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Today we met in BIFE for the first Erasmus recon meeting. The room is pretty stuffy but I can see that the window in front of me is open. Anyway - we read through our contracts and signed the compulsory paperwork. The rules are pretty standard and should be easy to adhere to. It’s official!! We learnt that we must keep these blogs every 3 days and they must be detailed. Maybe I’ll take up writing poetry during my stay in Malaga. Maybe I’ll write Spanish poetry.

Very excited to start this journey!!

xoxo Sarah Moloney

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Today I attended a meeting where we were given details about our upcoming work placement in Malaga. We signed our contracts, it was exciting to learn more about what to expect while working abroad.

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hello, Madeleine here for Malaga, excited to be here and see everyone. I’m looking forward to the trip and seeing ye there.

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Hi I’m Abi! Today we met up in Bife, we signed our forms for our Erasmus trip, I’m really excited for this experience! I can’t wait to learn a new language, meet some new people and gain experience in my vocational area!

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Hey I’m Ben, I am excited for my trip to Malaga in May. I hope to try new food, experience the culture and meet new people!

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Hi, I'm Lucy Creavin, a TV and Film Production Student heading to Malaga in May. I am excited to gain practical skills in the film industry and meet new people, and enjoy the culture of Spain!

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Today, we went over the all of the non-negotioable rules for the Erasmus contract to be valid.

We went over all of the details concerning finance as well as the flight detail and information.

I can't wait to explore a city I've never been to and experience to their unique culture.

I'm especially excited to gain practical skills that will help me in my future career progression.

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I’m 31 feelings a little nervous as it’s going to be a new environment looking forward to seeing a new environment and learn new things and enjoy the weather

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Hey my name is Paulina, I’m looking forward to the trip. I can’t wait to learn new things, meet great people and make memories !

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I’m about to start my Erasmus journey and I feel really excited. This opportunity means a lot to me, as I will meet new people, learn new things, and experience a different culture. I can’t wait to see what Malaga has to offer.

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Hi, I'm Hannah. I'm studying forensic science and I'm looking forward to going to Malaga

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Hi my name is Jodie, I'm studying Forensic science in BIFE and I'm really looking forward to our erasmus trip in Málaga!

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Hi, I'm Maria.

I'm taking a music production course.

On Thursday, we had a meeting where we learned all about our upcoming trip to Málaga.

During this trip, I want to have fun with new people and gain valuable work experience.

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Yesterday we took a walk along the beach and through the city. It was a really wonderful day, and I'm so glad I had the chance to experience it🧚‍♀️

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Saw my work placement this morning, very grateful they speak english because if not I wouldn't have been able to understand a thing👏😐

Went for a walk on the port and found a really nice restaurant and got the Sea Bream which was amazing 🙏

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Today I got introduced to my work placement and I'm really excited to start.

The town where we’re staying is absolutely beautiful and everybody is so nice,

I’ve really enjoyed learning some new Spanish words and can’t wait to learn more !

Adios,

Abi

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Today I had the introduction with my work placement which is in a language school.

A decent amount of people speak English so there is no worry about the transition into the workplace as everyone seems to be very nice and relaxed.

Over the past couple of days I explored the city centre and I got to properly get to know the other students. We went for walks, to the beach and had a great time.

We will be going on a city tour later on, I can't wait to explore more of the city of Malaga and fully begin my work experience

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Today, we had our induction day at work. I’m working in a language school, which I’m really excited about, and I’m looking forward to gaining lots of new experience there.

Last night, we went to a Mexican-Indian restaurant, and everything was delicious, especially the cocktails. It was a great evening, everyone got to know each other and we all left feeling well-fed and happy.

The weather has really improved since we arrived, and the sunshine and clear skies made today’s city tour even more enjoyable. It was lovely to explore the city in such nice weather.

I’m really looking forward to starting my work placement tomorrow and seeing what the next few weeks bring!

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Today I had my induction meeting at my work placement and learned about the projects ill be working on for the rest of our trip. Louise took us for dinner this evening after out walking tour.

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There is so much to digest here! Today was my first official work day, so I met with my supervisor and he brought us to his workplace to discuss our project which we will be working on for the next three weeks. Since we are studying the creative arts, I don’t have one singular workplace or location that I will go to every day, so he instead showed us to several work cafes where we might work with our laptops. I have to make a documentary on flamenco! Very exciting. On Thursday we will be meeting with Rocío, who runs a charitable organisation and teaches people flamenco, and this documentary will hopefully be used to gain government funding for the organisation. Or something like that. We will find out on Thursday!

I’ve been going out a lot with my fellow students. This evening we went to dinner and then to the beach, and we went swimming! The water was pretty cold but so very blue. Last night we all gathered in our pyjamas and watched Spirited Away. I had never seen it before and it was interesting. Not sure I’m really a Ghibli fan but hey I gave it a go.

I made the most delicious sandwich yesterday. Call me Joey Tribbiani the way I would die for that sandwich. It wasn’t even anything special - Serrano ham, cheese, and a LOT of arugula. I sat on my bed, because who needs to be social, and ate my sandwich. One of the best afternoons of my life. I told my boyfriend about this joyful day and he informed me that this is in fact “very sad” and “concerning.” I just wanted to enjoy my sandwich :(

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The first few days since we've arrived were spent exploring Malaga, and getting to know our fellow Bife students. Today I started my work placement! I was a little nervous to begin with. I found that as I settled into the role, assisting the nurses with their tasks in caring for the residents, I gradually established more confidence in my abilities, drawing from my studies in Bife. I'm eager to learn and develop into the role over the next few weeks. The language barrier is a significant challenge, but also presents an invaluable opportunity to learn spanish!

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Today was my first day at the nursing home, was a little bit awkward to begin with as the nurses speak very little English and the patients not at all 😅 all the staff was very friendly and as the day went on I got more confident in doing certain tasks. The last couple of days we have been going out for dinners and walks getting to know each other better, grateful to be here with such a friendly group it has really made the experience even better! Looking forward to our next trip and gaining more experience working in a different country.

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Today is my third day in Malaga as part of the Erasmus programme. I started working with Europeanera and meeting new people from different countries, including students from Portugal who are also part of a mobility programme. It has been a really interesting experience so far, and I’m enjoying learning about new cultures, improving my communication skills, and being part of an international environment. I’m excited to continue this journey and see what the next weeks will bring.

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This is my work place, a cultural community centre doing art classes and a lot more. First day yesterday with a bunch of very lovely and VERY lively 5-7 year olds painting, great fun and exhausting in equal measure. A good experience. I’m tasked with coming up with a creative project for them so that will be great fun for them and for me - mucky ceramic clay hands 😊

Had a sneaky peek at the Flamenco dance class, exhilarating just to watch, no beginner class unfortunately, flouncy skirts and wide brim hats, and the gorgeous shoes, clattering for all they’re worth. Dying to see a show now.

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Spend the last few days getting to know the area im staying at, the weather so far has been great. Today was my second full day at work, not knowing spanish makes it difficult but a great opportunity to gain experince as well as learning cutlures. Tommorow we are heading on another trip which im looking forward to.

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I have now been fully incorporated within the workplace, me and Ben have been assigned to sorting and filing a lot of documents as there is an extremely big number of applicants for the language school. It is particularly busy as the classes are coming to an end and exams are starting. There was an attempt to communicate with the co-workers and while they speak 0 english, it was still entertaining as we used Google translate.

Outside of work hours, we went to the beach almost everyday and we had a city tour and then a tour of one of the strongest castles in Europe, with a lot of deep rich history behind it.

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Yesterday, I carried on with my work experience, helping sort and organise files. It wasn’t the most exciting task ever, but it was good to keep busy and get more of an insight into how everything works behind the scenes in an office.

After work, we headed to the beach to chill out. It was super windy, so we all ended up with a face full of sand, which was chaotic but funny. The sea looked amazing and was perfect for swimming, so it was definitely worth it.

Later on, Abi made chicken Alfredo for dinner and it was unreal, easily the best meal we’ve had since being here. It honestly tasted like such a treat after a busy day. We also shared some Biscoff cheesecake afterwards, which made the night even better.

Today, we went on a tour of the Alcazaba of Málaga, and it was such a good experience. It was absolutely roasting walking around in the heat, but the views from the top were incredible, The tour was actually really interesting, and I learned loads about the history of Málaga. It’s been really nice getting to explore more of the city and learn about its history while we’re here.

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Today we went to alcazaba, it was absolutely beautiful and the views from the top were breathtaking. I would definitely go again just for those views.

I’m not going to lie I was quite nervous about making friends with everyone but we’ve all gotten along so well.

My work placement has been a challenge but I’m really enjoying it, I’m especially enjoying learning Spanish from the residents, they’re all so helpful !

Until next time,

Abi

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First week done at placement !

Got use to the routine and how things work, definitely feel more confident in helping out and learning new words. Have some lovely views along the way also which makes the walk that little bit easier. Yesterday we visited the Alcazaba, was very beautiful and interesting to learn about the history of the building.

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We went to Nerja today, a nice way to round off the first week. A busy resort with nice beaches and great scenery, surrounded by stunning mountains. Great to see somewhere new.

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A week has already passed, during which I drew up a rough plan for my work over the next two weeks. We discussed our plans and have a schedule of tasks we’ll be working on next week.

On Thursday, we visited the Alcazaba fortress, where we were given a wonderful tour and learned about the history of the place.

Yesterday we went to Norja Beach. The weather was very sunny and warm, so we went swimming.

And today we went to watch the sunrise, which was also very spectacular.

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This week I became more comfortable in my work experience and have a clear plan for the future of the project. I met more people ill be working with and have schedules for filming and editing in the next 2 weeks. We had a tour around a castle in Malaga which was really pretty and had amazing views. The weather is still gorgeous!

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We went on a day trip to Nerja yesterday.

I wish we had more time there honestly.

It had the best beach that I've seen on the trip so far and we had possibly the best weather aswell

We went for lunch in an Italian restaurant and then went to the beach for a swim.

The stones were burning my feet so much that I had to sprint to the water once I stepped off my towel.

The views on the bus were also amazing with the mountains.

It was the best planned trip so far honestly.

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Yesterday was such a nice day and needed after the first week at work. It was great to have the weekend off and just relax.

We went on a trip to Frigiliana and Nerja and honestly both places were so lovely. Frigiliana was really pretty with all the little streets and flowers everywhere, and Nerja had such a chilled seaside vibe. It was nice just walking around, taking our time, and enjoying the views even had a swim in the sea!

In the evening we went into Málaga for Noche en Blanco, listened to some music, and had a walk around the town. The atmosphere was amazing and it was really nice seeing everyone out enjoying themselves. I loved getting to see a bit more of the Málaga culture and how local people spend their evenings. Such a lovely way to end the day.

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Yesterday we visited Nerja and it was really nice to explore somewhere different and enjoy the atmosphere by the beach. In the evening we went back to Málaga for Noche en Blanco, where there were amazing opera singers performing in the city centre. It was a really enjoyable experience and the atmosphere was great.

My work placement at the adult day centre is also going well. I am learning a lot and everyone there has been very welcoming and supportive. Everyone on the Erasmus trip is getting along really well too, which has made the experience even better.

It has been a really amazing first week overall and I’m extremely grateful for this experience.

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On Friday at work, Airidas and I had to sort out more files. After that, we had to input information about the school’s applicants into the computer. The language barrier made it difficult, but we got there in the end.

Yesterday, we all went on a trip to Frigiliana and Nerja. We got up early and took the bus to Frigiliana. To be honest, the town was pretty boring, pretty, but very boring. There wasn’t much to do, as everything was closed and it was cloudy. After an hour and a half, we finally went to Nerja, which was definitely the highlight of the day. The views were to die for, the water was so blue, and the sand was so soft.

We went to a delicious Italian restaurant where I got a pizza and a Coke Zero. We spent most of our time sitting on the beach, soaking up the sun, and we all caught some rays. After we got home, we went out to enjoy some nightlife. The La Noche en Blanco festival was in full swing. We saw musicians playing instruments and opera singers singing some very emotional songs.

Today, we all took a much needed day of rest and decided to do pretty much nothing except enjoy the sun. I went to the shop to buy a fan because the heat is crazy here! I also went to the gym and sat on the terrace to soak up some more sun. Majd made a delicious meal for dinner. It was definitely a weekend to remember.

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The second week is beginning, and as I look back on the time I’ve spent here, I admire anew the beauty of the surrounding areas. The city is charming, and the neighbouring towns are lovely. We took a tour around the Alcazaba and learned about the history of Málaga as we walked through the ancient ruins overlooking the city. We also went on a day trip to Nerja, and walked the whitewashed streets, ate amazing food, and sat on the scorching beach. The waves were so clear and so clean, and the sand was very hot to the touch. I might have burnt my feet but that’s a minor issue.

This week we will begin filming our documentary. I’m a little nervous as we don’t speak Spanish and our interviewee doesn’t speak English, so im still trying to figure out how we are going to translate the interview. I am grateful for our supervisor, as he is very friendly and willing to help out. He sent us a schedule for this week and there are a lot of different flamenco-based events that we will be going to - including a film set! Very exciting.

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On Friday, me and Ben had our last day of work experience before the weekend begun, was started to register the files into the computer that we earlier had to organise. Language barrier is still pretty big and we tend to struggle a bit getting a point across with the coworkers, but we are managing well with the help of others who can speak english better and we are picking up some spanish words. Our supervisors recommended that we go out on the Saturday as it was a blank night festival where all exhibitions and museums are free as well as lots of music organised at night time.

On Saturday, we got up early to go to Nerja and Frigiliana. The towns had nice beaches and places and we went to an Italian restaurant together and then to a beach to do some swimming and tanning.

We rode in silence as we were all tired from the heat, but we still went out together at night to experience the blank night which is where we saw some opera singing in a random balcony.

Everyone is getting along very well with eachother and we are looking forward to the flamenco show.

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My first week on erasmus was one to remember, I've loved making freinds while discovering the gems of spains south coast. Nerja is a beautiful town, we went for a swim and got some food at an Italian restaurant. Although my work placement is still difficult, since all of the tasks of the job are still very new to me, I've adjusted to the language barrier, building repport with both my colleagues and the residents.

While developing practical skills and experience while at work, I've learnt of the importance of non verbal communication in providing patient care. I may not be able to understand exactly what a patient is saying, while I work under the supervision of the nurses, but through my body language and tone of voice I can show that I care.

A warm smile, or a comforting hand on a shoulder is part of the universal language we all share.

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Nothing much to report today, I’ve been under the weather with a bug so here’s a nice fountain from an earlier mooch around the city. Malaga is a lovely place to wander around, lovely architecture, nice squares, shady spots under lush trees and always a cafe for a refreshing drink. A lot of tourists of course - me included - so I understand why the locals are getting tired of us all. Nonetheless they are friendly and approachable.

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Last night in Málaga🇪🇸, we had the chance to experience the magic of traditional Flamenco.

From the powerful guitar music to the incredible dancing and atmosphere, it was a beautiful night full of Spanish culture, passion, and emotion.

An unforgettable experience during our journey in Spain ✨

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On tuesday we experienced the energy of a live flamenco dance creating a memorable cultural experience. I also spotted a small gecko resting on window sill on way to work i have used the gym a few times very enjoyable but warm.

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On Tuesday we attended a flamenco show in Málaga and it was amazing to watch. The dancing was very unique and intense, and it was really interesting to experience such an important part of Spanish culture in person. The last week at my work placement has also been really good for getting to know the residents I am working with better, and I feel much more comfortable and settled in now. I am really enjoying this whole experience and honestly I am not looking forward to it ending.

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Yesterday we were at a flamenco show which was really gorgeous. Then we went to the restaurant where I ordered a pizza (it was delicious). Also, I had a walk before the show. Because of that, I know the city center much better.

Today we had a chance to observe an interview with a woman who is a professional flamenco singer. There was also a short performance with vocal and guitar and then an interview for the TV channel. In the evening, we were invited to a singing class where we saw how she is working with her student.

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Work has been fairly the same, me and Ben sorting out documents and filing them on the online system. We had a bit of an issue where we did not double check certifications due to the language barriers, but it was caught on early and we went back and did it, did not take as long as imagined.

We went to see a flamenco show together as a group which was very entertaining, the vocal ranges and the dance moves were outstanding. Truly an exceptional experience especially in Andalusia due to the traditions. After the show, we went to an Italian restaurant which was fairly cheap and really good, we had to be separated in 3 groups though to accommodate the amount of people we had.

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On Tuesday, we went to a flamenco show, which was really impressive. The dancers were so talented and full of energy, and it was amazing to see how passionate they were during the performance. The music and atmosphere made it a really memorable experience.

After the show, we went for dinner at an Italian restaurant. I ordered lasagne, and it was really tasty, definitely one of my favourite meals so far.

Yesterday, Airidas and I went to work and spent most of the day filing more paperwork, which kept us busy. Afterwards, we decided to treat ourselves and went to Taco Bell and Dunkin’. Taco Bell was okay, but I think it was a little overhyped. Dunkin’, however, was really good. It was cheap, tasty, and definitely worth it.

Last night, we played a murder mystery game in the movie room, which was great fun. It was a really nice way to relax and spend time together. I’m really looking forward to the next week and a half and making the most of the sunshine.

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We were brought to a Flamenco show last night.

The singers were amazing and so were the dancers I really enjoyed it, would definitely go again!.

We were then brought out for dinner by Gina which was lovely.

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We started filming our documentary this week, focusing mostly on B-roll. We met with Rocío and attended a live TV interview where she was speaking, and got to see her singing flamenco live! How special. Later yesterday evening we attended one of her flamenco singing classes and spent 2 hours enjoying the ladies’ karaoke session. Bahahah

Today we travelled across the city to El Centro del Artes in a university and attended a number of flamenco classes, ranging from singing to guitar to dancing - we met a famous singer and recorded sooooo much footage.

We also attended a flamenco show with our classmates! So much flamenco this week. Ongggg. But the dancing was phenomenal - I didn’t realise how much physical work flamenco is, but seeing the sheer beauty and strength of the dance was breathtaking.

After work on Tuesday, I went for a walk - didn’t know where I was going, I just picked a direction (north), and walked. I walked until I got close to the mountains and found myself getting pretty close to the motorway, and decided that that was a good enough time to turn back, and tried to walk home without using Google maps. I got lost.

WE WENT TO A CAT CAFE and it was the HAPPIEST I have been since I arrived in Spain. Life is complete.

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On Tuesday night we went to the flamenco show, it was very interesting to watch how everyone presented themselves while moving on the stage. Second week is nearly finished at work. So far I have really enjoyed this experience meeting new people and gaining experience! It’s going to be sad when it’s time to go back home :(

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Had a lovely meander around the fortress this morning (with a delicious al fresco breakfast en route in the shade of the cathedral) A fascinating place, lovely shady spots and great panoramic views. Cool green gardens with fountains and the sound of running water, well worth a visit.

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This week I sat in on the set of a news segment being filmed in a flamenco club. We also filmed an interview of our own as well as various flamenco shows for our documentary project.

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Police bike pretty cool

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Lovely little area nice bit shade at this hot hour

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Went out kayak beauty of a day for it had a swim around met few people on kayaks great experince 2 hour of a walk but worth it had a chicken burger then from bbq couldnt complain for 7€ i couldnt say no

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There was a new erasmus student that joined for work experience, she is from Italy and can speak both spanish and english. Other than that, the work of filing more or less stayed the same, we had to do a few more corrections as we did not double check some documents, but it all turned out fine.

On Friday, me and Ben went to a shopping centre to check out some clothing and shoes. We were tried some fast food places as we wanted to check out the difference from Ireland, so far Popeyes is the nicest one by far.

We went to a beach on Saturday, took a bus. The temperature was roasting and the water was nice and warm, by far the nicest beach yet.

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This week, I continued filing at work with Airidas, which helped me get more familiar with the tasks and routine in the workplace. It has been good to keep learning each day.

On Friday, I helped Airidas shop for some new clothes, which was fun, and afterwards we went to Burger King for food. It was nice to relax after work and spend some time together.

Yesterday, I went to the beach, which was really enjoyable. The weather was lovely, and it was great to spend time by the sea and make the most of the sunshine.

Today, we got the train to the La Palapa beach club, which was another great experience. We were lucky because we managed to get the last six sunbeds available. While we were there, I had croquettes and chips, which were very tasty. It was a really fun day, and I’m enjoying making the most of the sunny weather.

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Yesterday we went to La Palapa Beach Jazba in Torremolinos and it was a really enjoyable trip. I had a lovely burger there and we spent some time swimming in the sea, which was beautiful and very relaxing. The weather was lovely and it was nice to spend time together and enjoy the beach atmosphere.

Unfortunately later in the evening I got a really bad migraine that lasted for hours. It made me feel quite unwell and I struggled to get comfortable or fall asleep afterwards, which was disappointing after such a nice day

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We went out to watch a flamenco show. I really enjoyed the experience, it was a small theatre, which offered an intimate and immersive show. I had never seen a flamenco show before, the music and dance was very impressive!

We then went out for a Italian meal, all and all a lovely evening!

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The final week begins. I’ll be working remotely all week as I’ll be editing the documentary that we were filming last week (RIP iPhone storage you are dearly missed 🩷) and will present the finished piece to our supervisor on Friday. Eek!

On Friday night I travelled to Vélez-Málaga with my coworkers and attended a flamenco show in an underground bar called Carmelina, apparently well-renowned for its role in the origin of flamenco. It was phenomenal! Afterwards there was food and drinks, and the dancer returned while we were eating to dance again in her tracksuit and Tshirt, not to work, but purely because she loved what she was doing. There is so much passion in this art form.

I had a quiet weekend recently. Saturday I spent largely alone - I feel I needed a break from people for a few hours (the life of an introvert) so I went for a walk and bought souvenirs for loved ones back home. Sunday was a little more exciting, as a group of us took the train to Torremolinos and went to a beach bar! The water was gorgeous and soooo clear, and while the food and drinks at the bar were expensive, they were good.

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RIP Ibis hotel you will be missed

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I've had a cold for the past few days so I spent most of my weekend in bed. I went for a few walks around the town for some fresh air, and done groceries and laundry. It was nice to have some time alone to relax, but I'm glad I'm feeling better now. I began editing in work today, which is a relief to get started because there is a lot of work to do.

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A few of us went on a day trip to La Palapa beach club in Torremolinos yesterday.

The weather was a bit cloudy but it was still quite warm and the water was beautiful.

We stayed there all day and didn't get home until I'd say 22:30 by train.

Later on in the night the Ibis hotel kinda went up in flames and it is still burning, luckily nobody is hurt!

Overall though it was a great day, not for the Ibis hotel though unfortunately 😞

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During the weekend we went to La Palapa Beach in Torremolinos it was a lovely place and we found a beach club where we could rent out a lounge get some food and later have a dip in the water. I had a really lovely time it’s great how we all get along as a group and are able to have a laugh and enjoy our time here ! This experience has brought me new memories, friends and opened me up to a new perspective about working abroad. In the evening today we met up together for a nice meal with Anne and had a catch up on how our time here is going.

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really great fresh food market nearby, the big covered one. Great fresh fish, veg, fruit, bread, cheese… also a grand spot for a stand up counter lunch, I recommend the skewered salmon with a cold caña 😊

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It's been an eventful start to the week here in Malaga. My Monday started with being confronted with a burning building outside our accommodation. Walking out to witness the smoke and flames was surreal to say the least.

It was lovely to catch-up with Anne, my course co-ordinator, and to tell her all about my time in work placement, where I've been putting the skills learnt under her guidance into practice.

We all went for a meal in an Italian restaurant, and then explored more of Malaga's quaint old town, where we found a beautiful incense shop nestled into the side streets.

Today at work went well, today I was able to play bingo with the residents at the nursing home, I've somehow been able to pick up numbers 1-90 in spanish!

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On Friday, Sarah, Lucy, and I went to a flamenco show in a small town near Malaga. It was really cool because it’s a special place for flamenco culture. The venue is dedicated only to flamenco performances. The Spanish people and artists were extremely kind to us — after the show, they even invited us to dinner 😋

This week, we are working on the documentary because we already have all the materials. I’ve already mixed a big part of my recordings.

Yesterday, we were on the terrace located on the top of the hotel. We spent a lovely evening there with a beautiful view.

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The work task has more or less stayed the same, as the year has come to a close, all of the new applicants for all languages need to be processed. Me and Ben are filing the documents by putting them into the online system.

In the work placement, there are new Irish Erasmus students from Galway who are also studying law, same with me as Ben. It was a nice change of pace as we were able to comfortably converse with someone who can speak english.

The Ibis hotel that is right next to our accomodation has unexpectedly burned down. It has been burning for 3 days straight and the firefighters are watering it down day and night. It is unfortunate for everyone involved, it had a nice spot for food and drinks which is now gone. Part of our accomodation has closed off so we have to enter through garage as opposed the front door, as well as the terrace and the gyms are closed off until the smoke subsides.

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Airidas and I continued with our work experience again this week, and we are both getting more used to the daily routine and responsibilities. It has been a good experience so far and I’ve enjoyed working alongside him.

On Tuesday, we went to a rooftop bar, which felt very fancy and had stunning views across the city. The atmosphere was really nice, especially in the evening. The cocktails were okay, I’ve definitely had better, but the chips were very tasty and probably the best part of the visit.

On Wednesday, we went to the beach for a dip because it was absolutely roasting. The water was really refreshing and helped cool us down from the heat. It was nice to relax and enjoy the sunshine for a while.

Later that evening, Abby cooked us a pasta bake, which was very tasty as always. She’s such a good cook that I wish I could take her home with me to make my meals all the time.

I’m really looking forward to the boat trip tomorrow, and I can’t believe it’s already our last few days here. The time has gone so quickly, and I know I’m going to miss it a lot when we leave.

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Today we went out on a boat around Málaga and it was such a beautiful experience. The views of the coast were amazing and it was really relaxing being out on the water. Afterwards Richie brought us for a lovely dinner, which was a really nice way to end the day and spend time together as a group.

Now that the trip is coming close to an end, I am starting to feel quite sad about leaving. I really wish it could be longer because I have genuinely enjoyed the whole experience so much. My work placement has been a really positive experience as well, and I have enjoyed getting to know the residents and learning more each week.

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No trip to Picasso’s birthplace would be complete without a visit to this museum. I’m not a fan of his later work - his early work is more appealing - but I thought I’d give it a chance and see it in real life. It was interesting and I admire his cubist ideas, I’m still not a fan but glad I went and I do recommend a visit.

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Yesterday, we had an amazing experience with Fly Blue in Málaga.

We enjoyed a beautiful boat tour along the coast, taking in the stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It was a relaxing and memorable experience that allowed us to appreciate Málaga from a different perspective.

The trip was not only enjoyable but also a great opportunity to spend time together, create new memories, and strengthen friendships within the group.

Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible. It was a perfect way to enjoy one of our final days in Málaga.☀️🌊🛳️🍹❤️

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Last day, great memories and experiences have been made. On our last organised event, we took a sunset boat trip which was relaxing and beautiful, it had a great atmosphere, then we went to have some food with Richard, the calamari rings were absolutely unreal.

On our last day at work, they got everyone free coffee as well as lots of sweet pastries to go with the coffee. We said our goodbyes and they thanked us for our effort and work ethic.

It was a beautiful trip, I have learned a lot about the cultural aspect of things, it was nice to discover a different side of the broad European culture. The random mix of the students was a great idea, we clicked on well and it was nice to step out of our comfort zones.

We had a debrief with Richard, talking about our experiences of work and non-work related aspects as well as giving our feedback and opinions on how we could improve the experience for others.

I'm going to miss Malaga!

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Reflecting on the last three weeks in Malaga I recall a very wonderful experience. I have met new and interesting people, been immersed in a different culture and have had opportunities i otherwise might have missed. I’ve seen stunning art, wonderful architecture, and tried different food (and cocktails😊)

The religious procession was a sight to behold, so too the flamenco: I was lucky in my work placement to see flamenco dance lessons and to have one of my young students serenade me with flamenco song.

This has been a very enriching experience-not always easy (good things aren’t always!) but certainly a fulfilling and inspiring one.

I am very grateful to have had this opportunity and I highly recommend it as a valuable and rewarding experience.

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Well, my time in Málaga has come to an end. I submitted my work to my supervisor, I completed the programme, and I didn’t die in the Ibis hotel fire, to the relief of my parents, even though I was not staying in the Ibis hotel.

I feel as though this placement has allowed me to grow as a person - it was my first experience with living independently. I kept myself alive for three weeks! In a foreign country, no less, where the drivers don’t believe in speed limits. I am endlessly grateful to have had this opportunity and have treasured every day spent in that lovely city. It was so clean and so safe, and there were many moments when I caught myself comparing it to my experiences in Dublin. We have a lot to learn!

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I really enjoyed my time here and I’m grateful for all the people I met along the way. I had a lot of fun, shared plenty of laughs, and made some great memories. Thank you to everyone who was part of it. I’ll always look back on this time with a smile. Wishing everyone all the best for the future. 😊

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Photos

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Today we had our last trip as a group, we went on a boat trip and saw some beautiful views. It was a great way to end the trip, the weather was amazing which made the day better after our boat trip we headed out for a meal and we all chatted about our experience in Malaga.

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As my Erasmus journey in Málaga comes to an end, I can honestly say it has been an amazing experience. Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet incredible people, create lifelong memories, and experience a new culture.

Living in Málaga has helped me grow in confidence, become more independent, and step outside my comfort zone. The friendships I have made and the experiences I have shared are things I will always cherish.

I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to take part in Erasmus. It has been a truly unforgettable experience, and Málaga will always hold a special place in my heart.

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I really enjoyed the erasmus and thought it was an amazing experience and opportunity.

I feel like I gained more confidence and independence from the trip by the experience of living alone.

I am really thankful for BIFE for giving me this opportunity.

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As my Erasmus trip comes to an end, I can see how much I have learned and grown. Working in a school secretary’s office helped me improve my communication, organisation, and teamwork skills. I also learned more about how a school office works and gained valuable work experience.

Living and working in another country helped me become more independent and confident. I learned how to adapt to new situations, meet new people, and experience a different culture. At first, some things were challenging, but these experiences helped me grow and become more comfortable outside my comfort zone.

Overall, this Erasmus experience has been very positive and rewarding. I have made great memories, met wonderful people, and developed skills that will help me in the future. I am grateful for the opportunity and will take what I have learned with me in both my personal and professional life.

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As my Erasmus experience has ended, I can honestly say it has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I have had. I have learned so much through my work placement, gained confidence, and had the opportunity to experience a different culture and way of life.

I am especially grateful for the wonderful people I have met during this trip. The friendships and memories we have made together are something I will always cherish. Although I am sad that the experience is ending, I am thankful for everything I have learned and experienced, and I will look back on my time in Málaga with very happy memories.

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After reflecting on my erasmus experience, I am really proud of myself for living alone for 3 weeks. The documentary we produced was really impressive and an incredible take away from this experience. I have definetly made life long memories and connections.

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I'm back in dublin, I woke up on my first morning back in Ireland and made my way into work. It was surreal to be back home after such an incredible adventure. I've had to reconcile with the reality that my Erasmus journey has come to an end. Ive experienced mixed emotions since arriving back, it's been difficult to accept that my time in malaga has come to an end.

More than anything I'm greatful for the opportunity and experience which the Erasmus mobility offered. It was un unbelievable privilege and a pleasure to spend three weeks in Malaga with an incredible group of people who I know I'll never forget.

It's bittersweet to reflect on our times together, at the beach, out for dinner, on day trips and catching up after work. I'll cherish those memories forever, it feels wrong to part ways so suddenly with a group of people I've got to know so well, and with whom I shared such a special adventure with.

On my last day in my work placement a few of the residents handed me a collection of the drawings that I made during our activity times together. I didn't know they had been collecting my drawings, it was a heartwarming and precious moment that will stay with me. It was emotional to say goodbye to both the residents and the staff, who had welcomed us into their lives. I'm greatful for their trust, kindness and patience throught my time in the nursing home.

All things must come to an end. But the memories made will last a lifetime, and form a part of the person I am today. I hope to visit malaga again soon.

Many thanks to everyone who made my Erasmus experience possible.

Goodbye for now,

Ciaran.

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Looking back on my Erasmus+ experience in Málaga, I feel grateful for everything I learned and everyone I met along the way.

This experience gave me the opportunity to work in an international environment, develop new skills, meet amazing people from different countries, and create unforgettable memories.

From workplace activities and office tasks to cultural visits, teamwork, and new friendships, every part of this journey helped me grow both personally and professionally.

I would like to thank Europeanera, Innovation Campus, BIFE, my supervisors, and all the wonderful people who were part of this experience. Your support, kindness, and friendship made this journey truly special.

Thank you, Málaga, for the memories, the lessons, and the incredible people I met. ❤️🇪🇸

Until we meet again

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29.05 was our last meeting where we were talking about our experience of work, accommodation and program in general. I enjoyed this trip a lot because of the places which I visited, work that we did, and people I met due to this program.