My name is Persia-Lili Moharerr, I’m 20 years old and I’m based in Palma de Mallorca for my Year Abroad. I was so nervous to get arrive, to start a new job, meet new people, and generally just uproot my entire life by taking a huge leap out of my comfort zone. I’ve already felt a whirlwind of emotions since being here: homesickness, anticipation, anxiety, but also genuine happiness and gratitude. The summer of 2018 feels a long time ago, considering so much has happened and so much has changed since then. In all honesty, I didn’t think there was anything overly ‘special’ or ‘unique’ about partaking in a Year Abroad. It is compulsory for language students after all, and a vast number of Uni students on an international scale will or have taken part in a Year Abroad. It was only 2 weeks into living here on the beautiful island of Mallorca, and once I attended the training day, that my perspective of Year Abroad changed, and it was pointed out to me by an older individual just how daring this all is. ‘You’ve uprooted your entire life, moved to a foreign country, left your family, friends, comforts and cares at home, speaking another language, living independently, meeting new people, taken on a new job, new responsibilities, new relationships and an entire new life all at the age of 20. That’s goddamn brave.’ These were more or less the exact words I heard from a 27 year old student partaking in the same programme as me. It occured to me on this training day that myself, alongside a small group of friends were the only 20/21 year old’s in this programme on this specific island. The rest were mid/late twenties or older. This shocked me and inspired me, to the point where I believed every last word and broadened my horizons on the matter. Someone who can do that, can do anything. Now, 6 weeks into Year Abroad, (exactly to this day!!) I’ve started looking at life from a different perspective. I hang with new people, they teach me new things. I remain motivated, organised, inspired. I go to bed early and wake up early and am getting settled in this new environment and in this new routine. I set goals for myself, big or small, and I work my way towards achieving them. I miss my family, a lot, but I try to make the days count as well as counting the days until I’m reunited with them. I genuinely do love what I do. My job is challenging and requires patience, but I am so grateful to work with such wonderful kids and compassionate coworkers. I definitely do feel more grown up being here as I’ve ever felt since turning 20 years old, my maturity levels have been raised, independence, confidence, my roles as a languages student, a British Council Ambassador, a tutor and young adult. Sure, of course I do miss home, but if by the end of Year Abroad I’ll be able to consider Palma a home away from home, that’ll make it all worthwile! Exactly 6 weeks into Year Abroad, and I intend to ensure I continue making the remaining months here as good as these first 6 weeks, make the most of my language abilities, new relationships and the way I see the world!
