Studying abroad- Madrid, Spain
Studying abroad in Madrid, Spain this past summer of 2014 was an experience like no other. In the classroom we focused on all sorts of issues dealing with contemporary Spain, including topics such as the political system, public health and policies, immigration, healthcare, systems, drug abuse, the effects of Mediterranean diet on people’s health and so forth. I had an intensive class where only Spanish was allowed to be spoken! I was in a classroom of six or seven people where we continually worked on our grammar and our speaking. It was one of the best ways I could have learned. This experience helped me grow in several ways in areas like maturity, responsibility and respect for others, and definitely as a person. Not only did I learn those things I also learned about myself. I broke out of my comfort zone and engaged in conversations with random Spaniards and other ethnic people. I took the extra step to learn about the culture of Spain and the everyday lives of the civilians that lived there.
This experience is like no other that I have ever had. I have never been out of the country, let alone on a plane. The only way that I can really relate is having experiences with several different cultures throughout my life due to my ethnicity and as well as my experiences in college. Being in Spain allowed me to view their culture in ways that you cannot experience without being there. With this learning experience I have realized a passion for travelling. It has opened the door to a multitude of possibilities in my life. I loved where I was and what I did. I want to continue studying abroad, I want to continue furthering myself as a person. I want to become a true global citizen. Spanish and being open were definitely my number one tools that helped me survive in Spain. My strengthened knowledge of Spanish and culture will help me in my path to travelling to other countries and learning their cultures as well as my aspirations to become a doctor. |
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