Study Abroad Essay

I studied abroad in Seville, Spain, during the Spring semester of my junior year in 2025. One of the reasons I chose to major in Language and International Health was the opportunity to study abroad. I had always dreamed of studying abroad, so I was incredibly eager and excited to embark on my journey. My initial goals were to improve my Spanish-speaking abilities, learn about Spanish culture, and travel to experience other countries and cultures. I expected studying abroad to be challenging but also full of unforgettable and exciting experiences.

​

When I first arrived in Spain, several cultural differences immediately stood out to me. One of the most noticeable cultural differences was the strong sense of social connection in daily life. People were always outside, sharing meals and catching up with friends. Meals that would normally take an hour back home often lasted close to three hours in Spain. I admired how people valued quality time with one another, and this encouraged me to slow down and appreciate the moments I shared with others. 

​

Another striking difference was the communication style in Sevilla. The dialect in Sevilla was different from any Spanish I had learned before. Locals often dropped the endings of words, which initially made it difficult to understand. Additionally, people in Spain tend to be very direct and sometimes blunt, which initially surprised me since I am naturally non-confrontational. However, I came to appreciate this honesty. It was refreshing to always know where I stood, whether in the workplace or the classroom. These experiences helped me recognize and appreciate cultural differences in communication. 

​

My Contemporary Spanish literature course was challenging and rewarding. The idea of reading classical novels entirely in Spanish initially felt intimidating, but my professor encouraged us to think critically and participate. By the end of the semester, I had read, analyzed, and presented on multiple novels, plays, and poems. The class was discussion-based, which was nerve-wracking at first, but my professor created a supportive environment where I felt comfortable sharing my opinion. My Spanish fluency improved greatly, and I gained a deep appreciation for Spanish literary figures, poetry, and culture. This course reminded me that facing challenges is essential for professional growth. The confidence I gained through the presentations, papers, and discussions in this course will benefit me in graduate school and beyond. 

​

Traveling to different countries and experiencing new cultures had one of the greatest impacts on me. I loved visiting historical and cultural landmarks that I had only read about in books or seen in pictures, such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the ruins in Pompeii. Each place offered something unique and taught me more about the diversity and richness of the world. Traveling also pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways, like navigating public transportation in another language, adjusting to different customs, and learning to appreciate cultural differences. These experiences taught me patience, flexibility, and open-mindedness. These experiences also made me more culturally aware and strengthened my ability to communicate and connect with people from different backgrounds.

​

One of the biggest challenges I faced abroad was the initial language barrier and building confidence during my internship at the Red Cross in Sevilla. I often worried about misspeaking or misunderstanding project instructions. It was also intimidating to connect with coworkers who already knew each other well. However, I overcame these challenges by showing up every day determined to do my best, asking questions when needed, and learning from my supervisor and coworkers. This experience taught me that I am more capable than I realized, and that I can successfully complete an internship entirely in Spanish. This experience also highlighted the importance of effective communication in forming meaningful connections.

​

My study abroad experience will have a lasting impact on my future. I will carry with me the skills I gained, such as adaptability, cultural competence, and resilience. It also sparked a lifelong curiosity about the world and a love for travel.

​

In conclusion, studying abroad was an incredible and perspective-shifting experience that I will never forget. It challenged me to grow academically, professionally, and personally. I will take everything I learned in Sevilla with me as I move forward, hopefully into graduate school for Speech-Language Pathology, and continue striving to connect across languages and cultures.