Meet Rosemary! Rose was a DSC Regen participant from September to December 2022. In Seville, she was doing her placement in a gardening organisation that takes on work in many different locations around the city to set up and care for plants on their rooftops, patios and balconies, etc.
How are you finding your work placement? Have you learned any new skills?
It has been a very rewarding experience to take on practical work, which is a nice break after finishing my degree. The main skill that I got the opportunity to work on is my Spanish, as I’ve been speaking to both my colleagues and clients. I already had an intermediate ability with Spanish, but was very lacking in confidence to speak and practice when I first came. Over time, the people I spoke to were so friendly and encouraging, being happy to help me practice in conversations, that I managed to improve a lot. When
Do you feel supported whilst living here?
The housing support made life much easier, not having to worry about arranging somewhere to live, or about paying bills. On top of that, the regular contact with our Spanish teacher provided me with an opportunity to ask a local’s advice on various things including transport, and the best places to travel in Andalusia. I didn’t know what to expect from the placement, and had no idea how many other interns from the UK and Ireland would also be on the course. It was a great opportunity to make friends and to have a social network of people in the same position as me.
What do you do in your spare time here in Seville?
The most rewarding aspect of the internship is being able to travel to the different cities and towns near by. When it’s too hot in Seville, taking a short trip to the beach where you can swim or surf is amazing. Granada was my favourite city, and taking a short journey up into the mountains of Sierra Nevada from there is well worth the effort for the hike and view. There’s a good rock climbing centre in Seville too.
In 3 words summarize your experience.
Fun, invigorating and liberating.
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Photographer: Mark Leahy
Content Writer: Veronica Zdybel