Amie Parker

In the third year of her MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry/Research degree, Amie Parker was avoiding the bleak British weather in sunny Spain.

She was improving her Spanish language skills, enjoying incredible food and seeing new places. But she was also getting some valuable one-to-one research experience at the University of Zaragoza.

Amie had decided to take part in the Erasmus programme, which is run through the University of Reading's Erasmus & Study Abroad Office.

“There's an ongoing collaboration between the University of Reading and the University of Zaragoza. I heard about the placement through my supervisor.”

Amie had travelled with her family before, but moving to Spain for an entire academic year was very different. She had to navigate the logistics associated with setting up a home in a new culture with only some basic Spanish.

“In the lab everyone spoke English, but it was far more challenging outside the University. Even though Zaragoza is the fifth largest city in Spain, English isn't commonly spoken.

"When I first arrived, it was all very exciting because there was lots to do. And then as the year progressed, there were some things that I missed from home. What helped me a lot was the international network of friends I'd made through the Erasmus programme.”

During her placement, Amie was fortunate to work one-on-one with her supervisor from Zaragoza.

“I can't say enough good things about her – she really helped me. We have stayed in contact and she continues to update me on the research that I did while I was there.

"The project has now been continued by a PhD student and there are plans to publish it. I am quite grateful that the research I did was useful and has contributed in some way.”

Amie found her greatest support came from a PhD student who had gone on the same placement as an undergraduate student two years previously. When Amie got in touch, she was more than happy to give Amie some pointers.

“She came over to visit friends she'd made while she was on her placement. As she had worked in the same lab, she was able to tell me how everything worked. I even stayed in the same flat she had rented! Her help made it all much easier to settle in.”

While it is lovely to be away, it's always nice to be home. And Amie had a new appreciation for how much easier things are in a language and culture that you know and understand.

“It took a while to ease back into the British culture again. I'd got used to siestas! I also missed the food, the friends I made, and definitely the weather.”

When asked whether she would recommend studying abroad to other students, Amie doesn't hesitate in her reply.

“Definitely! It looks very good to have international experience on your CV. Living and working in a different culture shows that you are willing to go outside your comfort zone.

"My only advice would be to look very closely before you accept a placement to make sure that it's right for you. For example, if languages aren't your strength, you may want to choose a placement where language isn't a barrier.

"If I had taken a placement in Madrid or Barcelona, instead of the smaller city of Zaragoza, there would have been a lot more English spoken. But without a doubt, take the opportunity.”

Learn more about studying abroad