6 things I learnt from 6 months on exchange
These past six months on exchange in Spain have absolutely flown by, and I like to think I’ve learned a few things from it.
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve reported back from my Spanish sojourn. Living (I actually think the official term is meant to be “studying”) abroad has definitely had no shortage of colourful moments, which have been both challenging and exciting, and all up keeping me very busy. Ever since my first breakdown in early February, which was caused by not knowing how to open a cork-capped bottle of wine, I’ve been jotting down things that I’ve learned as I’ve been learning them, with the goal of looking back on them one day and (hopefully) laughing at how far I’ve come. This six-month check-up has definitely not disappointed - looking at all my failures and accomplishments listed in a run-on note in my notes app has made me smile and frown, and has put me in the mood for sharing.
So, without further ado, here are six things I have learned from six months on exchange.
The local market in Santander. Image taken by Bronte Gossling (2019).
Establishing a routine is key
One thing that helped me get over jet-lag and adjust to my new life in Santander quickly was the almost immediate development of a routine. Back home in Sydney, I was used to working, volunteering, studying and socialising in a pattern that ran pretty much like clockwork. Being thrown into a new environment, with new people, a new - and very relaxed - timetable, and not as much career-related work meant that I had a lot of free time. Instead of spending that time sleeping in sync with Sydney, I tried to keep myself busy and adhere to a typical Spanish daily routine from the moment I touched down. Within two days of arriving, any signs of jet-lag were gone, and emotionally, I had embraced my new reality.
Studying abroad with only email communication to my academic supervisors back in Sydney means that it’s very easy to fall behind in coursework and attendance as there’s no-one to hold you accountable for missed deadlines and absences. To combat this, I tried to emulate my old routine as much as possible. Times when I would normally be at work were replaced with Duolingo and gym sessions, meal-prepping and going out to explore my city. Classes held similar hours to my course back in Sydney, and I tried to keep my hours of study the same. Even still, the freedom I have here is unparalleled. For the first time since the end of high-school, I have been reading for leisure! It’s wonderful.
Exchange isn’t meant to be a grind, but it’s also not meant to be spent holed up in your room or at the library. Trying to make and stick to a routine, at least for me, has been the best way for me to make the most of my time abroad - whether I’m studying, relaxing, or travelling, I truly feel like I’m getting the most of my exchange experience, and not wasting any hour in the day.
Santander’s Palacio de la Magdalena. Built by Spanish royalty for his Scottish lady-love. Image taken by Bronte Gossling (2019).
Spend time getting to know your new city
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the urge to travel, at times, is insatiable - believe me, part of the reason I chose to study in Spain was its close proximity to so many world-renowned sites and experiences. Yet, there’s nothing like coming home from your latest adventure and being able to indulge in the comforts of mindlessly grocery shopping and collapsing on your couch to have a Netflix binge (Netflix in Europe is so much better than in Australia by the way). But this can’t be achieved if you don’t make your new city feel like home. Spend some time finding local off the beaten track haunts that have the best burgers, get excited when you find where the cheapest sangria is served, dare to go to a non-english cinema. Schedule a weekend to have a staycation in your new apartment - some of my best memories are when I’ve gone out with fellow ERASMUS (exchange) students in Santander, and then hunted for the best hangover cure with them the next day. It’s the perfect way to make friends. And when the homesickness does hit, you have familiar faces to seek solace in.
A girls trip to Lagoa, Portugal. Image taken by Alessandra McCluskey-Voight (2019).
Your priorities will change, and that’s okay
Being so far removed from my life in Sydney has allowed me to take a step back and reflect on what really matters. Not working as much means I can’t afford the little luxuries I would indulge in regularly when I had the means, and I’ve had to make little changes - from not eating out as much to starting to stay in hostels rather than hotels - and I don’t regret a thing. Small things that were a big deal to me back home suddenly don’t matter anymore when they’re eclipsed by a complete life upheaval, and I’ve fallen in love with letting go of the little things. Rather than work all the time like I used to in Sydney, I’ve taken time out to relax and enjoy myself - I’m drawing, I’m writing, I’m watching shows that I’ve been meaning to watch for years and I’m ticking things off my bucket-list like it’s going out of style. It’s made for a much more peaceful existence, and I feel really fulfilled from these past six months because of it.
Friends and family celebrating my 21st birthday with me in Amsterdam.
It’s okay to lean on your friends once in a while
Long distance absolutely sucks, whether you’re experiencing it in your platonic, romantic or familial relationships. Some days, there’s nothing you want more than a hug from your Mum, your dog, or your partner. It’s especially hard when you’re in an unfamiliar environment, with a language barrier and a culture gap. The “am I experiencing a culture clash or straight-up personality clash?” feeling has definitely crossed my mind more than once - but it’s not something I, or anyone, have to deal with alone. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with your friends - shoot them a quick message, hop on FaceTime for five minutes, or ask for virtual hugs. Chances are that if they’re on exchange too, they feel the same way, and if they’re back home, they’re happy to hear from you and would love to be a shoulder for you to lean on. That’s what friends are for.
With my love in Paris. Image taken by Alessandra McCluskey-Voigt (2019).
Now’s the best time to be spontaneous
Take a leap of faith and go on that road trip tomorrow. Visit a city that you initially didn’t like. Try a local dish wherever you go. Every time I have the chance to do something new that’s out of my comfort zone, I think to myself, when will I get to do this again? I’ve tried snails, frogs legs (they taste like chicken), pigeon, camel riding (a camel bit me but that’s a story for another time), segwaying, electric scootering, and some things I’ll not name. Covered by insurance? Sign me up. Not covered by insurance? Nobody has to know. And even if I end up not liking it, I know I would have regretted not doing it. Because at least now I know for sure I don’t like it - there’s literally no downside. I cannot think of anything that could possibly go wrong.
That being said, try to plan big travels in advance, especially if you’re going to popular destinations in peak travel periods. The earlier you book your transport and accommodation, the cheaper it is! Also get travel insurance. Lifesaver.
Wandering around Marrakech. Image taken by Max Peters (2019).
You can do this
When I first arrived, everything was thrown at me all at once. I learnt 50 things on my first day, followed by a six-month gradual realisation of “Oh wait, I can actually do this”. Going on exchange is a big deal - at first. But then it just becomes a normal way of life.
My biggest tip: keep track of all your adventures in a diary. All your thoughts, feelings, sketches, postcards, pictures. You’ll love looking back on them - something that seemed like the end of the world to me seems petty now, and shows me how far I’ve come. Reading all my inner snide remarks, (unfortunately) outer clumsy language mistakes, unfortunate events and hilarious encounters never fails to cheer me up when I’m down.
With Dad in Gaudí’s Park Güell. Image taken by Lisa Gossling (2019). Honestly wouldn’t have been able to do this without the Australian Government’s HECS scheme and the Bank of Mum and Dad so thanks x
Have I been putting my lessons to good use? Not necessarily. But when have I ever been one to practice what I preach?
A very special shoutout to my city-mate Eliza, who has been helping me edit my Instagram pictures, and the pictures in this post. Chuck her a follow over on Instagram, or check out her stunning presets at lizardytravel.
