The best of both worlds: my year abroad in France and Italy

Posted on: 29 April 2024 by Kiera Caspall in 2024 posts

I can’t believe that I have already arrived at the point in my year abroad where I am starting to reflect on my memories rather than making new ones! I can genuinely say that this has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I will no doubt become that person who never stops talking about it when I eventually come back home.

As a French and Italian student, I spent time in both countries, starting in France and then moving to Italy for the second half.

In France, I was a student at the Université Clermont-Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand. It’s a city in the heart of France with so much to do, so much to see, and so many people to meet! I made most of my friends through the ERASMUS network and feel so thankful to have met so many different people from all across the world. Every event that was organised, I would try to attend, and this really contributed to how great the experience was. By the time Christmas arrived, I felt so connected to the community that I didn’t want to leave, it felt like a second home.

View of Clermont-Ferrand, my French City which had truly lovely sunset views! 

I did face a couple of challenges during this semester, mainly in relation to administration. There is the stereotype that the French administration system is a bit of a nightmare, and admittedly it was very challenging to navigate. My advice for the administration side of things is to be persistent in following up, but also to take, as the French say, a laissez-faire approach. If not, you may find yourself feeling rather overwhelmed!

Now, I am working as a madrelingua in a high school in the north of Italy. Of course, this second experience is completely different to that of my first! I am so glad I chose to do both a studying and working experience since it has given me such a range of experiences. I didn’t imagine that I would enjoy teaching as much as I have done, but it has turned out to be such a fulfilling experience. My students are all fantastic, so funny, and have taught me so much about their own culture in our lessons together which I have loved. I have twenty different classes and I have the complete freedom to choose and create whatever lessons I would like to teach.

Also included in my placement was the opportunity to live with an Italian family which has been the highlight of my experience in Italy. It has given me the opportunity to be completely immersed in the culture and has done wonders for my language development.

For my birthday, my host family made tiramisu... it was delicious!

For anyone who is looking for a sign to do a year abroad, this is your sign! Whilst it will be challenging at times, it will teach you so much about yourself and you will come home with lifelong memories.