I signed up for the study abroad program that would take me to Salamanca, Spain through St. Petersburg College last year and didn’t know exactly what to expect at first. Going into the program, I knew basic areas of the spanish culture and everyday life such as; language, social norms, food, etc.

However, stepping off the plane into Spain really opened my eyes to the reality of what three weeks in a foreign country was actually going to be like. All of a sudden I was surrounded by more Spanish then I could have ever imagined. I’ve always enjoyed listening to people speak Spanish in public but I rarely ever had the opportunity to confidently join in myself. This is one of the many reasons why I did not want to miss out on a trip to Spain.

The study abroad program in Spain really is an opportunity of a lifetime. Although it has only been one week since I arrived, I have already learned so much. The city of Salamanca has taught me to be more accepting and open minded towards things I may not be comfortable with or understand. Since I have arrived, I have learned about Spanish cultural norms related to everyday activities such as; meal structures, down time, and the overall flow of city life in Spain. I have learned all this while simultaneously improving my language skills.

The Salamanca Spanish program is not your average trip to Europe. Living with a real family, in a real community cannot be replicated. I believe 100% that a fully immersed learning style is is the quickest way to master a language. It forces you to use the language you’ve learned in order to communicate throughout your every day routine and lifestyle.

In the little time that I have been here I have already learned so much and I cannot wait to continue to grow for the next two weeks that I am here. I would like to say thank you for all those that make this possible and I hope this program can help future students to better their language skills in years to come,

Click here to apply to the Salamanca, Spain 2018 Study Abroad program with St. Petersburg College.