“SPC Study abroad in Spain was my first time traveling abroad and my first timed traveling alone or with a random group of people. If I had let my fears and apprehensions make the decision for me to go or not, then I would have missed out on one of greatest experiences of my life.

When the meetings began I was nervous about pretty much everything. I would look around and make observations that only fed my fears. Nobody appeared to be in my direct age range, a lot of people were very young, and though the crowd was semi diverse it was kind of obvious that nobody was my same demographic or living my type of lifestyle.  I am quite introverted so I did not speak to anyone during the meetings, not even the person I knew from a previous class. When it came time, I paid for a single room to ensure some level of isolation and I paid for the special diet. Over the next few weeks, Professor Albrecht slowly worked me down, encouraging me to engage with other students, get the full experience by having a roommate and to skip the special diet so I could at least try new foods. So I listened to her and skipped out on the extra options and opted in for the full experience.

Though I ended up having my own room (thank goodness), I did what she said and it was great. I never imagined how much positivity, growth, friendship and education that would come from this experience. By the time I arrived I had only spoken with one classmate, whom I sat next to on one of the flights, so my nerves were at an all-time high. Who will I room with, what the house mom will be like, and what I am going to eat…were questions plaguing my every thought.

Once I stepped off the bus, met the family and my roommates I thought I was the odd man out for sure. I could not have been more wrong. I could not have ended up with better housemates or a better house mom. The house mom went out of her way to make me feel at home. She cooked special meals for me and basically treated us like her sons (I was definitely her favorite son). She was kind and engaging and would speak extremely fast, but once we knew how to figure out what she was implying, she slowed it down and shared stories and memories and made us part of her family. We ate dinners with her daughter and watched soccer games with her grandson. Everyone was kind and patient.My roommates… they were more like brothers. We created strong bonds over the 28 minute walk (each way) to school. We got to know each other and exchange ideals and philosophies, as well as help each other strengthen our Spanish. No relationship was stronger than the other so no one was ever singled out, isolated or left out. There was 1 key for the 3 of us, so it kept us together and moving as a unit. In three weeks, not one argument between us. They were amazing.

The rest of the classmates were extremely nice and personable. I have never experienced that level of unity, even with people I have known for years. Everyone was willing to help with anything. I did not like the food very much, so people brought their apples and bananas to class and offered them to me and tried to find restaurants that I may like. Service at restaurants is not like in America, so they are not as friendly…unless you were me for some reason. I do not eat pork or seafood so some places went and got chicken for when I came in. Literally, made chicken breast dishes in preparation for when I came back. That level of kindness is unheard of. The people of Salamanca were not used to seeing a person like me and gave me many odd looks. But when I would speak with them they were all kind and helpful. The staff of Estudio Sampere were amazing. The educators there are patient and help every step of the way to ensure you understand the materials.

The field trips and excursions changed my life. I realized so much I had missed out on or what life would have been like if I had done this sooner. San Sebastian managed to produce one of the greatest nights of my life. Biarritz produces one of the greatest days of my life the following morning. The history and natural beauty of all of the locations cannot be imagined and the experiences I had could never be duplicated without the SPC group I was with.

The professors were amazing! Prof. Levin and Albrecht could not have been more supportive and understanding. They made sure everyone was taken care of and facilitated any need we may have had. They held tutoring every morning to help with the course load and usher the learning process. They became more than professors and built relationships that are far deeper than in any classroom. The experience for me has been life changing. The trip has torn down walls that I had built up for reason that have been wiped from my memory. The excursions, the city, the people, the classmates were all so amazing that I cannot imagine how much it would have hindered my life if I did not go. The study abroad SPC program changed my perspective on life, changed how I feel about myself and others, and has created friendships that I hope will last as long as the memories.

No matter how you think or feel, or what you are scared or nervous about, if you have the chance to go – DO IT.” – Len Nettles, Study Abroad Student, Spain 2018 

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

“My experience in Salamanca has been nothing less than spectacular.  I never imagined I would see such beauty. Admittedly, I was very nervous about traveling so far but the study abroad team has made the transition smooth and painless.  I’ve just completed day five and I already feel at home.  I can’t speak for everyone, but this has been an important part of the process for me.  The instructors at Estudio Sampere, specifically Pedro and Maria, are WONDERFUL.  They’re funny, helpful, and go out of their way to make the students feel welcome and “OK” wherever they might be in their studies. They’re anxious to help seem to take my success as personal as I do.

As far as the landscape and the people of Salamaca, they’ve been kind, hospitable, and patient.  The food is incredible and I look forward to trying something new every day.  Being here during the World Cup and the Festival of Lights is amazing.  The tour of the cathedrals makes me feel as though I could spend years here and never truly see everything.  It’s magical.

I have to be honest and say there have been moments of adjusting.  The traveling is exhausting and it is very important to take care of yourself and to know your limits.  However, my house mom, Carmen, has been very helpful. I keep open, honest, and constant communication with my professors to help ease the adjustment.  In other words, being so far from home and in a new, foreign place, it’s easy to feel alienated and lost…but it’s not necessary!  The thing I’ve constantly reminded myself in times of stress or confusion is to be honest and talk with someone.  I know that everyone here is rooting for my success and will do whatever it takes to make sure I have a once in a lifetime experience.  I am grateful for the SPC study abroad program for giving me this!”-Samantha Cameron, 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, Tiffany Elliot, shares her experience in Salamanca, Spain with St. Petersburg College after receiving a study abroad scholarship:

“Vamos chicos!” Oh, that sweet melody that glides off our professor’s tongue. It’s the call that lets me know we have wandered far enough and it is time to move on to the next glorious location. What will we see? Will it top this place? Can it be more enchanting then the last spot? It has officially been one week since our group has arrived in Salamanca but, it feels as if a month has passed. My days are filled with adventure, culture, and interpreting hand gestures with the limited Spanish vocabulary I have. My pessimistic mind has been given a dose of positive reinforcement with all the new vocabulary I have been able to pick up.

Before the journey of studying abroad began, my Spanish comprehension was slow and if I was honest, it was barely existent. We had to cram one semester into three weeks hence, I was not sure I could truly learn anything in such a short period of time. However, in just a few days into the program, I can surprisingly pick up a few key words. My days are immersed in the soothing tones of the Spanish language and I get plenty of opportunities to practice. Between my loving Spanish family, my seemingly short classes, and ordering dinner at restaurants, I have become accustom to reaching into the corners of my brain to grasp the words that once eluded me.

I have changed! I am sure my percentage of brain power has increased! Each day is jam packed with new information about linguistic studies and culture. Twenty-three strangers have now become family, as we gawk in harmony at the historic buildings that engulf Spain. Our long walks turn into joyous adventures through small towns, castles, and hilltops. Am I still in school? It does not seem as though I am racking my brain trying to learn. In fact, it feels as if I am just enjoying the journey and learning with ease.

Studying Spanish in Spain is a simple concept and yet, it is a brilliant one. As a student I am not just hearing about the history of Spain I am viewing it, touching it, and truly understanding it. My ears are learning to detect the difference in accents and the ways a word can be pronounced. I’m learning more with less effort by being immersed in the language. I’ve come to realize that learning is all in the journey!”-Tiffany Elliot, 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, Alicia Follis, shares her experience in Salamanca, Spain with St. Petersburg College after receiving a study abroad scholarship:

“My experience studying Spanish and the culture of Spain, thus far, has definitely exceeded my expectations. I came into this study abroad trip not knowing a single soul, and now I can confidently say all of these people in our Salamanca group are now good friends of mine. This experience has shown me a new culture, taught me how to be on my own, and has given me and an opportunity to learn a new language in the best type of environment. The Spanish culture is so strong in Salamanca and is the perfect college town to explore, learn, and make new friends from around the world. My roommate Dajana and I met people from England, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and from various parts of the U.S., and many are considered friends now. From eating churros con chocolate, tapas, watching the Madrid vs. Portugal game in the Plaza de Mayor, going to the local markets and shows, and making friends from all over the world, I can say that my time so far in Salamanca has been a dream. It feels like home here with the people, class, and positive environment Salamanca brings. My favorite thing about Salamanca is that it never gets dull or boring. There is always something to do every day and night. When we are not studying or in class, you can find us in the plaza getting tapas, walking around, or watching the fesival de luz. The fesival de luz was the most incredible light show I have ever seen in my entire life. They project different artists from around the world’s light project which are these retro and beautiful projections with music ranging from classical to a DJ dancing in one of the indents on the wall. A couple days prior, we watched these amazing Disney-like fireworks over the river. With all this being said, the activities, learning Spanish and the culture, hospitality, and friends have made this study abroad trip one of my best experiences and I will remember forever.”-Alicia Follis, 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