I learned how to dance flamenco, by Emma Walls

A story by: Emma Walls

Country of origin: United Kingdom; Destination country: Spain

I always wanted to live abroad and experience a new culture. When I heard about the Euro graduate scheme I jumped at the chance. I also wanted to increase my chances of employability and I believed this particular programme would do this. I was given the opportunity to work for a theatre company called Aaiun Productions. I performed in different theatres in the South of Spain and the main aim of the production was to help Spanish children learn English.

After the programme I did return home to Northern Ireland. The main reason for this was because my employer in Spain did not have any more work for me. However, because of my experience in Spain it has made me think seriously about teaching English abroad. I learned a lot about myself when living abroad and it made me have more confidence in myself as a person. I was able to bring this confidence back home with me to Northern Ireland and it has immensely helped me in my work and in my life in general. Living abroad also helped me to embrace diversity and to appreciate other cultures. When I am in work I love talking to people of different nationalities because you can learn so much from them and it has made me more open minded.                                                                                                                                                           

My mobility experience definitely made me feel like a European citizen. I learned Spanish, I learned how to dance a little flamenco, I travelled by bicycle and I also adapted to how the Spanish people ate. By doing these things I realised that I preferred some of their ways of life more to that of Northern Ireland. When I came home I brought these with me; I still eat at 9 o’clock in the evening!

Without a doubt I would recommend this programme to anyone and I have done. My friend was accepted to go on the EuroGraduate programme last year. We both have agreed that the programme changed our lives and 2 years on I still talk about my experience in Spain. It has also helped me with employability on returning home.

I also want to say that I felt very supported by Keelin who was overseeing the programme when I went. She was always in regular contact and I always felt at ease because I knew that if I had any problems I would be able to contact her.