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 you should do it. Most…
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 experienced culture shock. People ran…
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 as they can. Don’t travel…
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 for a short period of…
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 to get ready for school…
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. I was also just nervous…
This past week we traveled to South of Spain. A much more colorful, diverse city in aspects of dance, art, expression, and people. As a whole Spain is a more direct culture in mannerisms, speech, and action but it still catches me off guard when I experience it. It makes connecting with people that much more interesting because there is less pressure for everyone to be in agreement whereas your…
The first weekend we arrived was during a huge regional fiesta to celebrate Extremadura. If you’ve lived in Spain, then you know that loyalty lies in your region and Spaniard identify most with the region than the country. The party began after dinner around 10 pm and there was a DJ hired to perform in the Plaza Mayor until around 3am. There were families and people of all age gathered…
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…
