Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC)

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Don't hesitate about going on a year abroad, although it seems scary and you will be homesick for a while, it'll be worth it. You will gain so much both academically and personally from the experience. As for Santiago, just don't be put off by the rain!!

The experience was at first hindered by the fact that a lot of people would speak Galego in social settings. As the year progressed, however, rather than see this as a hinderance, I chose to see it as an opportunity as not only did I leave Spain with much better Castilian, I had learnt the basics of their local language too! In terms of lessons, it wasn't too bad, and the Spanish for foreigners lessons were a constant reminder what we were all there for, i.e. to learn Spanish!!

The Halls that i was placed in originally were nice in terms of cleaniliness, facilities etc. However I had been placed in a double room and didnt get on with the girl i had to share with. This was mainly due to age difference and the fact that her and her friends made no attempt to converse with me in Castilian and would speak in their local tongue which I found quite rude and intimidating when I first arrived there.

Cafes and bars: O Filandón, perfect for wine and tapas; Pepa a Loba; Séptimo Cielo; O Retablo. Places to visit: Corrubedo; Praia das Catedrales (near Ribadeo); Fogar do Santiso; Las Islas Cíes