All posts by tibaldo.margherita@spcollege.edu

My Costa Rica Study Abroad Program Opened My Mind and My Heart

Costa Rica Study Abroad Program
Costa Rica (Business) 2024, Costa Rica (Spanish), Costa Rica - Education

I had the opportunity to participate in the Costa Rica Study Abroad Program this past summer and to say the least it was the experience of a life time! The school program organized trips to main attractions such as beaches, volcanoes, coffee plantations, museums, and more while also providing many hours in the days to make your own explorations. It was really great getting to go to those main attractions on behalf of the school because before making the trip I made a list of things I wanted to do while in Costa Rica, and come to find out when we received our itinerary most of my wishes were already on schedule! Although those experiences blew my mind they were not even the best part of the vacation.. oh I mean school. Something irreplaceable happened inside of me during my Costa Rica Study Abroad Program that I can now carry with me forever. It is hard to explain because it is something everyone must experience through their own eyes and hearts but to try to sum it up there is just something about leaving all that you know and all who you know to enter a foreign land and completely immerse yourself into a new culture that completely changes you. My eyes were opened by every new animal I saw, every new food I tried, new word I learned, and the new way of life I experienced. Without realizing it I was personally growing into a more well rounded and down to earth being. Unfortunately, I could not take any of the animals home with me but I did take a new perspective on life and that is priceless. I hope everyone makes their way to study abroad because I believe it is truly life changing as long as you go with an open heart and mind.

“The Italy Study Abroad Program is my fourth trip to Italy and all I can say is WOW!”

Study Abroad in Italy

“The Italy Study Abroad Program is my fourth trip to Italy and the second time I have been to Florence and all I can say is WOW! What is there not to say about Florence?  We visited so many places of interest that is is difficult to say which one was most appealing. However I will say that the Florentine Accademia Gallery was my favorite— Why? Because of “David” sculptured by Michelangelo Buonarroti. From 1501-1504 he brought David to life and the sculpture was placed before the facade of the Plazzo Vecchio and it became the symbol of civil virtue and a admonition to the enemies of liberty.

Just seeing this wonderful work of art, reminds me of the beauty and gift of education that is open to all of us at SPC. By participating in the Italy Study Abroad Program, I am enriched by everything offered in the humanities program at SPC. I know I am a better person because I am able to appreciate the works of all artist and at the same time to come in contact with the work of the best artist who walked the earth.

On a lighter and healthier note, we visited the “Mercato Centrale” for lunch. The food was typical “Florentine”. The chefs were literally artists in the preparation of the meals and they demonstrated a passion with the experience of serving and sharing the foods of the Tuscan region where Florence is located.”

Written by Paul A. Grizzelle-Reid

Are you a Sophomore or Junior in High School?

The Italy Study Abroad Program is designed to have Early College, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, and Dual Enrollment students earn both high school and college credits by completing World Religions and/or International Relations while immersed within the Italian culture. Visit ancient Rome and the world’s greatest art in Florence. Outside of class time, your knowledge will be enhanced through excursions to religious and historical sites, such as the Coliseum and the Vatican. Students will also get to visit an Italian organization/business and either the U.S. Embassy or Italian Embassy.

My Life Changing Experience in Italy with SPC!

Travel

The study abroad program opens the door to traveling and learning all around the world. Studying abroad is a life changing experience. Not only do you get to visit a country for schooling, but learn about the soul of that country such as the food, the art, the language, and how the people there live their daily lives. Being a part of the Italy Study Abroad trip, I learned so much in depth detail about the culture and historical art here. This program has changed me for the better by gaining the perspective of learning a foreign language and interacting in a new way of experience with my fellow classmates. The most important thing I could take away from this program is the experience and knowledge about the beautiful country of Italy and how this portrays to other people who want to go there. I made many friendships with my classmates and got to know who is who, and what they want to get out of this program. I even met the most inspirational classmate, Paul, who I looked upon as a mentor, role model, and a friend. Not only did the professor and the tour guides help me out, but Paul was always there for the genuine conversations about my future and how he portrayed his life as an example. Study Abroad classes are way more condensed than regular classes, meaning there may be a little less work, but more time consuming. So, time management is key to make sure the assignments are completely within such a short course. The trip, however, is a life changing experience.  Who knows, maybe I will not be able to travel later in the future, but this trip has helped guided me into the path of international traveling for business purposes later in life. There are so many options and possibilities that the Study Abroad program has to offer which makes me want to continue on and apply myself to more courses. This trip has given me the vision towards who I am and what I would like to become.

 

Written by Matthew Grill

“My Spain Study Abroad Program led me to amazing opportunities, connections, and friendships.”

Spain Study Abroad Program
Spain 2019, Study Abroad

Never in a million did I think that coming back to school and going to the Spain Study Abroad Program would have led me to such amazing opportunities, connections, and friendships. SPC has been my home for over 3 years now. I have been enrolled in each semester consecutively since I came back in the spring term of 2014. I initially came back to finish an AA degree that I had never completed. That’s where my love affair with the Spanish language began. I’ll be completely honest; I wasn’t exactly thrilled that my degree required foreign language credits. I agonized over the thought of having to take 8 credit hours of any language course. When it came time to take Elementary Spanish I, the course I enrolled in was with Professor Levin of the Tarpon Campus. From the moment she walked into the room, she exuded energy and enthusiasm. Suddenly the prospect of learning another language seemed a little less taxing.

I had always wanted to travel. When Professor Levin explained to us during a class that we could take our second language course requirement abroad with her in Spain, I jumped at the chance. The decision to participate in the Spain Study Abroad Program is, and will forever be, the most defining part of my education. To explain in depth the amount of change, perspective, and enlightenment studying abroad has brought me, would take entirely too long. That first semester abroad made me feel like I was finally making a meaningful impact towards a career goal that I wanted.  When I came home that first summer, the change in me was apparent to everyone. My time in professor Levin’s class, in combination with my Spain Study Abroad Program, made the Spanish language more than a degree requirement. It made it a personal passion that I deeply desired to have as a part of my future plans.

I took Intermediate Spanish I & II  at Tarpon Campus when I came back from Spain in the summer term of 2015. I went to Spain again for Spanish Conversation and Composition I, and took the study abroad working experience course with it in the summer term of 2016. I’m still not satisfied. I still want to learn more. That’s why I’m going yet again this summer for my final and highest possible course offering of Spanish at SPC, Spanish Conversation & Composition II.

Professor Levin knew that I was hungry for my next challenge and informed me of an opportunity to be a student ambassador with Spanish Embassy here in the United States. A student ambassador’s job is to inform fellow students about the wonderful educational opportunities that exist with foreign study in Spain. The appointment comes with weekly and monthly activity objectives, and is rewarded with a potential week trip to Spain, and an official diploma from the Embassy of Spain. Chances are you will see me on a campus promoting Spain sometime during this year. As I prepare to graduate in the fall of this year, I am beyond thankful for all the opportunities SPC has given me, and continues to give me.  More information about what exactly a student ambassadorship is all about can be found at the link below.

http://www.spainedu.org/sis-study-in-spain/sis-student-ambassadors/2017.html