United Kingdom
As a final-year Business Management student at Newcastle University, I have expanded my horizons with a study year abroad at Universitat de València. My personal and academic development has been the highlight of this life-changing year.
The main aim of the project - based in a village called Lomai - was to counteract the stubborn stigma surrounding mental health in the South Pacific, which prevents particularly youths from opening up about their feelings. In order to tackle this issue, we (24 volunteers) devised a number of workshops, where discussions ranged from what mental health is, to the different mental health disorders, as well as methods to improve mental health (such as physical activity). I was delighted with the participation of the Fijian community throughout the project given the barriers of communication, and it was very clear to see that their understanding of the concept of mental health had skyrocketed. I am proud to say that I truly believe we had a tremendous impact on the Lomai community, and most importantly, in a sustainable manner. Skill Development: First of all, I would say that this successful spontaneous decision demonstrates an increase in self-assurance. This experience has undoubtedly boosted my belief in my ability to handle unfamiliar challenges, thus improving my confidence. Public speaking was a pivotal aspect of this project, as volunteers would be required to deliver a number of mental health sessions a week in front of the village’s Fijian youths and fellow TP volunteers. Adapting to the Fijian way of life was a significant challenge, but one I embraced wholeheartedly. From milking the family cow to bathing in the river each morning, my daily routine in Fiji was a complete departure from life in the UK. Yet, these experiences became some of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. What made the project flourish, I believe, was the ability of the volunteers to work as a team. Sessions would be planned in subgroups, and great effort was made to ensure equal contribution, despite differing interpretations and opinions. I am keen to display my development of teamwork skills within a professional environment.
Looking back on a life-changing year in València, here are the skills I feel were benefitted the most: Collaboration: Engaged in multicultural classrooms with Erasmus students from diverse backgrounds, operating with teamwork and shared responsibility in achieving academic goals. Adapted to new educational paradigms and cultural nuances, demonstrating flexibility and effective communication in unfamiliar settings. Confidence: Embraced the challenge of navigating a new environment and educational system, demonstrating resilience and self-assurance in the face of uncertainty. Accepted cultural differences and embraced opportunities for personal and academic growth, showcasing confidence in my abilities to thrive in diverse settings. Curiosity: Demonstrated a strong desire to learn and explore, actively seeking to understand Spanish culture and language. Engaged in extracurricular activities and cultural experiences, continuously expanding my knowledge and perspective of the world around me. Engagement: Fully committed to academic excellence and personal development, actively participating in coursework, cultural events, and community activities, such as las fallas. Seized opportunities for cross-cultural networking, demonstrating a proactive approach to maximising the benefits of my study abroad experience. Global and Cultural Awareness: Appreciated and respected cultural differences, collaborating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Recognised the interconnectedness of global issues and local contexts. Resilience: Overcame obstacles and setbacks with perseverance, embracing failures as opportunities for growth. Adapted quickly to a new lifestyle, demonstrating resilience in the face of uncertainty and change.
Working in a very fast-paced environment, one that required constant quality communication between staff members, as well as knowledge and skills on how to deal with customers effectively. I worked with a ‘say yes’ attitude, and was willing to help with any task.