Case Study: Aarun Ilyas – Granada, Spain 2019-20

English:

Moving to Spain to start my first job has been the most challenging experience of my life so far however it has also been the most rewarding. Since starting university almost three years ago now, my degree has been building up to this point. Being awarded a scholarship by the John Speak Language Trust has helped to alleviate some of the stress and financial burden that comes with being at such a pinnacle point of my degree. The scholarship has allowed me to make the most of my time in Granada and seize every opportunity with both hands.

Anya and I scaling the Sierra Nevada

Anya and I hiking in the Sierra Nevada.

With regards to my internship, it was very enlightening to be out of education and I have learnt a lot from it. I gained an insight into sectors such as Sales, Business Development and Software Engineering. Moreover I also enhanced my professional development by learning more about myself and how I operate in a professional setting. Working in such a rapidly growing startup forced me to adapt to and tackle new challenges with greater confidence and professionalism, both inside and out of the office. Whether it was combating the language barrier or dealing with new scenarios with customers. The combination of working and living abroad has trained me to be able to deal with almost any obstacle that I face.

My home for 6 months

Avenida de la Constitución 12: my home for 6 months.

Languages have opened up so many opportunities for me. This is just the start. 

I am extremely proud to say that I lived in Granada. It is a remarkable city with a rich cultural and historical background that I would not have been able to appreciate if I had not lived there myself. These six months have been an unforgettable journey which I have been able to share with friends from all over the world.

If you ever have the chance to do a year or even a semester abroad, I highly recommend it. The skills, experiences and memories on offer are priceless and will stay with you for life.

The river spot where my colleagues and good friends Will, Nora and Mart used to take to out lunch breaks

The river spot where my colleagues and good friends Will, Nora and Mart used to take to our lunch breaks.

I would like to thank the John Speak Language Trust for their financial support during my time in Spain. My year abroad would not have been the same without it. It has been a catalyst for my immersion into Spanish language and culture and for that I will always be grateful.

 

Trip to the thermal springs in Santa Fe.

Trip to the thermal springs in Santa Fe.


Español:

Mudarme a España para empezar mi primer trabajo ha sido la experiencia más desafiante de mi vida hasta ahora, pero también la más gratificante. Desde que empecé la universidad hace casi tres años, mi título ha ido creciendo hasta este punto. Recibir una beca del John Speak Language Trust me ha ayudado a aliviar parte del estrés y la carga financiera que conlleva el estar en un punto tan alto de mi carrera. La beca me ha permitido aprovechar al máximo mí tiempo en Granada y aprovechar cada oportunidad con ambas manos.

At the top of the tower next to the Alhambra

At the top of the tower at the Alcazaba Fortress during my visit to the Alhambra.

Con respecto a mi pasantía, fue muy esclarecedor estar fuera de la educación y le he aprendido mucho. He adquirido una visión de sectores como las ventas, el desarrollo de negocios y la ingeniería de software. Además, también mejoré mi desarrollo profesional aprendiendo más sobre mí mismo y sobre cómo actúo en un entorno profesional. Trabajar en una empresa de tan rápido crecimiento me obligó a adaptarme y a afrontar nuevos retos con mayor confianza y profesionalidad, tanto dentro como fuera de la oficina. Ya fuera combatiendo la barrera del idioma o tratando nuevos escenarios con los clientes. La combinación de trabajar y vivir en el extranjero me ha entrenado para ser capaz de lidiar con casi cualquier obstáculo que enfrente.

Granada is the perfect dream and fantasy, forever ineffable… Granada will always be more malleable than philosophical, more lyric than dramatic.” Federico García Lorca

Adam and I in Chupiteria 69, our second home

Adam and I in our element at Chupiteria 69, our second home.

Estoy muy orgulloso de decir que viví en Granada. Es una ciudad extraordinaria, con un rico bagaje cultural e histórico que no hubiera podido apreciar si no hubiera vivido allí yo mismo. Estos seis meses han sido un viaje inolvidable que he podido compartir con amigos de todo el mundo. Si alguna vez tienes la oportunidad de hacer un año o incluso un semestre en el extranjero, te lo recomiendo encarecidamente. Las habilidades, experiencias y recuerdos que se ofrecen no tienen precio y se quedarán contigo de por vida.

Me gustaría agradecer al John Speak Language Trust por su apoyo financiero durante mi estancia en España. Mi año en el extranjero no habría sido el mismo sin él. Ha sido un catalizador para mi inmersión en la lengua y la cultura españolas y por eso siempre estaré agradecido.

Dale limosna, mujer. Que no hay en la vida nada como la pena de ser ciego en Granada.

View of the Alhmabra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.

View of the Alhmabra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.

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