I have absolutely loved my experience in Trujillo. I’ve gained valuable knowledge about other cultures, people, and countries. I also gained so many new friends on this trip, for which I’m extremely grateful. I was pushed outside my comfort zone in many positive ways. Being in a different country where I was not entirely familiar with the language gave me a new perspective on what it’s like for people to travel or move to America and not be familiar with the language or our lifestyle. My time in Spain also taught me the value of community and friendship. Spanish culture places a huge emphasis on social networks, and I hope to integrate that into my lifestyle back in America. On this trip, I am most proud of my ability to communicate with people in the community and become friends with them. Prior to this trip, I had only taken Spanish 202 (the minimum requirement to come abroad) and that was over a semester ago. I was nervous I would fall behind my peers and really struggle to communicate. While I had moments where I did struggle, I was able to express myself and make valuable connections with young adults my age in the community. Everyone in Trujillo is so open and welcoming to students from America. For people going on this trip in the future, I would advise you to be open minded and have no expectations. Traveling, in general, requires you to be flexible and open to new experiences. Don’t be shy. It can be intimidating to express yourself in a new place or in a new language but take every opportunity to enhance your speaking skills and make connections with the community members. Find comfort in your peers! It can feel scary being abroad, especially if you don’t know anyone on the trip. Everyone is in the same boat as you and sharing your honest reactions to being here (your highs and your lows) brings everyone together and creates a sense of comfort. Overall, this trip was insanely valuable to me, and I am not the same person I was just five weeks ago when the program began.