Nadia Martinez Robledillo

Where are you from?

Spain     

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Because it is an English native speaking destination my home university had an agreement with. 

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

It is a really nice area, plenty of things to do. I like visiting museums, exhibitions and monuments as well as travelling to some other cities in the North East. At weekends, when the weather is good, I love going to the street market on Tynemouth and having a walk on the beach. In Newcastle, I really enjoy Wednesday's pie night at Red House: traditional food and cider. 

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

It was a good surprise for me to discover that Newcastle is not as wet as other parts in UK, although it is very windy.  In spite of being a big city, everything is walk distance. 

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming?  Was it easy to fit in?

Yes, I think all the staff is very welcoming and ready to help at any time. However, I have missed some more events or activities to meet other Erasmus students or to approach national students. 

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I have really enjoyed the experience of studying in an education system very different from mine. 

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

My Erasmus coordinator in Northumbria, Ms. Florence Potot. She has always helped me with personal, professional and academic issues. 

What is your favourite place on campus?

The library. Because all you need to study or to work on your essays is there, so it invites you to spend your time there. 

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects?  Tells us about the highlights?

I was volunteering as Spanish teacher at a primary school and at a high-school. I have really enjoyed the experience, especially with kids, because I was amazed of how quick they were learning. It was nice to see that teacher were also involved and participated in my lessons, so pupils were more motivated. 

What is the best thing about your course?

I have enroled some subjects which I could not have done in my home university. Although they are not directly related to my field, I found them very useful because I can apply them to it. 

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

I am quite happy because I have learnt to work in a more autonomous way, to be more analitic and about academic writing patterns. 

What do you want to do in the future?  What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I would like to work with languages, either as a teacher or a translator. The fact of spending some months in an English country/university and to pass my exams there, I think will make my CV more valuable. 

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

It is a good opportunity to experience the English education system and the British culture as well as to improve your CV. 

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I feel more confident and mature. 

If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?

Enriching personally and professionally.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Yes.