One of the highlights of my study abroad experience has undoubtedly been our recent group excursion to Toledo, organized by the Franklin institute. Nestled atop a hill overlooking the scenic Tagus River, Toledo is a city that is full of rich history and breathtaking architecture. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why Toledo is often called the “City of Three Cultures” as it … Continue reading My Trip to Toledo by Matthew Blackburn
This semester has been such a joy. Living in a homestay made me feel like I was home all of the time. I chose to stay with a host family because I wanted to become more fluent in the Spanish language. No way to learn it if you do not speak it often, as every Spanish teacher I have ever had said. When I first … Continue reading Living like a local: The joys and challenges of living with a host family by Kennedy Saumier
Culture shock is a common experience when moving abroad, but with the right preparation, its negative effects can be minimized. For me, creating a consistent schedule, finding similar spots that remind me of home, and making friends from both my home country and my new one have helped ease my transition. I have been living in Barcelona, Spain, for almost a month now, and overall, … Continue reading The Start to my Journey Abroad by Maylee Clifton
Overall, my study abroad experience was amazing. I was able to learn so much and make so many new friends. I lived in a very small town in Spain and stayed with a host family, with the goal of improving my Spanish. I think that if the main thing you want to get out of studying abroad is learning the language, this is the way … Continue reading Reflection by Caroline Benson
One thing I love most about living in Spain is all of the festivals. Just in my small town, Trujillo, we had a number of really fun festivals on the weekends, in which people came from all over to attend. In February it was Carnaval, which is celebrated with bull runs throughout the small streets and in the plaza. This was a time I definitely … Continue reading Culture, Customs, & Tradition by Caroline Benson
Today marks the end of the program and I cannot help but feel beyond blessed for the entire experience. Trujillo is such an amazing place and will forever have a special place in my heart. I have created relationships with my host family, fellow classmates, locals, professors, and other travelers across the world. I encourage future students to immerse themselves in the culture as much … Continue reading Farewell Trujillo by Lindsay Stravolo
As my study abroad experience comes to an end, I feel like I have a lot of advice for future students, especially ones who will be living in Trujillo, Spain! My biggest advice is to really put yourself out there. It may feel uncomfortable enough, just coming on this trip, but make sure you do everything you can and meet everyone. You are only abroad … Continue reading Advice for Future Students by Sydney Anderson
A typical day in the life while living in Spain is something that I never want to forget. I wake up around 9am, and I head downstairs for breakfast. Breakfast is fairly small consisting of coffee, fruit, bread, and maybe a yogurt. My host mom is usually in the kitchen waiting for me, so we will enjoy our coffee together. I then go back upstairs … Continue reading A Day in the Life in Spain by: Sydney Anderson
While studying abroad in Trujillo, Spain, I have been living with a truly amazing host family. Before I traveled to Spain, I was very nervous about living with a host family. I was worried about the language barrier, because I have never taken any Spanish classes. We were warned that the citizens of Trujillo spoke little to no English, and that includes our host families. … Continue reading Living with A Host Family by Sydney Anderson
Before coming abroad, I never realized how much I valued having a routine and doing activities that keep me busy. While I am now fully adjusted, the slow and relaxed Spanish lifestyle was a huge change. During the adjustment period it is so important to find thing you love or even pick up new hobbies that you can enjoy in your host country and even … Continue reading Getting Involved by Lauren Anderson
