Studying in Spain

After completing an MBA at Lancaster University, Vicky Grey took part in a 12 week Spanish course and a three month internship with AIL Madrid.

Choosing my gap year

I didn’t live abroad while at university and really wanted to before starting work. I was keen to get to know Spain, its culture, the local people and also to learn the language. I did a simple internet search looking at gap year programmes all over Spain and found various courses at a few different schools.

AIL Madrid’s package attracted my attention from the beginning. It seemed the most interesting as it offered excellent conditions for studying (sufficient number of classes, small groups and a self-study centre) and additional services like a social and cultural programme.

On arrival in Madrid I settled in very quickly, mainly thanks to the ‘Tapas y Cañas’ (beers and snacks) evenings when I could spend some time having fun with AIL Madrid staff and other students.

My gap year experiences

My experience at AIL Madrid was first of all about developing my language skills. I had four hours of classes every day and after that some additional activities allowing me to get to know Madrid and Spanish culture.

The social activities became an extension of my formal classroom learning. After finishing the 12 week language course I wanted to prolong my stay in Madrid and I was offered a work placement in the school itself. This allowed me to develop my professional skills and to learn to work in an international environment.

The most challenging part of the experience was definitely starting a ‘new life’ in a new place, living with completely new people and not knowing the language very well at first. But it was so rewarding to see the week on week improvement in my Spanish. From understanding basically nothing, I was able to carry out conversations on any topic, write professional emails, take phone calls in Spanish and even dream in the language.

Overall I found the experience very rewarding and would highly recommend it to other graduates. I definitely became more confident and outgoing and made many international friends many of whom I sure I will know for life.

Thanks to the programme I benefited in many ways. I obviously improved my language skills, but at the same time my personal skills - like communication skills, team work etc. I learned to cope with new situations in a new environment by myself. I definitely became more independent and more responsible. I think that the fact that I gained some experience living and working abroad is seen as a strong point and an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs.

My advice

I would advise other graduates not be afraid of going abroad, because it is definitely one of the best experiences you can have. Follow your heart and do it. The more you put it into the more you will get out of it. You may never get another chance to have a gap year, so go for it.

Further information:

• Explore working and studying abroad