BIFE Erasmus - Malaga, Spain (April 2022)

​ The best piece of advice I could give to the next group is do everything your place has to offer. Don’t be afraid to try new things and try to experience everything as it is so worth it in the end. Also make sure to spend time with the others from your group as that is where you will have the most fun. I recommend if you go to Malaga in your mobility, try the Spanish cuisine as it is so nice and fresh and you will find most restaurants have a good quality of service and food.

​ From my time in Malaga, I learned a lot which I will take with me into life. I think the main skill I improved was my ability to be independent. Everything I did in Malaga definitely helped me improve my independence and my ability to make a choice of what I wanted to do. Traveling around the city and going to work via transport or walking also helped as I had to make my own way to work learning the route from my apartment. From this mobility I only have positive things to say as it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I’ve met so many new friends which I really enjoy spending my time with. I also loved what Malaga had to offer and I enjoyed doing as much as I could 

​ While on the mobility, there is so much time to go explore the city and what it has to offer. Over the time we have spent here we have went on trips and had activities organized for to do so we could experience so many things. Besides the planned activities there are many things to be done and places to see that you find yourself getting lost in time. There so many restaurants and cafes to dine in and experience the Spanish cuisine, there are also endless streets of shops which all sell many different and sometimes unique things from Spanish culture. The beaches are amazing and with the great weather you find yourself spending lots of time there getting sunburnt. The night life in Malaga is also amazing and the city becomes populated with lots of people. In my free time, I always found myself busy and I made sure to visit as many things as I could.

​ Adjusting to Malaga has been an simpler process than I thought it would. After being here for over a week I found myself learning my way around the city and the many different places within. The culture has been amazing to see especially their religious festivities as they such a wide scale event that last for many hours over many days. From going around city and living in it, I found my Spanish improved and I was able to firm sentences easier that would allow me to get through the days. I am really enjoying the freedom to go around and explore Malaga as where I live back in Ireland, it is a small place with not many forms of transportation. The other people of my trip are really nice and friendly. For this mobility, I am the only guy out of a group of 17 so I am really glad I get along so great with everyone on the trip.

​ For my work-placement I was placed in a pharmacy 20 mins from my apartment. The pharmacy was really clean small place along the river in Malaga. The staff were very nice and accommodating and always helped out when they could. The majority of the staff only had a little bit of English so the was a bit of a language barrier but one member of staff had fluent English and made sure to explain information to me. The work I did in the pharmacy was very interesting to me as I got to see how much the pharmacies differ in Spain from Ireland. In Spain their whole system  has some differences to how pharmacies are run in Ireland with an example being prescriptions. Most people in Spain have their own medical card which their doctors put their medication info on and when the pharmacy puts the card into the computer, all of the persons needed medications show up and it also shows their previous or ongoing medications aswell. My role was to help out with the stock taking of medications and learni

​ The accommodation provided to us on our mobility was of a very good standard and it was in a good location in the city. We were given apartments that all had their own individual codes to lock them without others knowing. The apartment I stayed in was open planned with several facilities such as a hob, microwave, fridge, Tv, utensils, bathroom and many other smaller things. The location was great as it was only a 10 min walk from the city center which meant we weren’t traveling for long periods of time. To my work placement it was a 20min walk which was great I found. The apartments were all on the same floor and close by so we could go to each other’s rooms if we needed anything.

​ In preparation for the mobility, I made sure to do research on what items I may need traveling over to Malaga. I packed weather appropriate clothing and also packed smart wear for the work placement I was going to be attending. I also researched the company I was going to be working for and learned what they do in their job. The forms for work experience that would needed to be signed to complete my hours were brought aswell. I also learned a few phrases in Spanish so I didn’t have trouble when ordering food or asking general questions that would help get me through the day.

​ My name is Seán Brady. I am 19 and attend Bife. I currently study Pre-University Science in Bife and have been really enjoying the course. My hobbies include Gaelic Football and music, both which I have done my whole life. I have two younger siblings aswell as my man and dad and we live in a place called Roundwood. In the future I hope to further my studies in science and decide upon a career path that is best for me in that sector.

​I’d recommend always trying to speak the language when out eating and shopping as they love the effort and are super generous towards you when you try. If your a pick eater you should use this trip to trip bits of everything as there is lots of tapas restaurants and they’re cheap enough! Also get the crème de cafe coffee in Dimas mira in the center. Best ice cream you’ll ever taste ! 

​I learned massively about the culture in Malaga so much that I’ve planned to go back this in two months and would even consider moving there in the future. I hope to pick up more of the Spanish language when I’m there. For the work experience I enjoyed it a lot and the staff and children were great however I wouldn’t pursue a career in teaching in the future. The food was also amazing and I never had a bad meal especially for the price ! 

​during our free time we all explored the city and did a bit of shopping while out. Some days we stayed at the beach for the day before going back to our rooms and getting ready for dinner. We made group bookings usually and everyone had a great time going together and getting to know each other. After dinner we were able to find really great spots to go have a drink and met loads of new people that I’ve managed to keep in touch with for the future. One of my favorite trips was to alcazaba. I loved exploring inside and the history of it and took great picture of the sunset after it. 

​at first the language was hard to pick up but throughout the experience it became much easier and fluid. I found myself understanding common questions when out exploring and dining in restaurants. I fell in love with the culture the minute I got there and loved Santa semana festival so much that I hope to go to it again next year! In my workplace all the kids were lovely and so polite and helpful even trying to speak English to me and ask questions about myself. All the staff there were also great and gave me advice on where to visit while I was in Malaga. The activities planned were great and I loved the walking tour of the city because I loved to hear the history of it.

​I had my work experience in collegio Platero green school a 40 minute bus drive from my apartment. On the first day I met Irene our supervisor who was extremely helpful and gave us a tour of the school and what we would be doing. In the beginning we were told we would be creating menus for the canteen in the school as I am studying nutrition. However, the students showed a huge interest in learning nutrition so we gave talking to the classes of different age groups instead. This helped me improve my presentation skills but it was difficult to try and do it as I have no desire to teach in the future and would have preferred a more science based work experience. 

​the apartments we stayed in were lovely and spacious and very close to the city center of Malaga which made travel even at night very safe. It was a larger room fitted with a kitchen, two beds, a bathroom and a tv in the corner. However there was not enough storage in the rooms for everything we had brought and there was only one washing machine and drier supplied for everyone to share. The bus stop to travel to work was just around the corner which was extremely handy and the bus came frequently! 

​to prepare for my work experience abroad I had began taking Spanish classes in bife so I could experience the culture much better. I did more hours in work for some extra cash to take with me. In college I stayed up to date with my assignments and study so I could relax and enjoy the experience without stress. On the last few days leading up to the mobility I got my suitcases in order with clothes for day trips and for my work experience. 

​1. Don’t be overloaded with nerves, everyone is feeling the exact same way! 2. Do as many of your assignments before flying out!!!! I only had 1 left to do and doing that 1 abroad was hard!! 3. If you have any concerns or issues never be afraid to tell your boss, employees, teachers on the trip, etc. it’s better you tell people and not bottle it up! 4. Have fun but don’t forget, your there to work and learn, don’t waste the opportunity!  5. Also, have fun!!! Don’t stress yourself out completely with work!! 6. Do as many planned activities as you can, they are all great fun and gives you amazing memories  7. Mind yourself, you are in another country so it’s really important you don’t put yourself in silly situations. 8. Take photos and videos. They are fantastic to look back on.

Having the amazing option to be apart of the Erasmus program has thought me a lot. I have never left the country before without knowing anyone I’m going with. I had never spoken to anyone before going to Málaga. Me being able to travel with then strangers to a completely different country has given me a stronger sense of independence.  I’m quite a shy and quiet person usually but once I got to know some people I was on Erasmus with, I completely came out of my shell and chatted with everyone! It was amazing and now I’ve gained so many friends that I know I’ll have for a long time. In terms of my own work, I have learned I need to practice my camera operating skills. I need to learn how to adjust my camera settings better and now over the summer I can practice that so I’m well prepared for 3rd year in college!  I also learned from work the importance of communicating with your client. It’s important to understand what they want from you. You never want to disappoint the client so it’s i

1. If you are in the following Erasmus group, my advice is be brave. Sometimes, it may be overwhelming to be far from home, especially in another country, speaking another language. But just keep going. I promise you it is worth it. 2. Do your best to learn Spanish. You don`t need to be fluent, but it certainly helps to know some key phrases and words, starting with por favor (please) and gracias (thanks). 3. Try local dishes. Getting to try local food is part of the experience. If you are not sure about getting a full plate, try some tapas (small portions). 4. The trips are basically free time somewhere else, so it won`t hurt to do a bit of research on the place to plan how to make the most of your day. 5. If anything is wrong, let your teacher know as soon as possible. You don`t have to put up with a horrible boss or the worst roommate ever. 6. Have fun.

​1. Do loadssss of assignments before the mobility (less stress trust me)  2. If your unsure about your workplace let the teachers know don’t be afraid to ask questions, if you don’t like your workplace it is completely fine let them know  3. Make the most out of the mobility  4. If your in charge of the Erasmus flag be ready for “have you got the flag” “did you bring the flag” you’ll get asked this over and over again :) 5. If you have any questions about the mobility don’t be afraid to ask us (Animal Science Students) (Nursing) (Science) 

​Before Erasmus I had never been by myself without my parents, I basically had no independent skills. Being on Erasmus I gained my independence skill, I was able to be myself and not feel homesick, I was able to do my own washing up, my own dinner and live off €200 a week. Overall I had the best time but the trips we had gone on could have been better I couldn’t see relevancy to these trips as there was no “fun” activities involved in them, this could maybe be altered for future Erasmus groups.  

​I have been keeping really busy in my free time and taking as many opportunities as I can to explore Malaga! I have went shopping, to the beach, met up with other students in different colleges doing Erasmus and hung out with my own Erasmus group! My favourite thing to do in my free time is visiting the markets and seeing all the unique items they have!

​I’m really enjoying my time in Malaga! It’s absolutely amazing place! The people from here are lovely, the food is so unique and tasty and the incredible sites and attractions here are stunning! I’m really enjoying taking my camera and exploring Malaga and filming all the exciting sites I see everyday. I’m picking up on the language better each day. I’m learning new words and phrases. 

Before coming to Malaga, I focused on learning Spanish. I researched a bit about the culture (I wish I had known more), and I planned what places I wanted to visit. I did not prepare for how much I would miss my family and how hard it can be to live with other people. I did not let those things put me down, though. I reminded myself of my goals and went forward. Sometimes I felt overwhelmed by the language barrier, especially at work. But I kept going and found my way through the obstacles. Other times I was not in the mood to socialize or go out. I just wanted some space. So I gave myself some time. Overall, I had a great time; I went to places I had never been, tried all kinds of local food, and met some lovely people. Mission accomplished. I am taking home a fantastic experience, and I couldn`t feel better.

Between work and assignments, I enjoyed the beach. I strongly recommend La Malagueta beach. I tried local food and drinks. I particularly liked gazpachuelo, a seafood soup with olive oil cream. And for those with a sweet tooth, I suggest ice cream from Casa Mira and la loca, a pastry filled with custard cream from La Canasta. Besides going to the beach, I went to Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum. Outside Malaga, I visited Cueva de Nerja, in Nerja and Alhambra, in Granada. It is all so unique that I cannot even describe it. Spain is gorgeous, and I want to see more. I am definitely coming back.

Free time is on Sundays but we like to call it our beach day. On Sundays as a group we go to the beach to wind down from our week. We leave in the morning and stay there all day. We also went to Nerja, myself, Valeria, Karen, Bessa and Sadhbh went to Nerja caves, it was amazing. 

 Malaga is so beautiful, everyone is very kind especially when you try to get involved in their culture. It is Holy Week in Malaga (Semana Santa) in Malaga they thank Jesus, Mary and God during this time. I adjusted to my workplace fine, although there were some down days. I’ve learned so many new words in Spanish, this language is amazing and I would definitely love to learn more. I work with my friend so it was quite easy as we get along great together. 

 The accommodation is a studio like apartment, there is a bathroom, one double bed, one pull out bed, two hobs, microwave, shelves and paintings. We live at Calle Constancia 6, it is a really nice area, we are in close proximity to the shopping centre and city centre and my workplace is less than an 8 minute walk. 

 Preparing for the mobility was quite difficult but I succeeded in the end. I made sure I had all my notes from college, understood what my assignments are about, doing some exam questions and also a travel checklist. 

I feel comfortable living in Spain. The food and the weather are fantastic, and although I am not fluent in Spanish, I can communicate just fine. Sometimes, I don`t get what my supervisors are saying at work, but I believe the best approach is always to ask, even if it seems silly. I have learned some key vocabulary in my daily routines that help me carry on my tasks, and every day I improve a bit.

​ Málaga has been wonderful so far! I love the going around the area and capturing photos and videos of the area! For my job whilst here, I have to make a promotional video of the area so that the company “European Era” can use it for promoting its company and attract more colleges around the world to be apart of their fantastic program! I really enjoy exploring every place in the area and capturing videos and photos of the area and showing off it’s beauty throughout photos and videos! I have had issues whilst filming material for the promotional video sadly. I’ve had two local people try grab my equipment and go off with it. It is disappointing but I have decided after talking to one of the college tutors on the trip with us, not to film anymore in the city.

​ The accommodation is lovely here! All 3 of us staying here in the room love it! There is 2 beds and 1 sofa bed, a great bathroom and a cute little kitchen!  My work placement is only a 25 minute walk away which is great! That said, I only go there once a week as the other days I’m out taking videos of malaga for the promotional video they want me to make!

​ All packed and ready with all my clothes and film equipment for Málaga! Can’t wait!

I work in a laboratory called Laboratorio Bioclon. They do clinical tests, mainly blood and urine tests, also loads of COVID-19 tests. The cool part is learning how to perform and analyze these tests and work the machines. The hard part is that sometimes the lab is bustling, there are loads of things going on, and way too many people together in a tiny space. On busy days, I have to figure out if it is time to make myself useful or to keep out of the way and observe the lab routines. Anyway, I am always learning, and my Spanish is mucho mejor.

 I am working in a emergency veterinary practice, the vet who introduced us is called Pedro, Pedro makes sure we’re comfortable with our position in the practice. Although sometimes it is difficult as how they restrain the animals is different compared to Ireland. I help restrain the animals, give injections before surgery and help assist the vet while in surgery. I’m learning a lot and I am eager to learn more. 

 My name is Tori, I’m 19 soon to be 20😉. I’m doing the Animal Science level 6, I have 4 brothers and 1 sister and have two dogs and a cat. I am from Dublin but live in Laois and I will be a veterinary nurse in the future.

After much anticipation, I finally got to Malaga! The room is comfy and spacious. It has a double bed, a sofa bed, a TV, a private restroom, and a small kitchen. Also, the location is fab. It is only a short walk from the city center and the beach. I go to work by bus; the bus stop is just around the corner. Very handy. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for more.