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Are you at University? Are you unsure whether or not to go on a year abroad? This article will give you an accurate description of what it is really like completing a year abroad and I will be drawing on my personal experiences from my year abroad in Montpellier, in France. Hopefully, after reading this article you will have a clearer idea as to what the positives and negatives are of going on a year abroad. However, I must firstly add that I strongly advise you to do a year abroad. For anyone studying languages at University, it is compulsory for you to complete a year abroad in your third year. However, others of you will have the option to apply for a year abroad, or a year in industry (a work placement in the UK), and if you choose to do a year abroad you will gain an international degree and have the best year of your life! Additionally, employers will recognise the fact that you have studied or worked in a foreign country, and this will stand out on your CV as it proves that you can adapt to different cultures and have gained many experiences through the year abroad.

Other positives of doing a year abroad are that you will meet many new people and make new friends. Also, you will immerse yourself into the culture and adapt to the lifestyle of the country. In France the lifestyle was very laid-back and chilled, and everybody would go out for dinner and drinks in the evenings; families, friends and colleagues. French people love taking their time, and everybody has lunchtimes off, so that they can eat out for lunch and enjoy life. When on a year abroad, whether you choose to work, teach or study, you will have free time (more free time if you are a teaching assistant or study) and therefore you will be able to make the most of weekends and travel across the country as well as throughout other countries. It really is the best time of your life as you visit so many amazing and beautiful places which you would never have visited otherwise as they may not be the ‘typical’ destinations, but you find out about all the hidden treasures the country you end up choosing has to offer. Conseuqently, you completely fall in love with the country you are living in.

Additionally, although this may not be a typical highlight, your year abroad will make you appreciate your home country. I know I missed England and the way of life (particularly the food) so much after my year in France, and it makes you appreciate your home and how easy everything is in England. Consequently, there really is no place like home, and seeing your friends and family again will make you realise how much you have missed them.

For more information about year abroads, make sure you look at the website thirdyearabroad.com.

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