Spain
Let's Get Ready for Some Fu'tbol
Amy Harrison - Segovia, Spain
Que viva España. If I had looked at this phrase before I had left for Spain, I would have been lost on the meaning and the cultural aspect behind it. However, by the end of the six weeks that I had lived in Spain, the phrase had become so common it was just like breathing. In July 2010, I was living in a community united by a round sphere of black and white, surrounded by cheers, confetti, and the endless sound of fireworks and vuvuzelas. But let's rewind a few weeks before. I arrived in Segovia on the 19th of June, my first time in Spain and my first time traveling alone. After arriving in Segovia, I met my host family and was introduced to my new home for the next six weeks.
"No me ha dejado" - Great Times in Sevilla, Spain
Nicholas Clancy - Seville, Spain
My study abroad experience in Sevilla, Spain had such a great impact on me. Taking in another culture really helped me learn so much more about my own culture and the background I come from. One aspect of the culture that has changed me in a good way is learning about family life by living with a host family in Sevilla. I went in with an open mind, knowing that the food for example was going to be different than what I am accustomed to. I grew up never being able to eat vegetables, but since I knew that I could not refuse anything my host mother put on the table for me, I tried all sorts of new dishes and ended up loving them all, and now I can eat most vegetables. That is just one example of how studying abroad has changed me for the better, but there are so many other things about the experience that I would not take back for anything.
Seizing Each Opportunity
Joey Rasich - Seville, Spain
As an international business and Spanish major, I always knew I wanted to study abroad. Before I traveled to Seville, I always considered Spanish as my secondary major, just a means to pad my resume. With hopes of going into corporate America directly after college, I never considered my passion for Spanish. When I got to Spain, all of that changed. The immersion in the culture caused me to reconsider everything I believed about my future goals.
Food and Family
Ashley Espraza - Segovia, Spain
As I was about to leave for my study abroad trip to Segovia, Spain i felt that i was very prepared for what was to come; I had done my research on Segovia, packed accordingly, triple-checked my flight plans, and readied myself for two months of speaking Spanish. The only uncertainty I had was living in a Spanish household for my stay- would it be awkward? Would I get along with my host family? I soon found out that the host family 'home was perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my study abroad experience.
Being a Vegetarian in Segovia, Spain
Michelle Van Haften - Segovia, Spain
For almost my whole life I have been a vegetarian; going abroad was not going to change that. Before I left for Spain, I had talked to many people who had experienced traditional Spanish cuisine, like traditional fish dishes and a variety of tapas, or Spanish appetizers. All of them made so many comments on how delicious the food was and how in being a vegetarian I would be missing out on such a great part of Spain's culture. As the time came to write my first letter to my host family, I wrote in my letter about how I was a vegetarian and hoped that AHA had placed me in a home that would help me in that request. This took a little of my worry off, but I was still sad that I may not be able to enjoy all of the culture that Spain had to offer. Before I left, I decided that I would try really hard not to let being a vegetarian get in the way of my cultural experience. I decided that if there were really something that was particularly special or unique that I would attempt to try it.
No Pasa Nada!
Nicole Burdiss - Segovia, Spain
Being flung into Segovia's ancient labyrinth of history shortly after landing in Madrid was overwhelming to say the least. I'd never lived in a city before, and Segovia was different than any city I'd ever been to. Through the bus window, Segovia welcomed me with its famous castle and aqueduct, gorgeous plazas, and diverse neighborhoods I'd spend much of my time wandering over the next six weeks.
Welcome to Spain!
Michelle Aldridge - Segovia, Spain
As I stepped off the plane, I could feel anxiety rising up within me. What would the city be like? Would my host parents like me? Did I know enough Spanish to get by? All of these thoughts rushed through my head. As my name was called from the list, I looked around searching for who my host parents would be. Then I saw a lady with bright red hair, complete with a bleach blonde streak in the front, come running towards me. She introduced herself as Hortensia, kissed me on both cheeks, a custom in Spain that I was not prepared for, and whisked me and my roommate away while simultaneously speaking Spanish at a mile per minute. From that moment on, I knew that my study abroad experience in Segovia was going to be one unforgettable adventure.