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European Placements, GO Student Ambassadors

Meet the GO Ambassador 2026/27 – Emily Gosden

6 September 2026
Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Name: Emily Gosden

School, degree programme and year of study: School of Modern Languages – BA Spanish

Host destination: Spain, Valencia

 

Your experience abroad

Tell us about your global opportunity—where did you go, and what did you do?
I studied abroad at the University of Valencia in Spain as part of my degree. I studied Spanish language, culture and linguistics, which allowed me to improve my Spanish through both academic study and everyday immersion. It was also a great opportunity to experience a different university system and study alongside people from a range of international backgrounds.

 

What surprised you the most about your host country/programme/time abroad?

What surprised me most was how different the university experience was compared with the UK, particularly the teaching style and approach to learning. I was also surprised by how quickly my Spanish improved simply through being surrounded by the language every day and having to use it both in and outside university.

What is the one thing you miss about your time abroad?
I miss the lifestyle in Valencia the most, especially the relaxed pace of life, the warm weather and the social culture. I particularly miss spending time outside with friends, whether that was going for tapas, sitting in a plaza or exploring the city.


A bit about you!

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your studies?
I’m really passionate about singing and music. While studying abroad, I joined the University of Valencia choir, which was a great way to continue something I love while meeting new people and becoming more involved in university life.

What’s your favourite place on campus/in Cardiff?
The Secret Garden Cafe Bute park


If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (a dream destination), where would it be—and why?
I would love to live in Madrid for a year. I love the energy of the city, the Spanish culture and lifestyle, and I’d really enjoy continuing to improve my Spanish while experiencing life in a different part of Spain.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
A fun fact about me is that I walked 130 km of the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela in just five days over Easter!

Reflections and Advice

Describe your global experience in three words
Cultural, Kaleidoscopic, transformative

What advice would you give to students considering a global opportunity?
Go for it and make the most of every opportunity while you’re there. Put yourself out of your comfort zone, get involved in things outside of university and don’t be afraid to meet new people. It goes by much quicker than you expect!