Discovering Granada: My semester abroad in Spain - by Teddy Smith

Little over a year has passed since I moved to Granada for my year abroad, and I already feel a great sense of nostalgia about my experiences living in Southern Spain. I initially applied for my year abroad placement at the Universidad de Granada having searched year abroad destinations provided by school. I was drawn to Granada, completely in awe at the Moorish architecture, the natural beauty of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains and the impressive Alhambra palace. (Plus who can pass on the opportunity to have tapas every night?!)

After lots of planning, I arrived at Malaga Airport with my life packed away tightly into 2 large suitcases and my covid pass in hand,?eagerly waiting with my friends to pass immigration so we could make our way to Granada. It had been 2 years building up to this very moment, a period of time in which our move to Spain had seemed impossible. With a global pandemic still very much at large and with Brexit on the cards, nothing about our move was certain. As we sat in a café next to the bus station we tried to order a drink and a bite to eat, rehearsing what we were going to say to the waiter. Despite having studied Spanish for 2 years, I lacked confidence in my abilities to speak to people and converse in everyday situations. I was worried I’d sound silly or come across as rude for not being able to speak correctly. Fortunately, when the waiter came to take our order, it came to us naturally and we managed to order ourselves lunch. Success, we wasn't going to starve!

Ordering lunch successfully that day was just the start of my Spanish language learning journey. Over the months I spent in Granada, my Spanish abilities came along leaps and bounds. Truthfully, I don't think my Spanish level would be anywhere near what it is today had I not taken a leap of faith and moved to Spain. They say that learning through immersion is the best way to learn and that is 100% the truth. For example, ordering a coffee in Spanish has become so second nature to me that I find myself wanting to ask for un café, por favor shortly before realising I am, in fact, standing in Costa on Park Place!

My time in Spain flew by so fast, one minute I was sitting In Bib-Rambla having churros con chocolate at my favourite churrería and the next I’m back sat at my desk in Cardiff. Although time flew by so fast, the experience was a totally unforgettable one. I learnt so much, made so many memories and went so many places I never thought I’d visit. I saw amazing architecture, explored ancient cities and spent endless hours getting lost in the beautiful cobbled maze that is the Albaicin.?

I was trying to take it all in, every sight, sound and smell. The taste of sweetness in the air of Sabor a Espa?a, a small shop at the bottom of my street that would sell turrónes and caramelised nuts, is something that has stuck with me. A sensation so specific that, as I walk around the Christmas market in Cardiff and I smell the roasting nuts, It brings back fond memories of my time in Granada and it is something I will always associate to that moment in time. That smell, amongst many other little things that make me reminisce on my life as an exchange student, serve as a daily reminder of just how lucky I was to have studied abroad.?

Unfortunately, after spending around 5 months studying in Granada, my year abroad was cut short due to the pandemic. However, the time I did spend living there I’d repeat in a heartbeat. Of course it wasn't all plain sailing and there were obstacles to contend with. The odd bout of Homesickness, Brexit uncertainty and covid restrictions, to name a few. Yet that doesn't change the fact that living in Spain was without a doubt the most incredible period of my life.?

Despite the restrictions, I met so many people, did so many things and made the most of the time I had there. I lived in the moment because I knew that one day, like everything, it would all just be a memory. It is these moments, and not any of the other stuff, which have become the defining memories from my year abroad.??

Interested in spending time abroad during your studies at Cardiff? Find out more on the intranet.