking culture. Like in Sheffield, I have seen locals cycle in ALL weather conditions. Plus, the roads here are much more adapted for bikes than they are in the UK so you could argue it is safer, however, make sure to allow time to familiarise yourself with cycling on the other side of the road to avoid any accidents! You could even consider joining local biking groups or using bike-sharing programs to connect with the community, offering a more authentic perspective on German urban life.

First semester reflections: studying abroad is hard – I recommend it!

By Lauren Bower

When leaving for my study abroad in Australia someone said “gosh, you’re so brave!”, and I remember feeling very bewildered by the statement; was I brave? Up until that point, all I had thought about was the excitement for a year in the sun, surfing and BBQs. In all the chaos I had not stopped to comprehend that I was travelling further than I had ever travelled before, to a country where I did not know a single person. Maybe I was brave. Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely experienced my fair share of surfing, sun and BBQs in the 5 months spent here so far, but homesickness and culture shock are the less glamourous aspects of studying abroad that I have experienced during my first semester here.

Renting a boat on the Yarra River

Culture shock

I was warned about potential culture shock before departure, but in my naivety, I presumed that an English-speaking country would feel like a ‘home away from home’, and that the shock would be minimal. This was an oversight on my behalf. English being the native tongue has been extremely helpful but this is not to say that the culture in Aus is the same as the UK. One thing that particularly struck me was the difference in Uni culture. I was expecting the same ‘student body’ that I experience in Sheffield, where everyone lives in the same place, goes on the same nights out and you can’t go further than Crookes Valley Park before bumping into someone you know. Therefore, when I arrived in Australia and discovered that living on campus at uni is rare and the vast majority of Australian students commute, my vision of the same ‘student life’ evaporated. This was very disconcerting at first because I was suddenly plunged into a completely novel university experience. Yet, it soon transpired that different doesn’t equate to worse and the Australian experience is better in some ways. For example, everyone living at home means that the library is often emptier and trying to find a seat during exam season isn’t the less fun version of musical chairs that occurs every January and May in the IC. It also meant that the on-campus accommodation (where I stayed during my first semester) was mostly occupied by exchange students making it really easy to meet people in the same position as me.

Another thing that unsettled me at first was the sheer size of Australia. Where I lived in first semester was an hour out of Melbourne CBD (what the Aussies call the town centre), so every time I wanted to travel into the city, I had to undertake a journey equivalent to travelling from Sheffield to Manchester. I do have to count my lucky stars, however, because the public transport here wipes the floor with Northern rail. Now, of course, adding an hour commute onto plans that I make feels normal, and I have come to enjoy the peace of a train journey. It does make me appreciate how everything in Sheffield is walkable though!

Sydney Opera House

Homesickness

I arrived in July, and once the novelty of being here wore off it was around September; just as everyone went back to Uni in the UK. This hit me harder than expected, and I am ashamed to admit that I was longing for a roar Wednesday whilst soaking up the sun in Melbourne. Watching my old housemates move in with each other again, whilst I was on the other side of the world gave me fomo like I had never experienced before. Of course, when I came to my senses, I realised that it wasn’t seeing Roary in the queue that I missed, and it certainly wasn’t the crowd at Foundry, but the people that make Sheffield such a special place. This kind of homesickness hit me in waves, and I found that missing people from home and uni was going to be one of the hardest parts of being here. As much as I miss my family and friends, I know that they will be there when I get home. As for anyone concerned about homesickness and is hesitant in applying for somewhere so far away, homesickness is hard, but what would be harder is knowing that you passed up on the incredible opportunity that Sheffield offers to study abroad because you were afraid of saying some temporary goodbyes.

Melbourne at night

Tips on combatting homesickness:

• Regularly ring people from home. Once I got into the swing of things with the time difference, I came to learn which time of day was suitable to call people. For example, my mum often rings me on her lunch break at work, which tends to be around 11pm for me. Seeing a familiar face over facetime seriously gives a much needed ‘boost’– I always feel refreshed after a chat.
• Surround yourself with people. Making new friends was more difficult than I thought it would be; I really had to make the effort to put myself out there which was draining at a time where I’d just moved here and was already feeling fragile, but it definitely pays off and I have met so many people here who have taught me so much. The advice I was offered before coming out here was to not stick with just exchange students, but I have found them to be the most welcoming. It is also extremely comforting to have people around you who are going through the same thing and experiencing the same emotions as you. I really don’t think I could go through this experience without their support. 
• Make sure to continue doing the things that you love. For example, I joined my halls netball team, and purchased a piano keyboard from Facebook marketplace. Doing the same activities here as I would at home instantly made me feel more settled.

Maybe I was brave to come out here all by myself after all – it has been harder than expected, but it has absolutely been worth it. Some of the experiences I’ve had in Australia, and some of the friends I’ve made will last a lifetime. My advice for anyone unsure whether or not to take the leap of faith and apply for somewhere so far away from home: it will be hard, and it will test you, but you will come out of the experience changed for the better and I cannot recommend anything more. I cannot wait for next semester when I can do it all over again.

Mid-Semester Reflections

by Emily Kitamura 

I am now 8 weeks into my course at Chuo University in Tokyo, Japan and thought it would be a good time to reflect on my time here so far. 

From Tokyo Station at night

Firstly, I cannot believe how fast time has gone. I feel like so much has happened and it is only really now I actually feel settled. 

I knew it would take time for me to sort out all of the general administrative tasks when moving to another country as well as adjusting to the new culture. I however feel I had underestimated how long everything would take. Not to mention the amount of paperwork needed to complete what I would have expected to be a simple task. From registering with the local ward office, signing up for medical insurance, phone contracts, opening a bank account and getting pocket wifi (as there was no wifi in my accommodation!). Everything was so much more complicated than I had realised. Nonetheless, now with lots of that dealt with, my time is now filled with mid-term deadlines with university and planning trips with friends in the upcoming holiday! 

inside Chuo University Law School

University 

In Japan, I was told in advance what modules were taught in which block each week before I chose my modules. Therefore, it meant I could choose classes/times to suit me. I decided to keep Friday free (in the autumn semester) so I could do long weekend trips and travel around Japan. 

Most of my classes are labelled as ‘lectures’ however they are very interactive. Particularly in classes that are made up of mostly exchange students, there are lots of discussions on the topic from the Japanese law point of view with contributions from exchange students who are from different countries. 

At my host university, like in Sheffield, on the module outline, it says how you will be assessed. Most of the modules I have selected involve up to 50% of the grade being made up of attendance and class participation which I had not experienced in Sheffield. I found the amount of discussions in class strange at first but quickly got used to it and found I really enjoy this way of learning. Discussing things in small groups where each person is from a different country makes each discussion very interesting. 

After the adjustment to the different teaching style at my host university, we now have mid-term assignments due. The constant stream of workload is something I have now adjusted to and realised the importance of being open to things popping up unannounced and being adaptable and responding to them as required. 

My Learning

The best piece of advice I could give anyone is to be accepting if things do not go as smoothly as you had anticipated.

 

Shinjuku Botanical Gardens

I tried to plan many things out before I arrived with hopes it would make it easier upon arrival, and do not get me wrong, it did put my mind at ease. However, when bumps in the road began to appear, I tried so hard to smooth things out. I quickly found this was impossible and I thought letting go was likely to be easier. This was difficult to do but as soon as I did, it did begin to feel easier. I am proud to say I am now finding joy when things go to plan, rather than beating myself up about when things do not go as planned. 

This shift in my mindset has made me more resilient and open to things when they do not work out as anticipated. I still plan as that is part of my personality, but being more open to things and accepting/embracing when things go wrong. This has been such a valuable lesson for me which is why I wanted to share. I hope if you are reading this and considering going abroad, be aware you will face challenges. But you are not alone!

 

Shrines and a Firework Festival!

Academic differences between the UK and Switzerland

By Camilla Sechi

By the shore of ‘Le lac Léman’, also known as the Geneva Lake, L’Université de Lausanne (UNIL) was founded in 1537. It was initially a school of protestant theology to train pastors for their future roles in the church. It was then turned into a university in 1890, now the country’s second oldest.

The few academic differences I have noticed between Lausanne and Sheffield are subtle. The way credits are measured, with each class being worth five or two and a half. You must sign up for classes the first week of term, and only for that term, rather than choosing all your modules the summer before the new academic year, and you have four weeks to try out courses and change your mind. While Sheffield will tell you the number of credits you are required to do, no more, no less, Lausanne will give you a minimum requirement of fifteen credits for my department, but you are allowed to take more if you wish. Once you
have signed up for your lessons, you must also sign up for exams, or you won’t be allowed to sit them and won’t get the credits out of the class. If you don’t sign up in time, it will cost you around two hundred francs.

My classes are seminars this year, with small groups of around ten or fifteen students, free to interact with the professor. Lessons tend to last an hour and a half, compared to my fifty minute lectures at home and two hour labs, but they do tend to be at around the same times as at Sheffield. They usually start at either quarter past, to, or half past, and the lecturer never takes to register. It is up to you to show up to class; you won’t receive a series of emails demanding your attendance, but it is true that these lessons are not recorded. The semesters are then divided in half by a reading week, which is then followed by coursework
deadlines. Thus, the structure of the academic years is almost the exact same as the one at Sheffield.

First year students have their own classes together, while second and third year students of both bachelors and ‘diplôme’ courses have lessons together, along with master students and mobilité/Erasmus exchange members.

A bigger difference, that was apparent to me as a literature student, is the way literature is studied. At the university of Sheffield, we tend to study a text per week, the text can either be a poem, or a novel, with our way of being examined being essays, the topic and literary text to be discussed being up to you, with the university telling you whether it should be a semester one or two text, and how long the essay should be.

Here, my literature classes are different. My seminar on ‘le cycle de l’absurd’ primarily focuses on Albert Camus collection of short stories ‘noces, suivi de l’été’, while drawing links to some of his other works such as ‘le mythe de sisyphe’ and ‘l’étranger’. The evaluation for
this course is a ten to fifteen page essay on the novel, as well as set questions. In this aspect, UNIL gives their students less freedom.

In addition, I have another class that is simply called ‘littérature romande’. But I have found it quite different from my other literature curses, that follow the structure of the Camus one. Each week is spent focusing on a particular author, on their lives, their work, how they became renown writers, the historical context… rather than focusing on reading and analysing their texts. Extracts are provided, but more as to give examples of the kind of literature they specialised in. It is therefore more of a history of literature module, even if it isn’t labelled as such.

Overall, there aren’t many academic differences between the UK and Switzerland. L’Université de Lausanne presents an interesting academic contrast to Sheffield, offering a different approach to courses and literature studies. It’s a testament to the diverse opportunities available in the world of higher education.