Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I have known that I wanted to study abroad in Spain since 7th grade. One day you’re dreaming about it and the next it’s your reality for the next 4 months. If I were to describe studying abroad in two words, it would have to be: unexpected and exciting. Everything is fresh, it’s new. You come to a foreign country and have to learn to adjust to something so completely different from your own. You meet new people, you explore new countries, you experience new cultures. This experience is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I came here scared of what the next day would bring and today I find myself excited for the unexpected. While it may not always be easy adjusting to a new environment, it has helped me grow so much as a person. I have grown to problem solve better, to step outside of my comfort zone, to live in the moment. Being here has offered me the chance to spend my weekdays learning about Spanish culture and customs, while also granting me the possibility of traveling to different countries on the weekends. If you are worried about studying abroad and debating if you should do it, I will forever advocate to anyone and everyone to take this chance. When else will you have an opportunity like this? It will truly change your life. While being here, I have been lucky enough to travel through various parts of Spain, including Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla, while also traveling to countries such as Portugal, France, England, Germany and Poland. The moments you have here are truly priceless.

I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for Ingrid H. and George L. Speros Scholar Scholarship. Upon receiving this scholarship, my study abroad dream has come true. Everything I have ever wanted to experience is in the palm of my hands and I have Ingrid H. and George L. Speros to thank for granting me this opportunity.

Anna visits Marseille, France