When I stood in line to board the plane to Málaga back in September, I had two suitcases, a one-way ticket, and very little idea of what to expect. So far, studying abroad has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and I’m so glad that I took the opportunity to go. These past few months have been filled with visiting new places, experiencing the culture of a different country, and making new friends from all over the world, making this experience vastly different from a typical term in Nottingham. 

Life in Spain

At the time of writing this, I’ve spent nearly three months here, and naturally I have spent plenty of that time sunbathing at the beach, eating tapas, and learning some Spanish. But studying abroad has also been a great opportunity to experience the educational system of another country, as the methods of teaching and assessment are very different here and have taken some time to get used to. 

Outside of the classroom, I’ve spent my free time learning about the history of Málaga by exploring some of the city’s cultural landmarks, such as the Alcazaba and the Cathedral, going to local events like beer festivals, and of course watching the sunset from the top of Monte Victoria. However, one of the best things about Málaga is the abundance of beautiful locations nearby such as Gibraltar and Sevilla, both of which I’ve visited this term and loved. I’m hopeful that my next term in Málaga will be filled with similar adventures.  

Homesickness

Prior to moving to Spain, I remember how excited I had been to leave Nottingham and have a fresh start somewhere new. However, I had failed to anticipate how strange it would feel to be so disconnected from life back home. Seeing my friends post pictures of themselves together whilst clubbing, going to the Christmas markets, or even just studying together in George Green admittedly made me feel slightly jealous, and I found myself wishing that I could be there with them. Experiencing fomo like that felt ridiculous, especially since I knew how many of my friends wished they could be in my position, enjoying a warm and sunny winter in the south of Spain. Whilst these foreign feelings are uncomfortable, studying abroad has ultimately given me more of an appreciation of the places and people I left behind, and the incredible memories I’ve made so far in Málaga have made these occasional feelings worth it.  

Mia is studying Law with European Law at the Universidad de Malaga in Spain for 2023/2024