My year abroad was a great opportunity to improve my skills in professional and everyday settings.

A female student stands in front of a body of water and smiles at the camera whilst holding a drink in a bottle. There is a bridge in the background.
Holly Satterly
Year abroad in Cologne, Germany
BA Politics and Modern Languages & Cultures
2025
Holly spent a year working in Cologne as part of her Sheffield degree, where she grew in confidence and developed skills that she has since put to use as part of an internship scheme.

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I worked for a sports sponsorship company in Cologne, Germany for my year abroad. I chose to do my year abroad as I studied languages as part of my studies and it was a great opportunity to put it to use and improve my skills in professional and everyday settings.

What were your top three highlights whilst studying abroad?

Some of my highlights were: 

  • Joining a local swim team and gaining a lovely group of German friends.
  • Celebrating Karneval and exploring the german Christmas markets.
  • Attending sports events in Cologne, such as supporting the local ice hockey team and watching the European Handball Championship.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about spending a period abroad?

For someone considering doing a year abroad I would say 'JUST DO IT!' It's a great way to build your confidence and throw yourself into activities you wouldn't usually do. You'll gain so many memories and friends.

Tell us a little about the recent Sheffield-Bochum partnership commemoration exhibition that you curated. How did the opportunity arise and what did you learn from the experience?

For my role in the Sheffield Bochum partnership,  I found this through the University's 70 hour internship scheme, which was advertised through the German department. For this job I worked alongside the international relations team to collect archives and curate an exhibition, and I also helped to organise the exhibition opening event. I learnt how to apply my research and language skills from my degree to a professional setting, and improve professional communication in German and English with partners and stakeholders.

Two people stand next to one another and smile at the camera, and in front of them in a cabinet are artefacts from a museum exhibition.
Robert Swarbrick and Holly Satterly pictured at the Sheffield-Bochum twinning anniversary event.

What are your plans following graduation?

After my studies I will be working for a national graduate scheme in local council, whilst studying for my level 7 management qualification.

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