BIFE Erasmus - Malaga, Spain (April 2022)

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 ...

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.