Now that this trip is coming to an end, I like to look back at everything and think about how my thoughts changed from how they were before to how they are now. I definitely recommend studying abroad to anyone because I think that it is the best and quickest way to learn something from a different perspective. It is amazing to actually be here, rather than reading/seeing everything in a textbook. The culture that you learn on a program like this is something that you would never learn in a classroom, and I don’t think it is really possible to understand everything in the classroom. At least as far as learning a new language is concerned I think it is much better to do it abroad. This is definitely a once in a lifetime experience that I will always cherish. My appreciation for the Spanish language and culture just keeps growing!!

One thing that I really think is amazing about this trip is the fact that we got to travel to more than just Salamanca.  I think it was a really neat opportunity to be able to go to Segovia and Portugal. I came here because I wanted to learn Spanish and be surrounded by the Spanish culture. What better way is there to learn Spanish and the culture than to be surrounded by it? Traveling to different cities just made the cultural lessons stronger, I think.

This trip was completely worth it.

In all of my life I have never had the chance to travel to Europe. When I was younger, my family and I would visit other family across America and we even took one trip to Canada. I remember that like it was yesterday but I remember that I was a little disappointed because as a little kid I thought ever country was extremely different, and Canada was not different at all. I still thought it was cool to be able to say that I’ve been out of the country, but I’ve always wanted to be able to go to Europe. It’s like one of those things that you wish you can do one day but it seems almost impossible.

Choosing to do this program made me very excited but sometimes I still felt that it was out of my reach. Being here now makes me realize that it is not, and I have been missing out on a once in a lifetime experience!! Spain has proven to be exactly what I though another country would be like. It is much different here than it is in America, but I absolutely love it! Salamanca is such a beautiful, historic city with a rich culture. I have enjoyed everything about being here. I feel like I am learning so much about different cultures, and I believe that helps one to be a better individual. Understanding other cultures is a great thing.

As far as attending school here, it’s awesome too! I feel as if I have learned so much more here than I have in a few years of taking Spanish classes. The teachers are wonderful, and really helpful. I definitely recommend taking a study abroad trip to anyone who is thinking about doing it!!