We talk a lot on the site about taking advantage of the opportunity to travel, make friends, absorb the culture and have amazing new experiences, but this should not be at the expense of your career plans - yes, getting a weekend job will mean you can't have crazy Friday and Saturday nights, but if it's work experience in your dream industry or helps you afford a course to learn a new skill, then you need to get your priorities straight.

Olivia Russell is studying Spanish and History at Sheffield University and is on her year abroad in Madrid, and has some great advice about making the most of your year abroad with your career and final year in mind.