So I’ve been here in Spain for about three and a half months now but with friends in other parts of the country already heading home to England, it’s caused me to stop and think how about fast this experience is really going. I have one and a half months left until my one-way flight home and only 2 weeks of classes left. Before I know it, I’ll be unceremoniously dumped back at Gatwick airport with a massive suitcase and a world of experiences but what am I going to do with myself after? What am I going to do without my daily tostada and café con leche and my lovely housemates and friends from all over the world?...Well, so far I have no real answer, other than to enjoy it all to the max right now. One plan I have come up with to get over the horror of the fact that I am going back so soon after nearly a whole year abroad, is to get seriously proactive.

I am Finalist studying French and Linguistics at university and I have recently finished the Year Abroad. From May-July this year, I completed a 2 month ‘stage’ at Château de Montaigne in the Dordogne in France, which I did after finishing my British Council Assistantship in Epernay in the Champagne Region. I found out about this opportunity from another girl at university and then e-mailed the Château directly. They are always keen to hear from prospective stagiaires and generally there placements available lasting from 3 weeks to 2 months during most of the year – this was perfect for me, as I was searching for a 2 month placement after finishing the Assistantship in April. Also, there is free accommodation available in the Château itself for the stagiaires, which was one of the main attractions for me and also a modest salary of €70 per week.