SPC student, Jessica Bichsel, shares her experience in Salamanca, Spain with St. Petersburg College after receiving a study abroad scholarship: “SPC’s Study Abroad in Spain has been amazing! The experience of immersion into the city of Salamanca has been challenging, but my host mother was very welcoming, and have made me feel like I am at home, and although my Spanish has not been the best, we practiced every evening, discussing a variety of subjects. I am achieving things I could have never imagined!!

The city is beautiful and has such a rich, relevant history. Visiting the Cathedral was breath taking, to be standing in a place with so much history, and beautiful temples. Professor Levin took the group on a climb up the bell tower, which lead to stunning views of the cathedral inside and the city outside. The University of Salamanca is amazing! To see the classrooms, the library, and walk around the halls where students have walked for hundreds of years was mind blowing. EStudio Sampere teaches at a pace where I can actually comprehend and speak the language! We participated in cultural activities daily, such as visiting local museums, exploring street art, learning how to Flamenco dance and visiting with a bullfighter. The teachers have been so patient, and informative. Professor Levin is a wonderful teacher, she has so much passion for teaching, she kept me motivated to learn, and keep on going. Her knowledge of the history of the city and the stories she tells made me feel like I was there, in those ancient times. We were able to go on excursions to neighboring towns like Segovia and reached the top of a mountain to visit the medieval ruins of Penia de Francia. Salamanca is a beautiful city, I have made great friends with locals and my fellow SPC students. This trip has changed the way I see the world, and I can’t wait to see more of it!!”-Jessica Bichsel, SPC student, Spain 2018 

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!

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

“In the summer of 2017, I was in an USF advisors office. I was told I had to take two credits of (college level) foreign language for my bachelors. To be honest, I was not thrilled because I already took up to Spanish-3 in high school and I thought I was done. I did not have the best Spanish teachers in the past, therefore, I was apprehensive on whom my next professor was going to be.

On the first day of my foreign language class in the spring semester, I met this fiery spitball of a woman. I have never seen a teacher have so much energy at 9 am…WITHOUT the help of coffee. Sra. Roxana Levin is indeed one of the most interesting, as well as, inspiring people I have had the pleasure of learning from. She has such a genuine care for students and ability to ensure students have a better, more motivated attitude in learning the language. Her consistent and positive attitude drove me to succeed in Spanish as my foreign language class! She introduced the 2018 Spain Study Abroad program within two weeks of class. I asked her questions about the program after class, solely out of curiosity. Roxana told me she has never gotten tired of Salamanca even after nine consecutive years she has been leading this program. I thought, “How great can this city REALLY be?” I applied on a whim and I did not think there was a spot for me and/or a chance for a scholarship…so positive, I know….

The universe has quite an amusing way of proving people wrong. I was accepted, as well as, awarded a scholarship. I was pleasantly surprised, especially because I applied so late. I thought to myself “alright, I’m really doing this thing”.

My expectations vs my actual experience after were completely different (in the best way possible). Salamanca is a smaller city, yet so easy to get lost in. I found my favorite cafes and shops while off route. The city offers so much, regarding knowledge and culture. It may be populated; however, I have never felt safer anywhere else. Immersing into the culture and trying to blend as a local was the most fun for me. Spaniards and Europeans in general have a no tolerance and “tough love” kind of complex. I personally, enjoy that kind of demeanor. Perhaps it’s due to my Euro roots but I believe life is too short for trivial thoughts and problems.

You must accommodate. You must be kind and courteous to your host family. Try the food, drink the espresso dark, be patriotic, and hang out with your classmates. I found myself creating such a bond with people half my age. The most important tip I can give to an upcoming study abroad student is to TALK. No one is going to make fun of your stutters, mispronunciations, and broken Spanish. You are there to LEARN. Finally, be thankful of the opportunity you have been offered. I know I will be back to Salamanca, until I perfect my Spanish!”-Dajana Lulaj, SPC student, Spain 2018 

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!

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

SPC student, ShaeLynn Martens, shares her experience in Salamanca, Spain with St. Petersburg College after receiving a study abroad scholarship:

“Since day one of this study aboard trip to Spain, it has been amazing; even though the first few days were raining, there is always something to learn and see. In the mornings we have free time to study or go to tutoring, then class in the afternoon followed by an activity and more free time. Most mornings I venture down to tutoring passing through the Plaza de Mayor, the downtown of the city. One of our first days here Professor Levin said, “you never want to look down because there is so much to see above you” and she was right. You can pass the same area everyday and see something new and amazing.  Then after class they take you on tours and different culture related activities to teach you first hand about their way of life and history. To be in a city that has so much history is exciting! I have always been a hands-on learner so to be able to learn Spanish and use it daily helps me to obtain more. There was a firework show for the Patron Saint of Salamanca and Festival of Lights that the students put on. On top of that, we happen to be here during the World Cup, which Spain is in this year and to hear the whole town cheer when they score is awesome. One of my favorite parts is the weekends because we take trips to nearby cities to see more like the Paella de France which is on top of a mountain and you can see for miles. We also saw the Roman aqueducts! As an extra optional event you can go to San Sebation and Biarritz, France, which I chose to do. Both these cities are on the coast, so they had beaches and views that are a must see. On top of all that the food is different but great and getting out of the comfort of the typical American diet is something that everyone can try because something that you make not like back home could be cooked differently here and you may enjoy it more. This is certainly something I would love to do again!”-ShaeLynn Martens, SPC Student, Spain 2018 

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!

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

SPC student, Chaplain Everhart, shares her experience in Salamanca, Spain with St. Petersburg College after receiving a study abroad scholarship:

“Viajar al extranjero a España ha sido una experiencia increíble para mí. In my youth, I was always blocked from Spanish classes because enrollment was closed at the time we relocated to a new school district.  Whenever my job had workshops, I would take the course.  I am not ashamed to admit that as a teenager, I rushed to the television to learn how to count to ten in Spanish from “The Count” on “Sesame Street.”

Estudio Sampere, in Salamanca, has been an amazing learning experience.  Within one week, I am understanding more about the syntax of Spanish.  The instructors clarify colloquiums and pronouns utilized in Spain v. other countries. I take time to attend tutoring and study more on my own because I want to converse with my clients when I return to the United States. We have participated in enriching cultural activities that include touring: the West Quarter and its artwork, mountains, cathedrals, plazas, and dancing.  The extended hours of daylight suits my lifestyle – but I need to include a nap (siesta) mid-afternoon when I return to the United States.

Our host family is wonderful  Pilar and Victor are caring and nurturing.  Pilar has taken time to patiently reinforce the Spanish I have learned and quickly praises me when she observes new words and phrases I have learned (and struggle with but push through).  Victor speaks very fast but will repeat each syllable and then of course say it again very fast.  He speaks as fast as an auctioneer but I love that he challenges me to speak faster and comprehend his rate of speech. I have learned 4 new ways to use tuna and to cook peppers!  I have two roommates from our group who are in level two.  I am level one.  This has also assisted me with learning Spanish by observing them and gives me a glimpse into what a second year of study abroad can accomplish if one is serious about learning the language and culture here in Spain.

At meal time, the waiters do not rush you.  Now I understand why one site said you have to get their attention to get your bill.  You are allowed to take your time and you are not rushed to get out of where you are eating and drinking.  There is one shop that has a sign, “slow coffee.” While in the community, the merchants are very helpful with teaching me new words and correcting me (with a smile).  There are many students here from around the world who have come to study Spanish.  It is unlikely that the “Dog Whisperer” would get a lot of business here in Spain.  From what I have seen, dogs know their place in the “pack” and they are not treated like human babies (i.e., put in carriers for their walks).  I have seen all sizes of dogs taken for walks.

Overall, I am having a fantastic time and I am so grateful for the opportunity to come to Spain to fulfill a dream of learning Spanish.  Professor Roxanna selected excellent students for our group that is studying abroad.  All of the students are friendly and each level is readily available to help other students (along with the tutors).  I have developed new friendships and it has assisted me with being away from my family. I hope that if another student is considering whether to travel abroad to Spain next year that he/she reads this blog and that I will share the wonderful city of Salamanca with them in 2020! Hasta entonces, estudiaré español y me prepararé para la aventura del próximo año.” –Chaplain Everhard, SPC student, Spain 2018 

“I chose Spain Study Abroad through SPC as my first trip outside the U.S. When I arrived in Spain, it was almost surreal. The people did not speak much English and the food looked different. It was obvious I was no longer home in the U.S… Two weeks later, all of these observations have become less and less foreign to me. Through Spanish classes and immersion, I have become more comfortable with the language and I am navigating my way through tapas, pinchos and racions with no problem.

Our first night with our host mother reminded me that I needed to hit the ground running and speak Spanish in order to get through the first meal. After one day, I was successfully communicating with my host Mom with only a few miscommunications here and there, but I never went hungry or had dirty clothes! Days in Spain are very different than in the U.S. The sun doesn’t go down until almost 11pm and comes back up around 6am. To help with the jet lag, I forced myself to wake up in the morning and run with my professor as often as possible. Running through a city is one of the best ways to explore and see things.

My first day in Spain, I ran over a bridge that was built 2,000 years ago with a bull sculpture from B.C. As I ran over this bridge, I felt goosebumps thinking about the different people that have crossed the same bridge before me. In the first few days of the program, I was exhausted. Constantly listening, trying to understand, and becoming familiar with my professors’ tone and pitch (my head was spinning). During this time, even English seemed too difficult to speak.

Prior to this immersion program, my last Spanish class was 7 years ago in high school. I’m truly impressed with how quickly my brain forced itself to remember just by hearing only Spanish for so many days. The culture here is very much relaxed. The people in Salamanca are very social, they value time spent with others, and they walk EVERYWHERE. With the intention of practicing Spanish and exploring a new country, I am truly impressed with this immersion program and hope to be able to have more experiences like this in the future.”-Devyn LaPlume, SPC student, Spain 2018

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!

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

“I’m hooked! This Saint Petersburg College Spain study abroad trip is my second Spanish study abroad trip. What an amazing time! I am writing this blog two-thirds of the way into this trip. Spain is beautiful and so is the city of Salamanca. It’s crazy to think we are studying and going to school in a city that has so much history. My day starts with a run over a bridge that is 2000 years old. I eat breakfast and study in a plaza that is 300 years old. The inside of the Plaza used to be the center of a bullfighting Arena. To go to my school I pass a university that just celebrated its 800 year anniversary. I have walked the streets of Salamanca for two weeks and I still see new things and architecture every day.

We attend class and afterwards we usually have an event that is always interesting and helps you immerse yourself in the language. Even if you don’t understand every word it trains your brain to listen for Spanish words and sounds. It is day and night the difference from day one until now. Each weekend is a nice break from school. The first weekend we went to Segovia. We walked around the city and got to see an ancient aqueduct. It is incredible to see these historic places. The next day we went to Alberta and went to the top of a mountain to see Peña de Francia. We took some amazing photos with breathtaking backgrounds. We just got back from our second trip to San Sebastian and Biarritz, France. The first day in San Sebastian six of us went to a restaurant called “Nineu” and everyone agreed that it was the most incredible food they ever had….if you go try the duck Paella. Afterwards, we joined the locals for a freezing cold swim. We then warmed up with fires on the beach that locals started to celebrate Dia de San Juan. Biarritz was just as amazing. We spent a day at the beach and visiting amazing views and a lighthouse. Every photo came out amazing. It’s crazy to be on a beautiful beach surrounded by mountains and historical buildings. It is the start of our third week and sadly we are almost done. 10 out of 10 would do again. Abrazos!”-Ross Suozzo, SPC Study Abroad, Spain 2018 

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you!

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