Experiences Abroad

spain (senior year)

Over winter break, I visited my sister during her year abroad in Spain. My family traveled from San Sebastian to Seville, and we stopped at several cities along the way. It was a great experience because I practiced my Spanish and learned more about Spanish culture. One of the best parts was New Years, when we spent time with our family friends from Seville. We watched fireworks, had a dance party, and hung out in the living room. When it was almost midnight we participated in the tradition of eating one grape during each second leading up to 12. It was a wonderful experience to wake up and walk to the panadería to pick up bread for everyone and then end each night with tapas. I was challenged to use my Spanish in a real-world context and I was able to enjoy the change in lifestyle.

SPAIN (freshman year)

The summer after freshman year, I traveled to Spain for the entire month of August. I stayed with family friends for a week and a half in Madrid, where we played soccer and explored the city. Then I went to camp with my family friends and my sisters, who were the only other Americans at the camp. I picked up a lot of sayings and improved my accent during the two weeks that were filled with surfing, skateboarding, and archery. We played tag and basketball and rock climbed, and by the end of the camp I felt as though I was a part of the community. My time in Asturias, Gredos, and Madrid that summer has remained a highlight of my life as I look forward to studying abroad and delving into more global communities.

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