What occurs now can shape the rest of my life. Come September, I’ll be living it up in Belgium (if the current political situation sustains itself that long) and the Autonomous Community of Galicia in Spain. It’ll certainly be an interesting experience: not only in terms of way of life in a different country, but also in the effects that it will have (hopefully for the better) on my studies and prospects for the world of work.

With this Année intercalaire, one cannot be left in any sense of doubt as its bureaucratic nature: there are currently dozens of forms awaiting completion, from both Ulster and the Universities of Mons and Vigo, ranging from timetables, travel and health insurance, money, to notifications of departure.

While this cannot obviously be avoided, it should be the case that bureaucracy takes the high road, while I’ll take the low road, to quote that song, in order to effect an improvement in my written and spoken French and Spanish through the various modules in which I am either currently or to be enrolled. On reflection, I’m not sure it was such a good idea to enrol in one in the Faculté de Traduction et d’Interprétation - Ecole d'Interprètes Internationnaux ("Faculty of Translation and Interpretation -  School of International Interpreters") concerning Judicial and Administrative Translation (at Post Graduate level). :S

Oh well, bring on the challenge!

Given the joint nature of my degree - BA Hons French and Spanish (Applied Languages) – it was necessary to choose two locations where both languages are the de facto/ de jure ones of the Countries in question. I have hence chosen the towns/cities of:

• September – January: Université de Mons (Belgium, Province of Hainaut)

• January/February – June: Universidade de Vigo (Spain, Autonomous Community of Galicia)

Both choices are subject to University approval, so we shall wait and see if I am to be placed there...

While I have not denied in the past that I have had some apprehension about the Year Abroad, I think I'm starting to be at ease  with it all, so fingers crossed I'll get to go where I want and that it will be an enjoyable experience!

UPDATE: I've been provisionally granted a place at the Université de Mons, so it just remains to see whether I get a place in the Universidade de Vigo!