Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Yr in Spain - socializing outside of the workplace

11 replies

oneteen · 02/10/2019 18:47

I know what a wealth of information Mumsnetters have - so I thought I would ask the question on this forum.

My niece has just started a Yr in Spain as part of her Spanish/Geography degree...she's working at two schools in a small town about 1hr outside Seville (she chose the location because she didn't want to be in a big city).

She's settled well into working at both the schools (very early days), but any advice on how she can make contact with the other 20 somethings that may be in the area? Are there any websites for students working in Spain?. The town seems a little remote but in a gorgeous location Morón de la Frontera between Ronda and Seville.

OP posts:
BubblesBuddy · 02/10/2019 22:59

It’s the perennial problem of out of the way placements. My DD found her university friends with the same predicament wanted to move to the city and commute to the school where they were an assistant. One did this and came to share a flat with DD when a room became available. She had been very lonely and was desperate for company. She was placed only 15 miles from the city though. Very commutable.

The problem can be: the local 20 somethings don’t know you exist. They might be going to university and not be around in the locality. Those that are have their own friends and, if it’s rural, probably not much happens anyway. There might not be a natural meeting point.

The best bet might be to make friends with the younger teachers and ask if they know of any young people your DN could meet up with. Is there anyone else from her university at the nearest city university? Could she find out and meet them at weekends? Of travel to meet other friends?

It’s for this reason some DC prefer studying at the universities. Other DC are happy with their landlord’s family, a quiet life and pretty countryside.

Original poster
oneteen · 03/10/2019 00:31

Thanks, Bubbles - The landlord's wife is fairly young and they have welcomed my niece with open arms. I spoke to my brother tonight and I felt he was a little concerned and wasn't sure whether she should have maybe been based somewhere a little more lively where there may be more sociable situations (It's very early days and I am sure my niece will adapt to where she is and make the most of the wonderful area she is based ). I just didn't know whether there were any websites for students working abroad. I know her sister will probably go out there for a few weekends and I will go over there too with my DD given that I love Seville.

OP posts:
ongranaryplease · 03/10/2019 00:45

Yes DD worked in Spain about thirty minutes train journey out of a major city. She decided to move into the city and commute out rather than live locally to her school as she just found it so hard to meet people. She said Facebook groups were amazing - if you search something like language assistants Seville or au pairs Seville etc you should be able to find some sort of community and from there meet fellow students (and hopefully the Spaniards they live with!)

Original poster
oneteen · 03/10/2019 00:53

Thanks, @ongranaryplease.

OP posts:
MrsJoshNavidi · 03/10/2019 01:21

Are there any out of school clubs or charities she could volunteer at and meet other people?

Otherwise I would think FB would be her friend. If enough people repost her post looking for mates in Spain, I'll bet she'll hook up with someone.

MrsJoshNavidi · 03/10/2019 01:22

Meant to add - is she there with the Erasmus scheme or similar? The organising organisation (sorry!) will know who else they've placed nearby.

BubblesBuddy · 03/10/2019 08:46

It’s usually the British Council for school language assistant placements. Erasmus is university exchanges.

There might be some advice on the website Global Graduates. This was “Third Year Abroad” where students abroad give advice to others. Have a look at Spain.

Other than that, does she know where other students are from her home university?

Gettingthroughtheweek · 03/10/2019 09:08

My DD was a British Council language assistant in a small town in north Italy a couple of years ago. She met other language assistants through the scheme who were in the local area, and joined groups for tandem conversations with people who wanted to practice English. She also joined a local brass band - it was the German speaking part of Italy - which was really part of the community. But it did take time and the first month was very hard, but she really didn’t want to leave by the end.

Original poster
oneteen · 03/10/2019 09:48

That's brilliant - thank you all I will pass everything on to my brother...

OP posts:
Embracelife · 03/10/2019 16:47

Find a local gym or other class yoga etc
Do a local course in something cookery crafts
Go to local bar or swimming pool

loutypips · 03/10/2019 16:54

Facebook groups! There will be some for the villages or town she's working in. And a few ex-pat groups too.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page