My name is Anna Belle Cogbill, and I am going to France! Specifically, I’m going to be studying abroad with the College of Charleston’s La Rochelle program. It’s a terrific way to spend the first half of my junior year, and I’m certain it will be infinitely beneficial in both of my majors, French & Francophone Studies and Communications. It’s the perfect scenario for growth in my fields of study;…
In Spain, I’ve struggled to articulate a cultural difference that distinguishes the nature of animated conversations here from those in the United States—it’s not only about the volume; it’s about the inclusivity of these interactions. Unlike the U.S., where relationships are often restricted or limited by extremely exhausting standards, Spain holds a more communal attitude, more like, “If you’re a Spaniard or here, you’re like family.” This cultural spirit extends…
My academic experience here in Spain differs in regards to my usual experience on campus in Charleston. To start, my classes take place in a charming and mystical converted convent in the heart of the medieval city of Trujillo, Spain. With a wrought-iron gate to enter, expansive arch walkways, and windows with breathtaking views, you can already see how it differs from the halls of the Maybank building. You can…
What advice do I have for future study abroad students? Be in the moment and try your absolute best to stay there. One thing I learned quickly from my study abroad experience is the fact that nothing lasts forever. I currently have less than a month left here in Spain, and I can’t grasp the fact that it wasn’t yesterday that my plane touched down in Madrid. The weather has…
The art of slowing down, it’s something the Spanish have mastered. I was shocked to find out that the concept of “siesta” was truth here in Spain. I thought to myself, “How could you just stop your day after lunch and rest? Don’t you have work?” Well, to my surprise, yes, yes, you can just stop your day. I soon found out that every day like clockwork, after a large lunch…
I have been back in the States for three days now, and it feels so strange. I already miss everything about Trujillo; my friends, my host family, the food, the town itself, and just the feeling that goes along with living in Spain. It has definitely been one of the best experiences of my life so far. I got to meet new people and learn about their culture, try amazing…
One of my absolute favorite things about my study abroad experience so far has been the food! I had heard about how great the food in Spain was, and was always so excited to try it. I am a pescetarian, meaning I don’t eat any types of meat except for fish, so I was nervous about how that would affect what my host family makes for me. However after the…
When I first arrived in Trujillo, the town was ending their two week long festivities celebrating their Saint Patroness, Maria Victoria. Our first night in Trujillo, most of the students and I went to the Capeas at the Plaza de Toros, or the bull ring in town, accompanied by our host brothers and sisters. The event consisted of local teens and adults in the bull ring with one to three…
My name is Lily Stayduhar, and I am a junior at the College of Charleston majoring in Communications with a minor in Spanish. This fall semester I have the opportunity to travel to Spain for CofC’s Trujillo study abroad program. This year, students with concentrations in communications, english, and women and gender studies could join this program and stay with host families in Trujillo. I decided to participate in this…
I have been in Munich for one month and it has been a great experience. I am on the CIE Summer Internship apart program in Germany which consists of one month of language school and a two-month internship upon completion of the school I am currently working for the state of Virginia’s European international trade office. After completion of intensive language course, moved from Berlin to Munich. Even though I…
