Study Abroad Stories from Foreign Language Students

Emily Osborne

Minor in Spanish & Speech Language Pathology Major

My time in Sevilla, Spain really helped my Spanish.

"My time in Sevilla, Spain really helped my Spanish. Even though I could only go for two weeks, I got the opportunity to hear native speakers and understand the culture significantly better. As a speech-language pathology major studying abroad during the school year is basically impossible, but going for a short time in the summer fit my schedule perfectly. My time in Sevilla was great, because of the friends I made, the places I visited, and my rekindled love for learning Spanish."

Jeanne Russo

Spanish Minor & Pre-Physician Assistant Major

"Studying abroad is one of the best ways to learn a language. Going abroad in the summer helped me easily finish my Spanish Minor given the coursework Pre-PA's have during the semester. As a Physician Assistant working in this area of the US, I will be able to provide better care to a broader spectrum of patients with my increased understanding of the Spanish language that came with my time spent abroad in Valencia."

Kasey Lynn

English & Spanish Major

"Valencia fue increíble. Fue una maravillosa experiencia de aprendizaje. He aprendido mucho sobre la sociedad y la cultura de España y he aprendido mucho sobre mí misma. Los habitantes de España son muy buenos y el ambiente y las vistas son bonitas. No sólo tenía un tiempo increíble, yo también tenía una familia increíble! Mi profesor de la ISS era una maravilla tambien. Fue una oportunidad increíble y creo que me he beneficiado enormemente de ella. Mis habilidades de habla mejoraron drásticamente de estudiar allí y vivir con una familia de habla española. Antes de salir de Valencia, que ya estaba tratando de hacer planes para volver. España es simplemente increíble."

Mackenzie Goodwin

Spanish Minor & Pre-Physician Assistant Major

"Studying in Valencia for a month over the summer was an experience that has impacted me in too many ways to count; from the new people I met to the delicious food I ate and the adventures I shared. Valencia will always hold a special place in my heart. Living in a different country for a month not only helped me to become a well-rounded person, but it also took me out of my comfort zone, and this will definitely benefit me in my future career as a physician assistant."

Melanie

¡Lee sobre mi experiencia en Valencia! Read my blog about my semester in Valencia, Spain!

Our first stop was Albarracín.  This is a city that still maintains its medieval look, which dates back to the twelfth/thirteenth century.  I had the opportunity to climb on the wall.  There still remains the wall which served as protection of the city.  The streets are all really small and narrow which made it really cool to wander through.

Melanie Kobela

Spanish/French Education Major

"My travels to France have really made me more confident in speaking the language. It’s really neat to now see pictures of places in text books or class and say, “Hey! I’ve been there!” I believe my travels have really influenced the way that I now look at learning languages. Now I can’t wait to discover more of the world."

Whitney Vargas

International Business & Spanish Major

"I don't know how to sum up my entire experience in just a few words, but regardless, I'll try. My trip this summer to Valencia to study abroad for one summer semester was unbelievable. It was amazing how completely different the culture and way of living is to ours. You can be so incredibly blind and clueless to other's living around the world without being aware of it. Through this program I was not only able to learn the culture, language, and history, but I was able to become familiar with the people themselves. Everything about Valencia was welcoming and people-orientated. Everyone was friendly and sociable; they were excited to talk to Americans and learn English. Therefore, I constantly met and/or spent time with new individuals and Spanish natives. Also, I had the opportunity to visit other villages and cities within Spain through the institute and on my own time. It was great to have the chance to travel and explore other places while I studied abroad. It was an unforgettable experience and I plan on possibly returning next summer to continue learning about the country, culture, and people."