Hello everyone, my name is Jessica Bichsel, and I am studying abroad this summer in Spain to complete my foreign language requirements. I am a full time, second year, pre-bachelor student majoring in Psychology, as well as a mother and nurse.  When Prof. Albrecht introduced our Spanish 1 class to the opportunity to study abroad I was awestruck. I have never traveled to a foreign country. I decided at once that somehow, some way, I would participate in this program.

Everyone I have encountered in the Study Abroad program has been helpful and informative. I was daunted by the cost of the program and my personal finances, so I applied for scholarship assistance and was awarded two scholarships from SPC Foundation! Because of the financial help I will be receiving from these scholarships I am able to fulfill not only a dream of exploring the culture of Spain but also being able to fully immerse myself in a language I have had trouble learning.

The support I have received from the SPC International Studies Dept. and the SPC Foundation  has inspired me to pursue my goals and realize that I can do anything I put my mind to. These scholarships have helped ease the burden of travel costs tremendously, and I am forever grateful.

I plan to hit the ground running this June, when I arrive in Madrid. I want to soak up as much culture, history, and of course the Spanish language as much as possible. This trip will be a life changing adventure for my education, career, and personal life. Being a nurse for almost 15 years I have encountered several patients where language has been a barrier, and thinking ahead of my future career in psychology, I could see where this barrier could arise again. The study abroad program will help me help the people I care for, by breaking those barriers, as I will be able to communicate effectively and fluently.

I encourage all my fellow SPC students to study abroad. Cast your fears and doubts aside and just do it. You will be pleasantly surprised with the ease of the process, the scholarships that may be available to you, and the experiences you will create.

-SPC study abroad student, Jessica Bichsel 

Click here to learn more about SPC study abroad programs and study abroad scholarship.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. 

blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-341-4731 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu