Name: Sarah Alexander
Major: Communications
Year in school: Senior
Program: Alicante, Spain Summer 2014
Why did you choose to study abroad?
Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that offers so many different challenges that will give me experiences that I can use to my advantage in the future.
Why did you choose to go where you did?
I have always had a love of the Spanish culture and language. Also, I have family in Denmark, and going to Europe gave me an opportunity to see them again.
What’s the best part about studying abroad? Favorite experience?
Well, my favorite experience was finding this amazing Tapas restaurant in Madrid called “El Tigre.” It was the funniest, most challenging experience, with a lot of laughter and adventure. We had to walk through the Puerta del Sol and saw some interesting night life. Also, meeting up with friends and going to the beach every day after the siesta was always fun. THERE ARE SO MANY! Lastly, trying all of the amazing food and learning how to use public transportation.
What did you struggle with? How did you overcome it?
I really struggled with communicating with my host mom because I didn’t have the best Spanish skills, and my mom didn’t speak much English. We had a tough day or two but by working together, we connected, and she really helped me clean up my Spanish.
What advice would you have for those who want to study abroad?
MAKE AN EFFORT TO GET TO KNOW YOUR FAMILY! My host family encouraged me to take advantage of the opportunities available, and they were willing to work with me. I owe that to communicating my wants and needs so my host mom could be there for me. Also, walk around the city you live in when it is safe. I got lost alone my first night, and it never happened again because I took the time to get to know my city.
How did studying abroad personally help you?
It taught me to ask for help, and that it is okay to be alone! Also, I learned that there is so much out there in the world that we are missing, and how important it is to spread this information to others.
What are the differences between your home country and the country you studied in?
Meals are a big difference, especially breakfast. In the United States, my family loves big brunches, followed by little lunches and late dinners. In Spain breakfast is a starch, like bread with tomato or a croissant, with milk, coffee, or tea. Lunch is a huge, grand meal where the whole family meets, and then dinner was at 9pm or 10pm. Generally, dinner would be by myself because everyone got hungry at different times. It was hard to adjust during the first week, but in Spain with the heat, the siestas, and the nightlife the meals made more sense.