About me
My name is Levi, they/them pronouns, I'm 25 and joined BIFE as a mature student. I did first and second year of Professional Cookery in BIFE. I enjoy playing roller derby, crochet, skate parks, and weight lifting outside of work and study. I'm currently living at home with my family. I'm hoping that by doing the Erasmus mobility it will help ease my imposter syndrome within my work, and give me an opportunity to briefly explore a new language, food, and way of life.
My name is Levi, they/them pronouns, I'm 25 and joined BIFE as a mature student. I did first and second year of Professional Cookery in BIFE. I enjoy playing roller derby, crochet, skate parks, and weight lifting outside of work and study. I'm currently living at home with my family. I'm hoping that by doing the Erasmus mobility it will help ease my imposter syndrome within my work, and give me an opportunity to briefly explore a new language, food, and way of life.
How I prepared for going abroad
I attended Spanish lessons for a short while, but classroom learning is something I deeply struggle with, so I stopped. I decided to use Duolingo instead, which I found helpful. I also paired that with speaking in basic Spanish to co-workers who spoke the language.
I attended Spanish lessons for a short while, but classroom learning is something I deeply struggle with, so I stopped. I decided to use Duolingo instead, which I found helpful. I also paired that with speaking in basic Spanish to co-workers who spoke the language.
Accommodation
The accommodation, upon arrival, was a shock. We all were lead to believe at the meetings that we would all have separate bedrooms. When we arrived, we found out we had one sharing bedroom. This would have been okay if we had of been told about it before arrival, but we had no time to mentally prepare for sharing with, essentially a stranger. I had also sent a request via an online form far prior to travel to have my own room for medical reasons. We were also fairly taken aback when we discovered the ensuite bathroom backing onto our bedroom, has a door that doesn't close. Sharing with a stranger is one thing, being able to see them while you pee is another.
We rang Martin, and after some back and forth and awkward conversations, we got it sorted. I stayed in our apartment and Ailbhe was moved to an apartment where she would have her own room. The fault of this stress on our first day, lies solely with BIFE, particularly Gabriel who gave the information presentations. If we had of been told in advance, this would have been fine for both of us, or we could have decided whether or not to go with accurate information. And although the fault of the mix up does not lie with Martin, his handling of the situation and his communication could have been better. Placing the blame for this with me with phrases such as "It's not a we problem, it's you", not giving me the option to speak with Ailbhe about who would prefer to originally move, whilst on loudspeaker made for an extremely stressful, and shocking first day. There was a lot of stress to be had, and that is understandable, but the communication simply has to improve.
Apart from this, the accomodation is fine for one person or two very, very close friends. The living room is nice and cozy, a table for two and TV is also present. The kitchen contains an electric stove, basic utensils, cutlery, crockery, etc. The only thing it is missing is an iron for our chef whites, but that is easily solved. The area is about 15 minutes from Plaza de Major and about 20 minutes walk from my workplace. It has some little cafes close by, the supermarket is an 8 minute walk and a nice pub is about 5 minutes away.
The accommodation, upon arrival, was a shock. We all were lead to believe at the meetings that we would all have separate bedrooms. When we arrived, we found out we had one sharing bedroom. This would have been okay if we had of been told about it before arrival, but we had no time to mentally prepare for sharing with, essentially a stranger. I had also sent a request via an online form far prior to travel to have my own room for medical reasons. We were also fairly taken aback when we discovered the ensuite bathroom backing onto our bedroom, has a door that doesn't close. Sharing with a stranger is one thing, being able to see them while you pee is another.
We rang Martin, and after some back and forth and awkward conversations, we got it sorted. I stayed in our apartment and Ailbhe was moved to an apartment where she would have her own room. The fault of this stress on our first day, lies solely with BIFE, particularly Gabriel who gave the information presentations. If we had of been told in advance, this would have been fine for both of us, or we could have decided whether or not to go with accurate information. And although the fault of the mix up does not lie with Martin, his handling of the situation and his communication could have been better. Placing the blame for this with me with phrases such as "It's not a we problem, it's you", not giving me the option to speak with Ailbhe about who would prefer to originally move, whilst on loudspeaker made for an extremely stressful, and shocking first day. There was a lot of stress to be had, and that is understandable, but the communication simply has to improve.
Apart from this, the accomodation is fine for one person or two very, very close friends. The living room is nice and cozy, a table for two and TV is also present. The kitchen contains an electric stove, basic utensils, cutlery, crockery, etc. The only thing it is missing is an iron for our chef whites, but that is easily solved. The area is about 15 minutes from Plaza de Major and about 20 minutes walk from my workplace. It has some little cafes close by, the supermarket is an 8 minute walk and a nice pub is about 5 minutes away.
The Restaurant
I worked in Sibaritas Klub. I helped with prep and helped with service. The menu consisted of two options, an 11 course meal or an 8 course meal. The positives were it had beautiful views of Valladolid and the staff were good people. I'm not willing to go into the negatives publicly.
I worked in Sibaritas Klub. I helped with prep and helped with service. The menu consisted of two options, an 11 course meal or an 8 course meal. The positives were it had beautiful views of Valladolid and the staff were good people. I'm not willing to go into the negatives publicly.
Adjusting
I adjusted fine to the culture. I found the siesta aspect difficult to get used to, but otherwise it was fine. I enjoyed learning the language as I like a challenge. I spoke it as much as I could and gained a lot from that. There wasn't much cooperation from other workmates. We each knew our job and we just did it.
I adjusted fine to the culture. I found the siesta aspect difficult to get used to, but otherwise it was fine. I enjoyed learning the language as I like a challenge. I spoke it as much as I could and gained a lot from that. There wasn't much cooperation from other workmates. We each knew our job and we just did it.
Freetime
Our only real free time was the weekends in which we spent time together as a group. Maybe going for dinner or to the park. I spent as much time in the skatepark as I could. A stand out moment was Pacos Cave. It was extremely enjoyable and hospitable.
Our only real free time was the weekends in which we spent time together as a group. Maybe going for dinner or to the park. I spent as much time in the skatepark as I could. A stand out moment was Pacos Cave. It was extremely enjoyable and hospitable.
What I have learned
I particularly learned a lot at the 2 hour food science master class. That is where my passion lies and unfortunately I didn't end up getting a food science placement that I really wanted. I have plenty of ideas that I am planning to put to practice from that class. I also relearned how far I can push my mental health.
I particularly learned a lot at the 2 hour food science master class. That is where my passion lies and unfortunately I didn't end up getting a food science placement that I really wanted. I have plenty of ideas that I am planning to put to practice from that class. I also relearned how far I can push my mental health.
Recommendations and tips
Honestly, from my personal experience, I couldn't recommend this in good faith. I went to gain confidence, and my confidence has never been lower. The main tip I could give is ensure you're ready for a workday that stretches for 12 hours, despite only working 8. The siesta was a difficult part to get used to.
Honestly, from my personal experience, I couldn't recommend this in good faith. I went to gain confidence, and my confidence has never been lower. The main tip I could give is ensure you're ready for a workday that stretches for 12 hours, despite only working 8. The siesta was a difficult part to get used to.
Photo from Michael Gaylard