Home

 

Getting Experience

- # of # Filtered -

Communicating Creatively In Spain

Q&A with Emily: Studied & Learned a Language in Spain
Share this
Print this
Emily
Studied & Learned a Language in Spain
SUNY: Oneonta
Her thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
It's important to prepare yourself for the shock of being in a culture that's completely different from your own.
Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
Although Spanish culture is different from American culture, it doesn't mean that either one is wrong or right. They are each unique.
Her thoughts on Motivation
I wasn't making as much progress in Spanish class as I thought I should have been, so the best option for me was to become fully immersed in the culture – where I'd have no choice but to communicate in Spanish!

When/Where did you study abroad?

I studied abroad for six weeks from the end of June to the beginning of August. I traveled to Valencia, Spain with an AIP Language Institute program. During my program, I went on tons of adventures: we climbed an enormous rock, went to beautiful beaches, traveled to Ibiza and Morocco, and went clear water canyoning!

What made you want to study abroad?

I've been taking Spanish classes since high school and now I'm majoring in Spanish in college. It seemed to me that I wasn't making as much progress as I thought I should, and I figured that it was because I was always sitting in the same typical class setting, with teachers that spoke a mix of Spanish and English and students that were typically all native English speakers like myself. I felt that the best option for me was to become fully immersed in the culture, where I'd have no choice but to communicate in Spanish. Not only would it improve my Spanish language skills in general, but I figured it would teach me about an entirely new culture as well. I had only traveled outside of the US once before, but never to Europe; and I was ready for a life changing experience.

How did you search for programs? What made you select your program?

First, I searched online at the study abroad programs offered at my university. None of them were of interest to me, so I took note of the signs posted around my campus about an upcoming study abroad fair. I attended the fair and gathered as much information as I could. I took papers and signed forms to receive emails about any program that was traveling to a Spanish-speaking country. As an education major, I knew I couldn't afford to take a full semester or a year abroad, due to all of the other required classes I needed to take. I narrowed my search down to summer programs. The paper I picked up from the fair about Valencia stood out because of the beautiful pictures and descriptions. As I researched more about the institute in Valencia, I knew that was where I wanted to study.

What made your study abroad experience a success?

I think my experience was such a great success because I was open-minded through the whole trip. It is important for students to be willing to try new things and prepare themselves for the shock of being in a completely different culture from their own. I kept in mind that although Spanish culture is different from American culture, it doesn't mean that either one is wrong or right. They are each unique. And I made sure to enjoy Spanish culture while immersed in it. Make the best of your trip!

What did you miss most about home?

My family! With a six-hour time difference, I wasn't always willing to call home because I didn't want to wake my parents up! When I did get the chance to write to them through emails or talk on the phone, I was excited to update them on what was going on. Although I missed them dearly, it was that much more exciting when I came home. I couldn't wait to share my photos and memories with my parents and siblings!

Advice from MyWorldAbroad
Jean-Marc Hachey, Publisher

Emily's story highlights her proactive attitude and determination to build international skills and language ability within the framework of her rigid academic program. As an education major, we'd definitely suggest that Emily consider taking some time after graduation to teach English abroad -- either independently, or with a program or NGO. Cross-cultural classroom experience will build her skills as a teacher and a communicator, and will add an important international element to her resume. She might consider teaching English in South America in order to build her Spanish fluency at the same time. There are also other options for certified teachers to go abroad long-term, teaching at English-speaking international schools and universities in major urban centers around the globe.

Emily's Next Steps
Advice from MyWorldAbroad
by the founder of MyWorldAbroad
Jean-Marc Hachey
Want to Have the Same Experience?
Want to Have the Same Experience?
9761
- # of # Filtered -
  • 102
102
10923
Insight And Education In Korea
1
16392
Building International Career Skills Online
2
16320
Independent, International, Virtual! A UN Internship Online
3
16382
Making the Most of Lockdown with a Virtual Internship
4
16312
Virtual Internship for a Cross-cultural Future
5
16157
Zoom Zoom! A Virtual Internship with Central America
6
9775
A Year Of Feeling French
7
10153
China, South Africa And Beyond!
8
9776
Soaking Up Japanese Culture
9
9764
Do It Yourself! A Proactive Intern in Rome
10
15631
An International Career in the Making: Asia, Africa and Beyond
11
15405
From Daydream to Reality: Teaching Abroad
12
15401
From Korea to Oman: Teaching English Around the World!
13
9761
Communicating Creatively In Spain
14
9773
Independent In India
15
9791
Making Contacts Count In The UK
16
9740
Sports, Study And Fun In France
17
9743
Hooked On Volunteering!
18
16316
Exploring the Sights, Sounds & Tastes of Mexico City
19
16387
An Epic Internship in Malaysia
20
9756
Springtime In Spain
21
9763
A Professional Visit To Vietnam
22
9780
A Year In Marvelous Mexico!
23
9751
A Canadian Globe-Trotter Visits The US
24
9768
Going Solo In Spain!
25
10188
Now Or Never In Colombia
26
9792
Rolling With The Punches In Seoul
27
9745
An Unforgettable Adventure In Nanjing
28
9774
Gaga For Ghana!
29
9783
Off The Beaten Path In Africa
30
9755
People, Places And Passionate Volunteering In Peru
31
9778
Study And Adventure In New Zealand
32
9777
Into The Wild In Alaska
33
9754
Building Memories In India
34
9750
Host Hospitality In Morocco
35
9747
Fun And Friends In The Netherlands
36
9748
Adventure In The Alps
37
9786
Kids And Culture In Korea
38
9772
Learning To Go With The Flow In France
39
9762
American Freshman In London
40
9771
Learning To Love London
41
9742
Take-Charge Travel: Germany And Beyond!
42
9746
A Cross-Cultural Co-Op In West Africa
43
9760
Getting In Sync In Nairobi
44
9759
From Cold Feet To Confidence In Germany
45
9779
One Summer, Two Internships!
46
9785
Motivated In Madagascar
47
9741
Adapting to Work In Peru
48
9784
Skill-building in Bonn
49
9753
A Season in Sweden
50
9765
Simpatico in Florence
51
9782
Making The Most Of Milano
52
9737
Passionate About Panama
53
9766
Short-Term Trips For Long-Term Gain
54
9781
A Hospital Helper In Costa Rica
55
9789
Loving Life In Lyon
56
9790
Design And Dining In Korea
57
9770
Contributing To Change In Ghana
58
9757
Teaching And Learning In Tanzania
59
9738
Living For The Moment In Valencia
60
9767
Beyond The Call Of Duty In Africa
61
16174
An Empowering Virtual Internship in Nicaragua
62
9744
Food, Fun And Festivals In Germany
63
16161
A Bright & Friendly Cross-cultural Workspace
64
16017
A Globally-minded Visit to Qatar
65
10204
Across Europe In A Caravan!
66
9758
Learning The Local Ways Of Addis Ababa
67
11645
A Love Affair with Shanghai
68
11996
Daring to Go Solo in Ireland
69
12058
Architectural Adventures in Australia
70
11845
Hospitality and Hosting in the DCR
71
15333
A Literary Education in the UK
72
14088
An Eye-opening Experience Teaching in South Korea
73
14483
Finding Home, By Teaching Abroad
74
14594
Growing Abroad: Hong Kong & South Korea
75
15347
12 Months, 12 Countries!
76
15383
Hustle and Bustle in Vietnam
77
15327
An Open Mind & Open Arms in Spain
78
15387
Bliss on a Budget in Brazil
79
15644
Discovering the World on Campus: International Skills at Home
80
11467
Stepping Outside the Box in Sweden!
81
9752
Giving In Guatemala
82
9769
Getting Sporty In Switzerland!
83
9788
Business And Pleasure In Australia
84
9787
A Spring Semester in London
85
9807
Fast Friendship in Korea
86
11557
Un stage au Cambodge (Français)
87
10230
Getting Caffeinated In Bolivia
88
11468
Learning While Teaching in Beijing
89
10145
Real Stories And Real People In Mexico
90
9803
Ten Years Teaching In Seoul
91
10851
Tips From Tasmania
92
9799
Getting Settled In Seoul
93
10258
Encountering Cultures Across Europe
94
10218
Adaptation And Appreciation In Japan
95
9812
Caring And Career Skills In Belize
96
10157
Changing Course In China
97
11850
The Warmest Welcome in Guatemala
98
11904
Enthusiasm, Education and Experience in Greece
99
10163
English Teaching In Eastern Europe
100
10192
Out And About In Paris
101
10143
A Warm Welcome In Mexico
102
9761
All Job Boards
452
All NGOs
1427
Au Pair Resources
39
Awards & Grants Resources
64
Business Directories
21
Canadian Federal, Provincial & Territorial Government Profiles
60
Canadian Government Resources
31
Children And Families Abroad
5
Consulting, Economics & Finance Job Boards
61
Cross-cultural Skills
123
Engineering Job Boards
62
Engineering Resources
81
Expatriate Networking Sites
29
Foreign Students Working in the US
9
Freelancing Abroad
33
General Job Search Books
16
Global Education & Social Action
65
Health & Medicine Job Boards
51
Health Career Resources
72
International Associations with Clubs on Campus
43
International Development Career Resources
87
International Internship Organizations
312
International Internships & Student Programs with Canadian Governments
35
International Internships with the US Government
38
International Job-hunting Resources
16
International Law Careers Resources
115
International Law Job Boards
28
International Studies in the US & Canada
13
International Trade Resources
25
International Volunteer Organizations
488
Internship Directories & Advice
53
Internships with the UN & Other IGOs
160
Language Careers
32
Learn a Language
115
Licensed Teacher Abroad Job Boards
35
Licensed Teacher Abroad Resources
39
Loans for Studying Abroad
18
Low-cost Travel
72
NGO Directories
33
NGO Job Boards
49
Regional Job Boards
107
Relocating Abroad
7
Resources for International Students Studying in Canada
31
Resources for International Students Studying in the US
48
Stories From Abroad
102
Study Abroad Resources
203
Teach English Abroad Job Boards
100
Teach English Abroad Resources
76
Tools for Travelers
91
Top International Blogs & Podcasts
85
Travel Guides
101
Travel Health & Safety
55
UN & Other IGOs
271
UN & Other IGOs Job Boards
27
UN & Other IGOs Resources
74
US Government Profiles
76
US Government Resources
47
Virtual International Internship Organizations
93
Volunteer Job Boards & Advice
65
Working Holiday Resources
78