Ciao! Adios! I'm done!

That's it. My year abroad has come to a close. 

I never thought that I would be looking back on this year and be sad about finishing. It's not been the easiest, but I've learnt so many new things. My biggest achievement from this year probably hasn't been academic, but I've gained so much confidence in general and when using Spanish and German. I've missed my family and friends so much but after living in my own space for so long, going back to sharing a room with my sister is going to be interesting (just you wait mum).

Surprisingly, I've enjoyed my time at FTSK Gemersheim - Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz more than at Universidad de Granada. The structure and teaching style in Germany has suited me a lot more than the one in Spain. I must admit that, even though Spain was a great place for exploring, I've had a much better routine in Germersheim and I haven't experienced as much culture shock.

For anyone wondering whether a year abroad is worth it, it absolutely is. So I'll be honest, it's not going to be a year of discovering yourself and wearing gap-year pants, but it will be fun if you make the most of it. I've travelled to so many different places and been referred to as Judith Chalmers by my mum several times (if you're under 45, I'm going to assume you'll need to google her). My confidence when speaking in Spanish and German has come on leaps-and-bounds; I don't get freaked out about getting something wrong because I've finally come to terms with that being a big part of learning languages. It's not always going to be easy though. I found preparing for year abroad and the first couple of weeks in both Spain and Germany a little bit stressful due to poor organisation from the universities, both abroad and Swansea. Despite this, whenever I've had any worries Rhiannon (part of the Go Global Team at Swansea University) and Ute (Academic Year Abroad Co-ordinator) have been absolutely wonderful with quick responses and solutions. 

I don't think that the academic side of the year abroad is anywhere near as important as it's made out to be. Yes, you need to pass exams, but that's it. Don't go killing yourself revising all the time, get out and immerse yourself in the language and culture because that's the best way to learn. You'll find yourself absorbing little phrases like a sponge.  

With a no-deal Brexit looming over us, I don't know what it will be like for future Erasmus students. The grant really does help with the cost of living and getting out-and-about so make sure you have enough personal savings just in case so that you can have a comfortable time abroad. I really hope this blog has helped anyone considering a year abroad, please don't let my sarcastic and cynical tone scare you too much. 

On another note, I'm really going to try my best to continue blogging throughout 4th year. It's been a great escape for me, and it doesn't bother me if not many people read it, I'm just happy to be getting my thoughts down on paper. I'm  going to try widening the content and talk about other things as well as uni life. 

Finally, to anyone who has taken the time to read mine and Rebeka's blog this year, we are so so grateful and really hope it has given you an insight into what a year abroad is really like from a prospective of people that aren't stuck in fairyland. 

And now it's time to relax and have a summer full of fun before getting my head down for final year!

Annie 

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