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STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM - STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Kathryn Alves How did you select your Study/Intern Abroad location? I am a Spanish and English double major. As a student of language, I knew I wanted to study somewhere where I could improve my language skills. Madrid , Spain was the perfect location for doing just that! I had previously done a service project in Mexico and I knew I wanted to experience another Spanish speaking culture. On top of that, I just knew I wanted to explore Europe!! Why did you want to study or intern abroad? I knew I wanted to submerge myself in the culture and language of which I had been studying. I knew that a semester abroad would make me more independent and worldly. Had I not studied abroad, I'm not sure I would have ever wanted to move on from the college life. Study abroad helped me to see the world in better lighting. Now, I feel more prepared to make a place for myself within the world. What was the highlight of the experience? My “highlights” may not seem traditional. For me, the highlights followed absolute failure. It was the personal growth that came from the biggest challenges that I look back now with the most fondness. There were “mini achievements” that grew into bigger ones. For example, the first time I purchased postal stamps (to send postcards home). I was able to speak completely in Spanish, get my point across to the vendor, and share a smile with someone I wouldn't have been able to speak to had I not studied Spanish. That was by far one of the best feelings of all: knowing that not only am I communicating but I am succeeding!! What surprised you the most? What surprised me the most was that while there are definite cultural differences, life is still very similar abroad. There exists like values, ideals, emotions, etc. While the world may seem like a huge place, what pulls us apart the most is the misconception that we are so different because of language, history, and culture. Yes, we have our differences, but I have found that to be an enriching thing! This was a good surprise. It allowed me to gain a sense of “home” wherever I traveled. How has (or how might) this experience affect your major and future career? Given that I will graduate with a BA in Spanish and English, my experience abroad helped me to solidify that I want a job involving the two languages, perhaps in translating. Since I was immersed in the culture for four months, I can already see that it has made a difference in my confidence level with respect to my Spanish knowledge. I know that I will forever keep this experience with me throughout the rest of my life. I will definitely apply what I have learned in every aspect possible. What would you tell students considering studying or interning abroad? Don't let study abroad be just a dream. “Oh it would be so awesome if I could study abroad!” Could? No, CAN!!! The truth is, it IS awesome and you're never going to be given a better chance to study abroad than right now during your time at King's! Time goes by so quickly, take advantage of everything possible while you're here!! :-) |
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