Going on a year abroad as part of my degree in Spanish and Linguistics has been one of the most exciting experiences of my university journey so far. I’m currently studying at the University of Granada and let me tell you—it’s been a whirlwind of sunny days, cultural quirks and unforgettable adventures.

This kind of opportunity really is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in another culture, test your language skills in real-life situations (not just dry classroom conversations), and travel around the country — all while earning credits toward your course. If you’re even slightly on the fence about doing a year abroad, I’m here to say: jump in. It’s 100% worth it.

I was placed in Andalusia, a region known for its striking architecture, orange trees, flamenco and famously tricky accent. Honestly, the first few weeks were tough — Andalusians speak fast and don’t bother pronouncing the letters s or d in the final position. If a word can be shortened, you can rest assured that they will grab that chance. But once you get used to it (and you do, I promise—and I’m saying this as a person primarily accustomed to the Latin variety of the language), it helps build your linguistic confidence. And one thing is for sure: once you understand the Grenadian accent, you’ll be able to understand any other Spanish accent without blinking!

University life in Granada has its fair share of differences compared to Westminster. For starters, classes can run surprisingly late — starting a two-hour lecture at 8 pm is not uncommon. There’s a big emphasis on group work and presentations, which took some adjusting for someone who prefers solo assignments (nope, I’m still not a fan). Also, be prepared for more traditional approaches: handwritten exams are still the norm, and digital resources are limited. Forget conveniently downloading an eBook from the library — you’ll often need to get your hands on the physical book (if you can find it!).

One massive perk of living here is the climate. Granada is known for its sunshine, and most of the year the weather is dry and warm — simply glorious compared to London. Just be warned: the summer months are scorching. The temperature can easily hit 40°C between May and September, so all you can do is wear light, comfortable clothes, lather on sunscreen, and embrace the siesta culture. Yes, siestas here are the real deal. From 2 to 5 pm, life’s pace slows to the degree that the place resembles a ghost town with most shops, restaurants and cafés closed for a break.

Let’s talk food. Honestly, Spanish cuisine might be the highlight of my entire experience. Everything is fresh, flavourful, and way more affordable than in the UK. As someone with coeliac disease, I’ve been impressed by how easy it is to eat out safely. There are many vegan and gluten-free options, and the culture here encourages long, relaxed meals with friends. No rushing, no stress — just good food and good company. Plus, a glass or two of refreshing tinto de verano.

If you’re into dancing, like I am, Granada is a dream. The city has loads of quality dance schools offering salsa and bachata classes — and they’re far cheaper than in London. Whether you’re a beginner or already know some moves, you’re sorted. On top of that, many bars hold so-called sociales — free dance evenings where you can practise, meet new people, and have a great time. I’ve made some good friends through dancing here and improved my skills by at least three levels (and had a lot of fun doing it!).

That said, there are a few things that caught me off guard. First, do not touch the fruit and veg in fruterías— ever. It’s considered quite rude. You take your ticket (yup, there’s a little machine and all), indicate what you want, and the staff will pick up and bag your purchase for you. Also, watch your step when walking around the city — unfortunately, not all dog owners clean up after their pets, and accidents happen. On a more delightful note, Mercadona (Spain’s version of Sainsbury’s) sells ready-cooked boiled eggs. How genius is that?

Now, the best thing: travelling while you’re here is easy and affordable. Erasmus groups organise regular trips for students all over Spain—think beach days in Málaga, hiking in the Alpujarras, or exploring cities like Seville, Gibraltar or Madrid. I’ve done all those excursions—and they’re all budget-friendly and well-organised. It’s a fantastic, simple way to explore the region and see more of the country.

In short, my time in Granada has been filled with travelling and culinary adventures, language challenges and unforgettable memories. If you’re thinking about doing a year abroad, take the leap.