MY ERASMUS EXPERIENCE, by Rebecca Hill

For the past five months I have been doing work experience in La Palma. In this time, I have not only gained invaluable teaching experience, but I have also met many amazing people. I have also had the opportunity to live in a completely different part of the world to what I am accustomed to.

Additionally, I have had the chance to live my life speaking Spanish for the last few months. I feel that these months have been essential in helping me to improve my level of Spanish, also I have gained confidence whilst speaking it during this time.


    Some of the
    highlights
  • Visiting a volcano (earthquake simulator) 
  • Walking in the Caldera 
  • Swimming in the Atlantic 
  • Meeting new people 
  • Work experience with friendly, helpful and supportive staff
  • Discovering the wonder that is Mojo

In terms of skills, I believe that this Erasmus placement (and my previous Erasmus studies in Belgium), have made me into a flexible person. This experience has reinforced my love of travel.

I’ve also had some difficulties along the way, such as being in such a mountainous place and often having to face my fear of heights, but I have tried my best to overcome this during my stay. After all, fears are for conquering.

La Palma itself is a picturesque place and I have discovered for myself why it is called ‘La Isla Bonita’. Not only is it surrounded by azure-blue ocean, it has spectacular waterfalls and a breath-taking volcanic landscape. All of this is packed into this one island, so it has been amazing to be able to explore such a wide variety of landscapes in one place.

I would always encourage anyone to do an Erasmus, it may be a cliché to say it, but living abroad changes you for the better. I feel that I am a much

more confident and resilient person for going on this journey.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at IES Virgen de Las Nieves, for giving me this opportunity and amazing few months here and for being so welcoming. I have fully enjoyed my work placement, this has confirmed in my mind what I want to do for my career.

So maybe you’re reading this, and thinking “should I go on an Erasmus placement or not?” To that I answer yes. Yes, you may face difficulties, but like in our daily lives we overcome these difficulties and become stronger individuals for it.

Written by Rebecca Jade Hill, Erasmus intern in La Palma, Spain.