Hi, my name is Sarah Holcomb and I am a junior at the College of Charleston studying communication! During my spring 2019 semester at the college, I learned about the study abroad programs available for the following fall and it just so happened that one of my professors, Dr. Westerfelhaus, is involved in the study abroad programs for communication. I decided to talk to him about it and immediately became intrigued. I could have chosen to go to Florence, Italy or Trujillo, Spain. After doing some research and speaking to the program director, I learned that the program in Spain offers the classes that I need so I began to attend the meetings for there.

Right after I was accepted into the program, I began to study up on my Spanish skills, so I could be somewhat prepared to speak to locals when I got there. I had taken Spanish classes ever since my freshman year of high school and every year since so it wasn’t completely new to me. I also did some research about the culture and what seems to be the norm there. I tried to study maps and look at different means of transportation, so I could plan some weekend trips when I got there.

My goal for studying abroad is definitely just to branch out. I have never been out of the United States before and this was the perfect opportunity. I am so excited to learn more about the culture as well as traveling to other places as well. I am excited to establish relationships not only with my classmates but with people who live there as well because it is something I will cherish and always remember. Studying abroad is something that I have always dreamed of doing but never thought I would get the chance. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to see what is in store.