The beginning of spring semester 2017 I walked into my Spanish 1 class not knowing any proper Spanish prior to the course. As I opened the door and walked in, I was immediately greeted by woman with a kind, sweet voice, who introduced herself as Profesora Levin, instantly I felt relief in my decision to enroll! The first day of class Profesora Levin presented the information on the program to study abroad in Salamanca Spain!
My first thought was to figure out where in the world Salamanca was located, and why not Barcelona or Madrid? That was my first trigger “the unknown, why this little city to study abroad?” My serious research started as I conversed with my peers about the pros and cons of participating in a study abroad program. I quickly looked into Salamanca and read previous blogs written by other students and not just from SPC but worldwide. It’s amazing how many different students are brought into the city from all over the world to study here in Salamanca!
After showing serious interest and figuring out financially how to make this dream of studying abroad come true, my husband and I decided to pull the trigger and go for it! This is a once (for some more than once) in a lifetime experience, and I’m blessed to have the support of my friends and family to really just submerge myself into the program! Although this is not my first time to travel abroad it has been like none other. What’s better than a group of diverse strangers all gathered together to accomplish the same end goal?
June 10th the time has come to board a plane and leave my husband and fur baby for a month! Knowing I’ll be missing family, friends, work, and holidays I knew this is something I have always wanted to do and would have no regrets. Arriving in Salamanca and getting off the bus to meet our house Madre was one of my most exciting moments for my roommate Jennifer and I. All that came to mind were the countless scenarios we had previously prepared ourselves for like “will she like us?” or “can she cook?” When we heard our names called and the cutest lady popped up to greet us with a inviting smile we instantly knew Genoveva was a perfect match! She then guided us to a bus stop where other students and their families were loading onto as well. As we come to the fourth stop, we proceeded off the bus as do Jaci and MaryClare, and their house madre, which then lead into the same building, and then to the same floor, where we noticed there were only two apartments on each floor!!! Luck doesn’t describe the magic that has happened between the four of us being in the same level classes and being neighbors. Our “luck” has made us all lifelong friends!
Sampere has given us all one of a kind experiences as well, including tours from Maricha of rich cultured cathedrals, or exploring breathe taking views from Pena de Francia, where you feel like your on top of the world, followed up with visiting historic Alberca. My Spanish II class was lucky enough to have Mariana teach half the class many things including her love of taking us on excursions and explaining the history of this beautiful country to watching her sweet dance moves in Flamenco class. She has been a staple in the program for me and my fellow Spanish II classmates. Of course, last but definitely not least there is Alba who taught the second half of our class with her constant love to learn English from us in class and her “Poker/Parker face” comments when we don’t understand! What amazing thing Ester has put together here in Salamanca and what a great facility to pair with it perfectly!
As a wise man (Chase) once told me the worst experiences will be the best stories to tell; he stayed true to that statement when we all went on our first weekend excursion to Segovia. We saw the original cities aqueduct to the historic castle that is followed up with a story more interesting than its beauty and views. At this moment, all of Southern Europe is in a severe heat wave and the temperatures were reaching into the 100’s! We loaded all back on the bus to leave Segovia to head back to Salamanca, then the unthinkable happened… yes….you’re thinking it, the A/C broke on our bus! Immediately everyone was even hotter than they were before, knowing that it was broken; so thinking the best way to pass the time is to sleep… WRONG! The back of the bus turned into Spanish/English karaoke starring Chase, Jennifer, Mariana, Alba and I—I mean if you can’t beat them, join them!
My absolute favorite place to visit was San Sebastian the 360 views were absolutely breathtaking and the pintxos…. OH the pintxos what an amazing thing to try!!! We visited the most beautiful garden, then took a FUNicular to the top of the mountain along the sea coast where the sea salt aroma will soothe your lungs as you inhale. Once we arrived at the top of the mountain, we then had the most beautiful spot in the city to take photos of miles and miles of sea on one side, to the other side you had the city below you, and miles and miles of mountains covered with vast greens . The best part was getting on what we thought was a kiddie roller coaster ride that quickly turned into an experience none of us were prepared for when we made a turn and realized we were on a cliff with the sea right below us!
The best part of joining this program is the passion that Profesora Levin has for everyone to really submerge themselves into the culture and the city itself! The “Cuatro Amigos” (Jaci, Anthony, and Parker yall the real MVP’s) we have really ventured throughout the city and have grown to find our favorite spots and we have made life long friends in the process. Somehow after the anxiety of being scared about not making friends, I ended up with the good end of the stick and made friends with everyone!! Where we always have Bella there to say something corky and off the wall (you laugh even if you don’t get it because her laugh is infectious,) then there are the dancing queens (shout out to Ronelia, Valerie, Beka, and Chase) this trip wouldn’t be the same without you! Then you have the “back of the bus rummy group” with your ridiculous names and Eytans insane love for the game. When it comes to selfies nobody can touch Thu or Freddy with Thu’s selfie stick. Glad y’all have been here to capture the moments that mean the most! Many many amazing me memories with the rest of the group as well. Josh your inspirational message to us the night before finals was much needed for us all and as a whole we thank you for that!
Tonight I prepare for my final tomorrow, in my bed while Jen is studying next to me it saddens me that this experience is quickly coming to a end. Feeling blessed that somehow our group made their way together, all sharing the same interest and end goals. Special thanks to Profesora Levin for putting together this amazing program for many to enjoy and share your passion. Profesora Albercht I hadn’t met you before this trip but thank you for all tutor sessions, patience, and vegetarian restaurants suggestions!
As to the group as a whole we have all grown close to each other and been able help with homework and obviously help enrich each other’s photos with smiles that will last forever! Don’t forget—NO SPAIN NO GAIN!!