SUMMER 2023 ALUMNI
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KAILA PREUDHOMME
How would you describe your EP to someone who has never heard of it before?
My EP is all about a life-changing adventure through different cultures in a foreign country. What makes it special are the meaningful connections I formed with peers from around the world through AFS. While I was busy soaking in the culture of the country I visited, I realized that AFS's main goal is to help us build strong bonds with peers from diverse backgrounds. You really start to see this mission in action once you're on the program. No matter where you find yourself in the world, you'll get to meet people from various countries and learn so much about their cultures. During my stay in Málaga, Spain, I didn’t have a host family, instead; I lived on a college campus and had an awesome roommate from Italy.
What is a typical day like during your EP?
On week days, my day kicked off with monitors playing loud music, an annoying but effective wake-up call. We'd all head down to the cantine for breakfast, with about 30 minutes to spare before classes started at 9 am (09:00). In the classes we would learn Spanish, it was personalized based on our proficiency level in Spanish. There were 4 levels of Spanish, I was at level 2 so I learned the basic conjugation etc. The classes would wrap up by 2 pm (14:00), followed by lunch at 2:10 pm (14:10).
Afternoons allowed a quick shower or personal time before activities began around 4 pm (16:00). These could range from sports to creative sessions, with a focus on getting to know one another better and exploring Spanish culture. The campus pool and the nearby accessible beach added more options for us.
Post-activity, there was time for another shower or downtime, followed by dinner at 8:30 pm (20:30). Evenings had more activities or free time until 11 pm (23:00). If we hadn’t visited the beach earlier, we went there for beach fun. If we didn’t go to the beach we had dance parties or just games and relaxation. Lights went out at 12:30 am (24:30).
Weekends were my favorite!! It was a different vibe. We wore blue camp t-shirts ( yuck but I still kept an outfit underneath). We went on trips to destinations like Granada, Sevilla, Antequera, Nerja, Cordoba, etc. The day began with a later breakfast (depending on our travel plans) followed by bus rides that either involved music or rest. Then we were off to our city explorations.
Visiting these places meant guided tours and about 6 hours of free time. Whether it was dining out, shopping, or even kayaking (for those with some money to spare , the options were endless). We'd eventually all regroup at our central meeting point (which would be shared in WhatsApp group chat) and return to campus, sometimes late at night, around midnight (24:00), depending on our schedule. The night would conclude with a chill unwind or a movie session, wrapping up another eventful day.
What was the biggest challenge of your EP?
One of the major adjustments during my EP was adjusting to a new country. Coming from a place like New York City, where you're used to convenience and fast-paced living, transitioning to a location where driving is necessary, or long walks up and down mountains under the blazing sun are common, it can be quite a change. Sometimes not having corner store delis and familiar comforts can also make you miss home.
Another challenge was really understanding the diverse backgrounds of the people who joined the EP. Everyone came from various parts of the US and the world, they naturally had different perspectives and values. I had to learn to accept their differing viewpoints, also not take offense to some comments people would make. Being open-minded took some effort.
What was the biggest reward of your EP?
My biggest reward of my EP was getting to go to another country! It was my first time going out the country and I got to do it on a full scholarship. I also am glad to have made the interactions with some of the students there because we still text now and I know I have a solid friend in Italy and Hawaii :)
What do you wish you had known before you went on your EP?
I believe it would have been helpful if my program had emphasized the importance of bringing sufficient funds to the country I was visiting. Especially when the US dollar holds less value, having a substantial amount of money at hand is truly valuable. Without a host family, having a good amount of money can significantly enhance the experience you're aiming for.
In my program, expenses for various things like eating out, shopping for new clothes, or even laundering your clothes were on us. While they provided lunch, if you really wanted to maximize your immersion, it's good to have extra funds. I would recommend around $600 for those who spend moderately, but if you tend to be a big spender, having more would be better. Carrying a card is smart, in case of losing cash, but make sure you have at least $600 in your account. This extra financial preparation ensures you can make the most out of your experience.
What advice do you have for future SEO scholars who are considering your EP?
I would advise them to approach interactions with people from other countries with an open mind. Keep in mind that their values might differ from yours, and if something they say comes across as offensive, try not to take it personally. Most of the time, they may not realize they're being offensive, and open communication can go a long way.
For people who want to make the most of the program, I'd recommend being financially prepared. While the campus canteen might not offer food it was not authentic Spanish cuisine, and there's a whole world of real Spanish food waiting to be explored in local restaurants. Moreover, if you want to buy clothes or souvenirs from Spain, having money on hand is a must, because those expenses won't be covered. The program allows a lot of time and opportunities for shopping, so it's worth seizing the chance, especially for souvenirs and clothing. After all, you'll likely want to leave the country with more than just memories of meals; a few postcards or mementos can add lasting value to your experience.
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